The Meritorious Nature of the Eighth Consciousness

The consciousness that enters the womb does not enter the womb — "entering the womb" is only a provisional name; the consciousness that dwells in the womb does not dwell in the womb — "dwelling in the womb" is only a provisional name; the consciousness that emerges from the womb does not emerge from the womb — "emerging from the womb" is only a provisional name; the consciousness that enters the body does not enter the body — "entering the body" is only a provisional name; the consciousness that leaves the body does not leave the body — "leaving the body" is only a provisional name; the consciousness of nirvāṇa does not enter nirvāṇa — "nirvāṇa" is only a provisional name.

How not easy it is for the eighth consciousness: it acts as both father and mother, dragging along several bratty little kids. So even His capabilities have their limits — He lets you bratty kids be wholesome or unwholesome as you please, providing you food and drink while you create karma as you will. Thus the seven sons have wandered through beginningless kalpas, committing evil deeds without knowing to turn back. Yet the mother never abandons her children, and they cherish one another.