The Distinctive Characteristics of the Eight Consciousnesses

Which consciousnesses manifest and engage at the six sense doors? Among the activities at the six sense doors, which consciousness exhibits the greatest activity?

The eight consciousnesses constantly radiate at the six sense doors. Among them, the eighth consciousness and the seventh consciousness never cease their functions. The five consciousnesses participate the least in activities. Even when the five consciousnesses rest, the sixth consciousness continues to function and exhibits the highest level of activity.

Whose work is most easily detected, and whose work is least known? Which consciousness is relatively domineering, and which is very accommodating?

The work of the sixth consciousness is most easily noticed, as it is all on the surface. The work of the eighth consciousness is least known. The seventh consciousness is relatively domineering and sometimes unreasonable. The eighth consciousness is the most accommodating, complying precisely.

Which consciousness is ostentatious, and which is obscure?

The sixth consciousness is ostentatious, while the eighth consciousness is obscure.

Which consciousness likes to lead, which is relatively obedient, and which is the most difficult to manage?

The seventh consciousness likes to lead, the five consciousnesses are relatively obedient, and the sixth consciousness is difficult to manage.

Between whom do friction and conflict always arise, and between whom is the cooperation seamless?

Friction always arises between the seventh consciousness and the sixth consciousness, while the cooperation between the eighth consciousness and the seventh consciousness is seamless.

Which consciousness is most perceptive of conditions, and which cares most about subordinates?

The sixth consciousness is most perceptive of conditions, while the seventh consciousness cares most about subordinates.

Which consciousness stands idly by, and which always remains aloof from matters?

The eighth consciousness stands idly by in all matters and does not participate in anything.

Which consciousness is the most meddlesome, and which is the purest?

The seventh consciousness is the most meddlesome, while the eighth consciousness is the purest.

Which consciousness is most concerned about itself, and which is always so anxious it cannot sleep?

The seventh consciousness is most concerned about itself and is often anxious.

Which consciousness is most self-protective, and which is an armchair strategist after the fact?

The seventh consciousness is most self-protective, having become habitual. The sixth consciousness is an armchair strategist after the fact, capable of reflection.

Which consciousness is a hands-off manager, and which manages every minute detail?

The eighth consciousness is a hands-off manager, while the seventh consciousness manages every minute detail.

Which consciousness provides life support, and which enjoys distributing daily necessities?

The eighth consciousness provides support, while the seventh consciousness is responsible for distributing daily necessities.

Which consciousness likes to form cliques but lacks social skills, and which has extensive social connections and strong social abilities?

The seventh consciousness lacks the ability to engage in social activities and has no means. The sixth consciousness has strong social abilities.

Which consciousness obeys the leader's arrangements dutifully without complaint, and which always resists the leader and complains the most?

The five consciousnesses are obedient, while the sixth consciousness tends to resist.

Which consciousness corrects mistakes immediately upon recognizing them, and which finds it difficult to correct mistakes even when aware of them?

The seventh consciousness corrects mistakes immediately upon recognizing them because it has the authority to decide. The sixth consciousness finds it difficult to correct mistakes even when aware of them because it cannot decide and has no authority.

Which consciousness never knows right from wrong, and which never makes mistakes? The eighth consciousness.

Which consciousness is easily educated and reformed, and which always defends its faults and resists stubbornly?

The sixth consciousness is easily reformed, while the seventh consciousness has deeply ingrained habits that are difficult to change.

The eighth consciousness takes on everything, managing every minute detail, performing both good and bad deeds, acting as both good and bad. Both the formation and destruction of dharmas are the work of the eighth consciousness. It is present throughout the six realms of rebirth, and even becoming a Buddha or patriarch depends on it.