The Modes of Activity of the Conscious Mind in Operation

Although the eight consciousnesses do not have concrete, visible appearances like the six sense objects, each of them has its own mode of operation—the mental process (caitta), which is the mental factor (caitasika)—that can be observed and perceived, and therefore is also a kind of mark. The modes of operation of the seven consciousnesses are illusory appearances conjured forth by the eighth consciousness; they are also called "names," and they are subject to arising, ceasing, and change—they are not real. The mode of operation of the eighth consciousness itself exists naturally so (dharmatā), depending upon the substance of the eighth consciousness; it is not produced by any dharma. It exists and operates at all times, continuing to operate ceaselessly even in nirvāṇa without remainder (anupadhiśeṣa-nirvāṇa), and has never ceased.