The Characteristics of the Eight Consciousnesses

Although the eight consciousnesses do not have concrete, visible appearances like the six sense objects, each of them has its own operating characteristics—the characteristics of the mind's activity, which are also mental factors (caittas). These formless operating characteristics can also be observed and perceived, and so they too are a kind of mark. The operating characteristics of the seven consciousnesses are illusory appearances conjured forth by the tathāgatagarbha; they are also called "names," and they are subject to arising, ceasing, and change—they are not real. The operating characteristics of the tathāgatagarbha itself exist naturally so, depending on the tathāgatagarbha's own substance; they are not produced by any dharma. They exist and operate at all times, continuing to operate ceaselessly even in nirvāṇa without remainder, and they have never ceased.

The substance of the tathāgatagarbha is formless and without marks; no one can see it—not even a Buddha. But when the substance functions, operating characteristics manifest. After enlightenment, one can see the functioning of the tathāgatagarbha and also comprehend its characteristics. In fact, all dharmas are the characteristics of the tathāgatagarbha and also its functioning. As for the tathāgatagarbha's five universal mental factors, bodhisattvas who have attained the bhūmis and Buddhas are able to observe them. After enlightenment, one can see the functioning and operating trajectory of the tathāgatagarbha, distinguishing them from the operating characteristics of the seven consciousnesses. In the operation of all dharmas, the eight consciousnesses work together in harmony, inseparable from one another, and only thus can the operation of dharmas be accomplished—within this, fish eyes are indeed mixed in with pearls, and dragons mingle with snakes. Only when the eye of the Path is clear and bright can one distinguish fish eyes from precious pearls, and dragons from snakes.