The True Meaning of "Consciousness Conditions Name-and-Form, Name-and-Form Conditions Consciousness"

The five aggregates and seven consciousnesses must depend on the tathāgatagarbha to arise, thereby enabling the various activities of the body composed of the five aggregates. This is the meaning of "name-and-form depends on consciousness." The tathāgatagarbha must depend on the five aggregates and eighteen elements to manifest its various functions. Without the five aggregates and eighteen elements, the tathāgatagarbha would no longer need to function; consequently, its functions would not be revealed. If its functions cannot be witnessed, the tathāgatagarbha cannot be found. Therefore, the Buddha taught that "consciousness depends on name-and-form, and name-and-form depends on consciousness."

The seven consciousnesses must also operate within the physical body composed of the five aggregates to manifest their functions. In the desire realm, without a physical body, the six consciousnesses do not exist, and the functions of the seventh consciousness also cannot manifest. Only with the physical body combined with the seven consciousnesses can the five aggregates arise, enabling the activities of the body composed of the five aggregates. The physical body combined with the seven consciousnesses constitutes the body of the five aggregates.