The Synergistic Operation of the Three Transforming Consciousnesses

The pure four great elements possess the generative function, capable of generating material form dharmas. Material form dharmas are generated by the Tathagatagarbha, arising in accordance with the karmic conditions of sentient beings, undergoing birth, cessation, and transformation. Specifically, this is still the result of the combined functioning of the three transforming consciousnesses, not entirely determined solely by the karmic seeds within the Tathagatagarbha; there are also acquired factors. These acquired factors invariably involve the mental faculty (manas) and the mental consciousness. For example, if the mental consciousness experiences pervasive dissatisfaction while living in the world, it may perceive the world as utterly tedious. Upon the mental faculty becoming aware of this, it may generate the thought of not wishing to live, potentially leading to seeking ways to commit suicide. If the mental consciousness neglects the physical body, the mental faculty may decide not to strengthen nourishment for itself, thus causing the physical body to become weak and emaciated. The thoughts of the mental faculty and the mental consciousness can command everything and transform everything. When the power of our thought is strong, it can also alter external phenomena.