The Individual Characteristics of the Eight Consciousnesses

Which consciousnesses appear and take part in activities at the gateways of the six faculties? Which consciousness has the greatest volume of activity at the gateways of the six faculties?

The eight consciousnesses constantly radiate light at the gateways of the six faculties. Among them, the eighth consciousness and the seventh consciousness cannot rest even for a moment; the five sense consciousnesses take part in the fewest activities; the mind consciousness, even when the five sense consciousnesses are resting, continues to be active and has the greatest volume of activity.

Which consciousness's work is most easily discovered, and which consciousness's work is least known to people? Which consciousness is rather domineering, and which is very easygoing?

The mind consciousness's work is most easily detected, as it all takes place on the surface; the eighth consciousness's work is least known to people. The seventh consciousness is rather domineering and sometimes unreasonable. The eighth consciousness is the most easygoing—wherever it is pointed, it strikes there.

Which consciousness likes to show off, and which consciousness remains unknown and unsung?

The mind consciousness likes to show off, while the eighth consciousness remains unknown and unsung.

Which consciousness likes to be the leader, which consciousness is relatively obedient, and which consciousness is the hardest to manipulate?

The seventh consciousness likes to be the leader; the five sense consciousnesses are relatively obedient; the mind consciousness is not easy to manipulate.

Between whom do friction and struggle constantly arise, and between whom is the cooperation seamless?

Friction constantly arises between the manas and the mind consciousness, while the cooperation between the eighth consciousness and the manas is seamless.

Which consciousness is best at understanding the people's conditions, and which consciousness cares most for its subordinates?

The mind consciousness is best at understanding the people's conditions, and the manas cares most for its subordinates.

Which consciousness stands by with folded arms, and which consciousness always hangs matters high, as if they were none of its concern?

The eighth consciousness stands by with folded arms in all matters, taking part in nothing at all.

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

The manas meddles the most, and the eighth consciousness is the purest.

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

The manas worries about itself the most and is frequently anxious.

Which consciousness protects the body the most, and which consciousness is the wise one only after the fact?

The manas protects the body the most, having become habitual; the mind consciousness is the wise one only after the fact, capable of reflection.

Which consciousness is the hands-off shopkeeper, and which consciousness concerns itself with every detail, however trivial?

The eighth consciousness is the hands-off shopkeeper, while the seventh consciousness manages every detail, however trivial.

Which consciousness provides the guarantee of livelihood, and which consciousness likes to distribute daily necessities?

The eighth consciousness provides the guarantee, and the manas is responsible for distributing daily necessities.

Which consciousness likes to make friends and form cliques yet has no social ability, and which one has wide connections and strong social skills?

The seventh consciousness has no ability to socialize and no props to work with. The mind consciousness has strong social skills.

Which consciousness obediently follows the leader's arrangements without complaint, and which consciousness always struggles against the leader and complains the most?

The five sense consciousnesses are honest and obedient, while the mind consciousness loves to resist.

Which consciousness corrects its mistakes as soon as it knows them, and which consciousness finds it hard to correct its mistakes even when it knows them?

The manas corrects its mistakes as soon as it knows them, because it is in charge and has the final say. The mind consciousness finds it hard to correct its mistakes even when it knows them, because it cannot be in charge and does not have the final say.

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

Which consciousness is easy to educate and transform, and which consciousness always shields its own faults and puts up stubborn resistance?

The mind consciousness is easy to transform, while the manas has deep-rooted chronic afflictions that are hard to change.

The eighth consciousness takes everything upon itself, concerning itself with every detail, doing both good and bad deeds, playing both the good person and the bad. It is the eighth consciousness that establishes dharmas and destroys dharmas; He is present throughout the cycle of the six realms, and becoming a Buddha or a patriarch is also due to Him.