How Do the Six Dusts Arise?

Although closing the eyes does not perceive forms and blocking the ears does not hear sounds, the objects of the six dusts are not created by the five consciousnesses, the sixth consciousness, or the seventh consciousness; they are all manifested by the Tathāgatagarbha. The five consciousnesses, the sixth consciousness, and the seventh consciousness can only manifest the appearances created by the Tathāgatagarbha within the mind; they cannot create appearances themselves. Moreover, the manifestation of appearances depends on specific conditions. When the conditions are not fulfilled, no appearances arise in the mind.

The eye consciousness cannot see a flower because closing the eyes eliminates light; without light, the eye consciousness cannot perceive the luminous appearance of the flower, though it can perceive the darkness without light. However, if one’s practice breaks through the realm of the form aggregate, this limitation no longer applies. Similarly, the ear consciousness does not hear sounds because sound objects do not enter the ear; thus, the ear consciousness cannot perceive sounds transmitted from the outside, though it can hear the buzzing sound within the ear itself.

The Tathāgatagarbha creates all appearances not only based on karmic seeds but also relying on various conditions, including the mental factors of the sixth and seventh consciousnesses, as well as the intentions and thoughts of these consciousnesses. Only then do the seven consciousnesses cooperate with the Tathāgatagarbha to manifest the appearances, enabling the six consciousnesses to perceive and know.