The Impact and Manipulation of the Eight Consciousnesses on the Rupa-Kaya

When the physical body lacks body consciousness, it can still exhibit subtle movements. For instance, after decapitation, some beings' bodies may continue to twitch and convulse. This occurs because when the manas (the seventh consciousness) governs the body, although it cannot regulate the central nervous system of the brain, the spinal nervous system remains functional. The manas can then control the spinal nervous system to induce bodily movements, which may occur without the participation of body consciousness or mind consciousness (the sixth consciousness). Similarly, during sleep, even deep sleep, the body displays subtle movements, which also fall under nervous system activity. Midnight mumbling and eyelid blinking are likewise unconscious activities, where neither mind consciousness nor body consciousness is present.

Internal bodily activities—such as heartbeat, pulse, respiration, nervous system activity, gastrointestinal peristalsis, digestion, absorption, cellular metabolism, and so forth—are generally autonomously regulated and sustained by the Tathagatagarbha (Buddha-nature). The seven consciousnesses often have little influence over these processes. The functioning of internal organs does not require body consciousness; they continue operating even during sleep. If they ceased, the person would die. Many bodily activities cannot be governed by body consciousness or mind consciousness, nor can they be controlled by the manas. Human birth, aging, illness, and death are beyond the control of the manas, let alone the mind consciousness; they are all carried out by the Tathagatagarbha based on karmic seeds. Observing any internal bodily function, if it does not obey our commands or control, it is solely sustained by the Tathagatagarbha. Blood pressure and body temperature fall into this category—they cannot be altered at will, except by those with deep meditative concentration (dhyāna) or supernatural powers (ṛddhi), or those with exceptionally strong mental power.

However, the emotional and mental activities of the seven consciousnesses can influence and alter the functioning of the physical body's internal organs. The manas can affect and modify the Tathagatagarbha's sustaining role over the physical body. The activities of the six consciousnesses are directed by the manas and can also influence the Tathagatagarbha. The impact and regulation of the seven consciousnesses on the body's internal organs differ significantly from the Tathagatagarbha's manner of sustaining, controlling, and regulating. What is the difference? The Tathagatagarbha also responds to the sixth and seventh consciousnesses, as well as the five sensory consciousnesses. This is why our spiritual practice is effective; otherwise, everything would be fixed and immutable, rendering practice useless. Through regular seated meditation, everything within the physical body can be transformed. Spiritual practice primarily focuses on cultivating the sixth and seventh consciousnesses. When these are well-cultivated, profound transformations occur, ultimately leading to Buddhahood.