The Characteristics of the Functioning of the Conscious Mind

Although the eight consciousnesses do not have concrete, visible appearances like the six sense objects, each of them has its own operational characteristics (citta-cāritra), that is, the mental characteristics of the mind, which are also mental factors (caittas); they can be observed and perceived, and therefore are also a kind of mark. The operational characteristics of the seven consciousnesses are illusory appearances conjured up by the eighth consciousness; they are also called "names," and they are subject to arising, ceasing, and change—they are not real. The operational characteristics of the eighth consciousness itself exist in suchness by their very nature (dharmatā), depending on the substance of the eighth consciousness; they are not produced by any dharma. They exist and operate at all times, continuously operating even in nirvāṇa without remainder, and have never ceased.