The Wisdom of the Mahayana Path of Seeing

When the mental faculty (manas) attains the eighth consciousness through investigating Chan (dhyana), one can observe the simple functioning of the eighth consciousness, which lacks discrimination toward the six dusts (objects of sense). Thus, one obtains the wisdom of the Mahayana path of seeing. On the one hand, one observes how the eighth consciousness gives rise to the five aggregates and realizes the emptiness and selflessness of the five aggregates. On the other hand, one realizes that the eighth consciousness is an indestructible mind-essence, yet it can give birth to the impermanent five aggregates, which constitute the physical body. That is the true self, and this self is characterized by selflessness. During the process of investigating Chan, when concentration is strong and doubt is profound, one gradually eliminates the five aggregates and eighteen elements, denies the reality of the five aggregates and eighteen elements, thereby confirming the nature of selflessness, eradicating the view of self, and attaining the purification of the dharma-eye in the Hinayana tradition. At this point, one is not far from the Mahayana path of seeing. As for eradicating the affliction hindrances and the knowledge hindrances, these are goals for subsequent practice, to be accomplished after attaining the initial dhyana and after the ten stages of dedication.