The True Significance of Consciousness Conditioning Nama-Rupa and Nama-Rupa Conditioning Consciousness

Consciousness conditions the five aggregates, which must rely on the eighth consciousness to arise; only then can the various activities of the body composed of the five aggregates occur. The eighth consciousness must depend on the five aggregates and the eighteen elements to manifest its various functions. Without the five aggregates and the eighteen elements, the eighth consciousness would have nothing to operate upon; thus, the function of the eighth consciousness would not be revealed. Without seeing the function of the eighth consciousness, it cannot be found. Therefore, the Buddha said: "Consciousness conditions name and form; name and form conditions consciousness."

The seven consciousnesses must also operate upon the physical body composed of the five aggregates to manifest their functions. Without a physical body, there would be no six consciousnesses, and the functions of the seventh consciousness could not be revealed either. Only with the physical body plus the seven consciousnesses can the five aggregates arise, enabling the activities of the body composed of the five aggregates. The physical body plus the seven consciousnesses is equivalent to the body composed of the five aggregates.