The Discernment of Real-Form Objects (xing jing) by the Manas and the Mind Consciousness

The object-aspect of real form (性境) is the true realm based on the external essence, which the tathāgatagarbha, in accordance with that essence, further manifests as the shadows of the six sense objects, composed of the subtle particles of the four great elements within the supreme faculty (rūpa-prasāda). The seven consciousnesses and the manas cognize it first and discern it first, while the mind consciousness cognizes it later and discerns it later. If the seventh consciousness contacts these images but does not make a determination for detailed discernment, then none of the six consciousnesses can be brought forth to discern them; because when the manas does not need the six consciousnesses as its tools of discernment, the tathāgatagarbha will not transform and create the tools of the six consciousnesses. Yet it is impossible for the seventh consciousness not to contact the six sense objects: relying on the tathāgatagarbha, like a pavilion near the water that catches the moonlight first, He is able to borrow the light and know everything in advance. As for what exactly He will do after knowing, that depends on the cultivation of the manas.