All Activities of the Antarābhava Are Primarily Governed by the Karma of Manas

In the intermediate existence, there are also the six consciousnesses, but their functions are comparatively weaker and less potent than in the human body. Because the intermediate existence is a manifestation of karmic force, the material body differs significantly from the human body. Consequently, the consciousness dependent on this material body has diminished capacities for thought, analysis, and judgment. Without the restraining influence of consciousness, the manas (mind faculty) allows karmic habits to manifest fully. If the afflictive habits of the manas remain untransformed, if one has not cultivated precepts, concentration, and wisdom, does not align with wholesome dharmas, and has not developed merit and virtue, and moreover, if one has not severed the three fetters, one will inevitably be bound by the fetters of afflictions and take rebirth in the three evil destinies. All activities of the intermediate existence are primarily governed by the karmic force of the manas. If the manas is wholesome, one takes rebirth in a wholesome destiny; if it is unwholesome, one takes rebirth in an evil destiny; or, one takes rebirth according to the vow-power of the manas.

Why is there no consciousness in the stage of actual death? It is because the Tathagatagarbha is preparing to depart, gradually withdrawing the seeds of the four great elements and ceasing to project them outward. Consequently, the functions of the five sense faculties can no longer be maintained, sensory data from the six dusts cannot be transmitted inward, the conditions necessary for the arising of consciousness become incomplete, and consciousness ceases to arise. As the transmission of the six dusts diminishes, the six consciousnesses grow progressively weaker until they finally cease.