Different Knowing of the Mind

The eighth consciousness, the seventh consciousness, and the sixth consciousness—all three possess awareness, though their objects and contents of awareness differ. Detailed perception of realms must be the awareness of the sixth consciousness. The eighth consciousness is aware of the mental activities and aspirations of the mental faculty (manas). The seventh consciousness is aware of the information discerned and decisions made by the sixth consciousness. Both the eighth and seventh consciousnesses are aware of the physical body. The eighth consciousness is aware of seeds (bīja) and karmic conditions.

The sixth consciousness also possesses the mental factor of volition (cetanā). After discerning a person or matter, it also makes decisions—affirming or negating, rendering judgments, which then give rise to subsequent thoughts. The mental factor of volition in the mental faculty (manas) makes decisions and takes charge regarding what the six consciousnesses should do in the next moment. The decisions of the mental faculty involve the cooperation of the Tathāgatagarbha; the six consciousnesses must then take action. Decisions made by the sixth consciousness alone may not necessarily lead to action; they require the approval and decision of the mental faculty. It is the function of the mental faculty's volition that determines whether action is taken.

Knowing whether one has thoughts or not is the introspective power of the sixth consciousness; it is the awareness of the sixth consciousness. The mental faculty does not analyze; the content discerned by the mental faculty is unknown to the sixth consciousness, which is why it is called "beyond consciousness's comprehension."

In emergencies, the sixth consciousness discerns briefly without time for analysis, thus it cannot influence the mental faculty. The mental faculty makes decisions based on past experiences; the sixth consciousness merely rapidly transmits the discerned information to the mental faculty.

If the mental faculty has not severed the attachment to self (ātma-grāha), it cannot cease to exist or perish. Directing bodily activities is a function of the mental faculty. The sixth consciousness may wish to direct the body, but it requires the consent and command of the mental faculty. Only when the six consciousnesses arise and become active can the body move. If the six consciousnesses do not arise or become active, the body cannot move.