The Eighth Consciousness Can Be Observed Through Direct Perception

After attaining realization and awakening, one can directly observe the characteristics (ākāra) of the eighth consciousness through valid direct cognition, distinguishing them clearly and distinctly from the characteristics of the seven consciousnesses, without falling into the seven consciousnesses and the five aggregates. It is like red beans and mung beans mixed together—one can immediately sort them out, as clearly separated as the Jing and Wei rivers, without the slightest ambiguity. Within the body of the five aggregates, no matter which dharma's operation one observes, one can immediately know how the eighth consciousness operates and how the six consciousnesses operate; the operation of the seventh consciousness is relatively difficult to observe, but at a certain point it should also be observable. In the process of directly observing the characteristics of the eight consciousnesses, the characteristics of the sixth and seventh consciousnesses may perhaps not be distinguishable and are easily confused, but the characteristics of the eighth consciousness should be quickly discernible, so that it is not confused with the sixth and seventh consciousnesses, leaving one unable to tell the true from the deluded.

Therefore, the eighth consciousness can be realized through valid direct cognition. Although the substance of the eighth consciousness cannot be seen, its characteristics and functions can be observed through valid direct cognition; through the marks and functions of the eighth consciousness, one can realize its invisible substance. The substance of the eighth consciousness is fundamentally different from the substance of worldly dharmas. The substance of worldly dharmas—the objects of the six sense-objects—can be seen and discerned by the five sense consciousnesses, and the mind consciousness can discern them even more easily; but the eighth consciousness is not like this. Therefore, the characteristics of the eighth consciousness are extremely subtle; if one's prajñā wisdom is insufficient, one simply cannot see or observe it at all. This is why so many people say that the eighth consciousness is merely a name, that its substance does not exist, and that it is empty. Such a statement is a tremendous misunderstanding, enough to obstruct one's own career on the bodhisattva path, so that becoming a Buddha would be postponed indefinitely.