The Eighth Consciousness Lacks Autonomy

Before attaining Buddhahood, among the eight consciousnesses, only the eighth consciousness is an unconditioned mind, an unconditioned dharma. It neither intentionally creates any dharma appearances nor intentionally initiates any karmic actions. When conditions are incomplete, it does not bring forth any dharma. The eighth consciousness always remains unchanging while according with conditions and accords with conditions while remaining unchanged. Its unconditioned characteristic is to act according to conditions; without conditions, it does not force anything. Furthermore, the eighth consciousness lacks self-nature (anātman) and does not act autonomously. It is also empty, unconditioned, without characteristics, and without volition, thus it does not engage in deliberate action. Therefore, it is said that the eighth consciousness is not the sovereign consciousness. Only when there is a self is there a need to assert sovereignty, or even to prioritize the self. Since the eighth consciousness is without self, it has no intention to dominate any dharma.