Is the Eighth Consciousness Part of the Aggregate of Consciousness?

The aggregate of consciousness primarily refers to the aggregating function of the six consciousnesses within the five aggregates and the aggregating function of the seventh consciousness, which are characterized by arising and ceasing. Because aggregates are conditioned formations characterized by arising and ceasing, the aggregate of consciousness is therefore impermanent, devoid of self, and empty.

The eighth consciousness can aggregate karmic seeds; however, this aggregating function is like a mechanical process—it is mindless, spontaneously natural in its operation, an automatic principle of the Dharma realm, without any artificial creation or arrangement, devoid of mental volition. Consequently, the aggregating function of the eighth consciousness is not characterized by arising and ceasing and cannot be classified within the arising-and-ceasing aggregating function of the five aggregates.