The Presence of the Mental Factor of Volition Does Not Imply the Capacity to Be the Master

Although the tathāgatagarbha can discern karmic seeds, knows whether karmic seeds have ripened, and knows when karmic seeds should be brought forth into manifestation to realize karmic retribution, this function of the tathāgatagarbha operates spontaneously and naturally; it is a principle that has always been so. It is not that He insists on being in charge to realize karmic retribution. When causes and conditions present themselves, He necessarily accords with them and does not go against them. Yet no matter what, His mind never changes—suchness is immovable. He is forever a person with nothing to do, with not a speck of dust falling into His mind.

Although the tathāgatagarbha possesses the mental factor of volition (cetanā) and can make decisions, being able to make decisions does not mean being able to be in charge. This is because the first five consciousnesses also possess the mental factor of volition and can also make decisions, but they cannot be in charge; they can only follow instructions. So-called decision-making means that the mind becomes resolved with regard to the dharmas it contacts and knows, bringing those dharmas into operation and processing the dharmas it discerns. This is the proper scope of work of each consciousness, and it does not represent the capacity to be in charge. If it did represent the capacity to be in charge, then sentient beings would have eight consciousnesses each being in charge, checking and interfering with one another—would they not have gone mad long ago?