Mind Contemplates, Mind Listens

When reciting the mantra in the mind without voicing it aloud, the object of sound does not exist. The mantra recited in the mind belongs to the mental sense-object; it is a subjectively imagined realm, discerned solely by the solitary consciousness (mano-vijñāna-eka-citta), without the ear consciousness being involved in the discernment. Because there is no object of sound, the ear consciousness does not arise. When the solitary consciousness discerns it, this is called listening with the mind, and the recitation is also done by the solitary consciousness.

However, when reciting the mantra, the manas acts as the master directing the recitation, supervising the mind consciousness in reciting; the manas takes charge and has the mind consciousness listen, supervising the mind consciousness in listening. In addition, the eighth consciousness provides everything needed, diligently serving. The three consciousnesses together accomplish the mental recitation and mental listening.