唯識二十論述記 1.53

1.53

Answer: As the Mahāyānasaṃgraha says: one group of bodhisattvas asserts that the substance of the eight consciousnesses is only a single entity, while another group of masters asserts that they have manifold substances. Now we rely on the latter meaning. The seventh fascicle of the Cheng weishi lun states: "The intrinsic nature of the eight consciousnesses cannot be said to be definitely one, because their cognitive aspects, supports, objects, and associates differ; furthermore, when one ceases, the others do not cease; and their aspects such as perfumer and perfumed are distinct. Nor are they definitely different, because the sūtras state that the eight consciousnesses are without distinction, like water and waves; because if they were definitely different, they could not have the nature of cause and effect; and because, like illusory creations, they lack a fixed nature. In accordance with rational conventional truth, eight distinct [consciousnesses] are spoken of, but not in true ultimate truth. In true ultimate truth, mind and speech are severed." This shows that the substance of the eight consciousnesses is neither identical nor separate. A gāthā in the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra says: "The eight kinds of citta, manas, and vijñāna are distinct in characteristics conventionally, but without distinction in characteristics ultimately, because characteristics and that which is characterized are non-existent." If one relies on the view that their substance is solely one, then even in conventional truth their substance is not manifold. The statement that "they are distinct in characteristics conventionally" is made in terms of function. The distinctions among the eight consciousnesses according to various categories here are as in the second and third fascicles of the Cheng weishi lun, etc.; the eighth consciousness is analyzed by ten categories, as in the fourth and fifth fascicles, etc.; the seventh consciousness is also analyzed by ten categories, as in the fifth and sixth fascicles, etc.; the remaining six consciousnesses are analyzed by nine categories.