The Activities of the Intermediate State Being Are All Dominated by the Karmic Force of the Manas

In the antarā-bhava (intermediate state), the six consciousnesses also exist, but at this time the functioning force of the six consciousnesses is relatively weaker, not as strong as in a human body. Because the antarā-bhava is a manifestation of karmic power, it is the time when karma is strongest; the manas accords with karmic power, and its role as the master is most prominent, so the mind consciousness cannot regulate or control the manas. Moreover, the physical body of the antarā-bhava differs greatly from a human body, so the mind consciousness that arises depending on the antarā-bhava has weaker functions of thinking, analyzing, and judging, and its restraining force upon the manas is weak. Without the restraining effect of the mind consciousness, the karmic habits of the manas will be fully expressed. If the afflictive habits of the manas have not been transformed, if precepts, meditation, and wisdom have not been cultivated, if it does not accord with wholesome dharmas, and if the three fetters have not been severed, one will certainly be bound by the fetters of afflictions and take rebirth in the three evil destinies. All activities in the antarā-bhava are dominated by the karmic power of the manas: if the manas is wholesome, one takes rebirth in a wholesome destiny; if unwholesome, one takes rebirth in an evil destiny; or one takes rebirth according to the vows of the manas.

At the time of approaching death, the functions of the five faculties become weaker and weaker; the tathāgatagarbha no longer sustains the five faculties, the particles of the four great elements disintegrate, the six sense objects can no longer be transmitted in, the conditions for the arising of the mind consciousness are not complete, and the mind consciousness ceases to arise. As the transmission of the six sense objects becomes less and less, the six consciousnesses become weaker and weaker, and finally cease. Then the manas and the tathāgatagarbha depart and enter the antarā-bhava.