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Manifestation Only 08 - Talk 23
When we infer (inferential cognition) based on external traces, such as finding a “6,000-year-old typewriter,” smoke by the wall, or a sound, we easily arrive at a mistaken conclusion called pseudo-direct perception or pseudo-inferential cognition. For example, when a child suspects their friend of taking their watch, the mind filled with suspicion, anger, or craving distorts perception. If the conclusion is correct, it is called true inferential cognition; if not, it is pseudo-inferential cognition. The way to resolve this is to examine whether our perception is true or pseudo, and then ask others to help verify.
Next, to understand the process of perception, we introduce the three “objects” that consciousness contacts:
- Object-as-such (tánh cảnh) – reality itself, not distorted by the mind.
- Object-with-impression (đới chất cảnh) – the image of an object attached to impressions, psychological seeds (seventh consciousness).
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Object-as-image-only (độc ảnh cảnh) – inner images, pure notions arising from the perceiving aspect of consciousness.
– The eighth consciousness (alaya) can touch the object-as-such.
– The seventh consciousness (manas) only reaches object-with-impression and object-as-image-only.
– The other five consciousnesses, if functioning “purely” (without discriminating mind), can also touch the object-as-such.
Mindfulness and meditation help sharpen the senses, allowing us to clearly recognize form, sound, smell, taste, and touch, not merely through old seeds.
Regarding the theory of consciousness-only, through Nalanda University, Xuanzang transmitted the gatha:
“Understanding the three natures, three cognitions, contacting all three objects.”
– The three cognitions here are true inferential cognition, pseudo-inferential cognition, and non-cognition (the second to seventh consciousnesses often give rise to mistaken perceptions).
Finally, the sixth consciousness (mind consciousness) is the gardener who sows the seeds of karma, including:
- Leading karma – directing the path of actions.
- Completing karma – ripening the fruit, leading to retribution.
The role of the sixth consciousness determines whether we are led down the path of suffering or toward liberation. Next, we will discuss more deeply about karma, mental formations, and the journey of liberation.