The Harmonious Operation of the Three Transformative Consciousnesses

The pure four great elements have the meaning of generation and can generate material form (rūpa-dharma); material form is generated by the tathāgatagarbha, arising in accordance with sentient beings' karmic conditions, undergoing arising, ceasing, and change. Specifically, it is still the result of the combined functioning of the three transformative consciousnesses (parināma); it is not entirely determined by the karmic seeds within the tathāgatagarbha—there are also acquired factors, and acquired factors cannot be separated from the manas and the mind consciousness. For example, if the mind consciousness lives in this world and finds everything unsatisfactory, it will feel that the world is utterly tedious; after the manas becomes aware of this, it may develop the thought of not wanting to live, and thus may find ways to commit suicide. If the mind consciousness does not care about the physical body, the manas will decide not to strengthen its nutrition, and thus the physical body will become weak and frail. The intentions of the manas and the mind consciousness can direct everything and change everything; when our power of intention is strong, we can also change external things.