The Three Transformative Consciousnesses

Question: Some say that the Eight Consciousnesses primarily involve the operation of the sixth, seventh, and eighth consciousnesses, and the first five consciousnesses can be neglected. Is this view correct?

Answer: The Three Transforming Consciousnesses are: the First Transforming Consciousness is Tathagatagarbha, which manifests phenomena based on the seeds of karma and the mental factors of the mind root; the Second Transforming Consciousness is the mind root, which is the driving force for the arising of all phenomena; the Third Transforming Consciousness is the six consciousnesses, because consciousness, together with the five consciousnesses, discriminates the six sense objects, completes the actions of body, speech, and mind, meaning that the six consciousnesses together participate in manifesting the realm of the six sense objects. Among the six consciousnesses, consciousness plays a leading role, being able to plan and strategize, assisting the mind root in decision-making, and indirectly promoting the arising of dharmas. Therefore, in some cases, the five consciousnesses can be neglected, and independent consciousness is sufficient, but in other cases, they cannot be neglected.