How to Distinguish Between the Knowing of Consciousness and the Knowing of the True Mind

Question: If one can realize the mind and behold the nature upon attaining the state of access concentration or the first dhyāna, how can one distinguish whether the knowing at that time is from the conscious mind or the true mind? What mind is realized when "realizing the mind," and what nature is beheld when "beholding the nature"?

Answer: If one can realize the mind and behold the nature within the states of access concentration or the first dhyāna, it is the conscious mind, carrying the faculty of knowing, that finds or becomes aware of the eighth consciousness (Ālayavijñāna). One comprehends the general manner in which the eighth consciousness operates within the five aggregates. Therefore, the first dhyāna and access concentration are states entered by the conscious mind. Then, through the conscious mind's contemplation and investigation, wisdom arises, enabling one to discover the operational traces of the eighth consciousness. This is what is meant by realizing the mind. Realizing the mind is the conscious mind realizing the mind, specifically realizing the eighth consciousness. Beholding the nature is the conscious mind perceiving the functional nature of the eighth consciousness, which is to see the Buddha-nature.

The knowing and realization at the moment of realizing the mind are necessarily the knowing and realization of the conscious mind. The objects of this knowing and realization are both the eighth consciousness. However, the true mind, the eighth consciousness itself, does not know or understand the principle of enlightenment and mind-realization. The true mind does not seek itself, does not verify itself, and does not understand itself.

The conscious mind is an excellent tool for both cultivation and daily life. It can discern all dharmas and comprehend all dharmas. Without the conscious mind, sentient beings would know and understand nothing. When studying Buddhism and cultivating the path, one must fully utilize the conscious mind, employing it to analyze, contemplate, judge, reason, and seek verification, ultimately understanding all dharmas, realizing all dharmas, and using it to accomplish the Buddha Way. When we do not need to cultivate extremely deep concentration, we should not diminish the function of consciousness, nor should we extinguish it. Without consciousness as a tool, one cannot perform tasks, cannot contemplate and investigate, cannot engage in Chan meditation, cannot attain profound wisdom, and it is the consciousness that we rely on to achieve Buddhahood.