All Activities of the Intermediate State Being Are Primarily Driven by the Karmic Force of the Manas

In the antarā-bhava (intermediate body), the six consciousnesses also exist, but their functioning is relatively weaker, not as strong as in a human body. Because the antarā-bhava is a manifestation of karmic power, its material body differs greatly from a human body, and the mind consciousness, which depends on the material body, has weakened functions of thinking, analysis, and judgment. With the manas no longer restrained by the consciousness, karmic habits will manifest completely. If the afflictive habits of the manas have not been transformed, if precepts, meditation, and wisdom have not been cultivated, if it does not accord with wholesome dharmas, if merit has not been developed, and if the three fetters have not been eradicated, one will certainly be bound by the bonds of afflictions and take rebirth in the three evil destinies. All activities in the antarā-bhava are dominated by the karmic power of the manas: if the manas is wholesome, one takes rebirth in a wholesome destiny; if unwholesome, one takes rebirth in an evil destiny; or one takes rebirth according to the vows of the manas.

Why is there no consciousness during the moment of actual death? Because the tathāgatagarbha is about to depart and gradually withdraws the seeds of the four great elements, no longer transmitting them outward, so the functions of the five faculties can no longer be sustained, the six sense objects can no longer be conveyed in, the conditions for the arising of the consciousness are incomplete, and the consciousness ceases to arise. As the transmission of the six sense objects diminishes, the six consciousnesses become weaker and weaker, and finally cease.