Theoretical Knowledge and Views, Intellectual Understanding, and Realized Awakening Are Three Levels

Merely knowing that the five aggregates (pañcaskandha) are generated by the eighth consciousness is basic Mahāyāna theoretical knowledge—a starting point on the Mahāyāna path, still far from direct realization. As for how great that distance is, it varies from person to person. At the time of direct realization, one must be able to observe specifically where the eighth consciousness is functioning and what function it performs. If it is merely theoretical knowledge, it still has nothing to do with resolving the problem of birth and death. Some people consider this interpretive awakening, but in fact it does not even amount to that. Knowing that all dharmas are the function of the eighth consciousness is still a rather shallow understanding; saying this day after day is merely Chan on the lips, and may not be of much use for actual realization. But this is the foundation of learning Buddhism; from this understanding, one will gradually merge into the eighth consciousness.