Contemplating the Mind, Listening with the Heart

When reciting the mantra mentally without vocalizing, the auditory sense-object ceases to exist. The mantra recited mentally belongs to the mental sense-object, manifesting as a "manifestation-only" state, which is exclusively discerned by the isolated consciousness without involving auditory consciousness. Since there is no auditory sense-object, auditory consciousness does not arise. When the isolated consciousness performs this discernment, it is called "mental listening," and the recitation is also carried out by the isolated consciousness.

However, during mantra recitation, the manas (root mind) governs the recitation, supervising the consciousness to recite. The manas also directs the consciousness to listen, supervising its auditory function. Throughout this process, the eighth consciousness provides all necessary support and diligently serves. These three consciousnesses collectively accomplish mental recitation and mental listening.