Also known as the "storehouse consciousness" or Alaya, this is the deepest layer of the ordinary mind. It is a vast repository that accumulates all karmic energy from past thoughts, words, and deeds—including from previous lifetimes (in a Buddhist sense). It functions like a cosmic hard drive, storing latent tendencies, memories, and karmic potentials that will manifest as circumstances in the future.
Crucially, the eighth consciousness is not a permanent soul or self; it is a constantly flowing stream of karmic information. Through SGI practice, one can "purify" this storehouse by inscribing the Buddha nature within it.
Understanding the Nine Consciousness frees you from self-blame. When you are angry, you realize, “That is my sixth consciousness reacting. I do not have to let the seventh consciousness turn that anger into an identity.”
When a lifelong pattern of suffering emerges, you realize, “That is a seed in my eighth consciousness sprouting. I will chant to change the seed itself.”
Ultimately, the ninth consciousness is not a destination you arrive at; it is a reality you reveal. As you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, you are not a flawed person trying to reach a distant Buddha. You are the ninth consciousness itself—pure, eternal, and victorious—temporarily veiled by the dust of the first eight.
Study Resource Note: For the definitive SGI guide to this topic, look for the book Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death by Daisaku Ikeda (which explains the eight/nine consciousnesses in lay terms) and back issues of the Living Buddhism study magazine (formerly World Tribune).
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes based on publicly available SGI study materials. “SGI,” “Soka Gakkai International,” and “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” are registered trademarks of Soka Gakkai International.
Understanding the Nine Consciousnesses is not an abstract academic exercise. It is a practical tool for kosen-rufu (world peace) and personal transformation.
The Nine Consciousness is not a mystical esoteric theory reserved for monks. Within the SGI, it is a practical map for human revolution. The search for a "Nine Consciousness SGI PDF" is ultimately a search for a deeper understanding of how to transform suffering into value and despair into hope.
By using official SGI publications to study the relationship between the storehouse consciousness (karma) and the ninth consciousness (Buddhahood), you equip your sixth consciousness with the most powerful tool known to Buddhism: faith in the Lotus Sutra. Download your study materials, sit before the Gohonzon, and begin the excavation of your own ninth consciousness.
Key takeaway for your PDF search: Always prioritize materials published by the SGI (World Tribune Press, Middleway Press, or official SGI websites). Unofficial translations of the gosho or commentary on the Nine Consciousness may lack the accuracy required for proper SGI study.
Suggested internal metadata for your website: Tags: SGI, Nine Consciousness, PDF, Buddhist Psychology, Karma, Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, Daisaku Ikeda.
In Nichiren Buddhism, as practiced by the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the concept of the nine consciousnesses serves as a profound psychological "map" of the human life state. It explains how we perceive the world, store karma, and ultimately access a bottomless reservoir of wisdom and vitality. The Structure of Life: The Nine Consciousnesses
The nine levels are categorized into three primary layers: the conscious mind, the subconscious, and the fundamental pure life. 1. The Six Conscious Realms (Our Daily Interaction)
1st–5th Consciousness (The Senses): These correspond to sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. They are the gateways through which we receive raw data from the external world.
6th Consciousness (Mano-vijnana): This is the "integrating" mind. it processes sensory input, forms coherent images, and makes judgments about our surroundings. 2. The Subconscious Realms (The "Hidden" Self)
7th Consciousness (Manas): This level is the seat of the ego and self-awareness. It governs our attachment to the "lesser self" and the impulse for self-preservation. When deluded, it creates the distinction between "self" and "other," often leading to suffering.
8th Consciousness (Alaya): Known as the "Storehouse Consciousness," this level contains all the "karmic seeds"—the cumulative effects of our past thoughts, words, and actions. This karma transcends the boundaries of the individual and is said to influence our lineage and even the environment. 3. The Fundamental Pure Life (The Ninth Consciousness) Nine consciousnesses | SGI-UK
Title: The Path to Inner Transformation: Understanding the Nine Consciousnesses in SGI Buddhism
Introduction In the landscape of Mahayana Buddhism, the mind is not viewed merely as a biological processor of information, but as a vast, layered continuum that bridges the gap between the individual and the universal. Within the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) tradition, based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, the doctrine of the "Nine Consciousnesses" serves as a profound psychological and spiritual framework. It offers a roadmap for understanding the depth of human life, moving beyond superficial behavioral changes to address the root causes of suffering and joy. This essay explores the hierarchy of the Nine Consciousnesses, illustrating how this classification system guides practitioners toward a transformative awakening of the "Buddha nature."
The Surface Layers: The First Five Consciousnesses The journey through the Nine Consciousnesses begins at the most observable level: the first five consciousnesses. These correspond to the five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. In SGI literature, these are described as the functions that allow human beings to interact with the physical world. They are perceptual mechanisms that receive raw data from the external environment. While essential for survival, operating solely on this level renders an individual reactive, subject to the whims of external stimuli. A life lived only through the first five consciousnesses is one of fleeting sensory gratification, where happiness is dependent on external circumstances, which are inherently changeable and often uncontrollable.
The Integrative Mind: The Sixth and Seventh Consciousnesses Beyond sensory perception lies the sixth consciousness, often referred to as the mind consciousness. This is the rational, analytical mind that integrates the input from the five senses to form coherent thoughts, judgments, and concepts. It is the seat of intellect and reasoning. While powerful, the sixth consciousness is often prone to error, as it bases its conclusions on the potentially deceptive data provided by the senses.
Deeper still is the seventh consciousness, known as the mano-consciousness. In SGI teachings, this level represents the core of the "small self" or ego. It is the center of attachment, desire, and the distinction between "self" and "other." The seventh consciousness is where existential angst resides; it is the source of the delusion that we are separate, isolated entities. SGI literature emphasizes that while the seventh consciousness drives the will to live, it is also the root of suffering because it is entrenched in attachment to the transient.
The Karmic Reservoir: The Eighth Consciousness The doctrine takes a pivotal turn with the eighth consciousness, or the alaya-consciousness, often translated as the "storehouse consciousness." This is a concept heavily emphasized in the Yogacara school and retained in SGI philosophy. The eighth consciousness is the vast repository of karma. It stores the "seeds" of all past actions, thoughts, and experiences—both from the current lifetime and previous ones.
The eighth consciousness functions like a non-judgmental storage facility; it does not determine right from wrong but simply holds the imprints of causes made. These seeds eventually manifest as tendencies, character traits, and life circumstances. In SGI practice, understanding this consciousness is crucial because it explains why individuals face specific challenges. However, simply understanding it is not enough; one must find a way to purify the karmic accumulation that resides here.
The Unpolluted Depth: The Ninth Consciousness The ultimate destination of this philosophical journey is the ninth consciousness, or the amala-consciousness. This is the fundamental, pure consciousness that exists beneath all layers of delusion and karmic accumulation. In SGI Buddhism, the ninth consciousness is synonymous with the Buddha nature—the absolute, unchanging reality of life itself. It is described as the "clear mirror" that reflects the true aspect of all phenomena.
Unlike the eighth consciousness, which contains both good and bad seeds, the ninth consciousness is inherently pure and untainted by karma. It is the source of boundless wisdom, courage, and compassion. The central aim of SGI Buddhist practice is to tap into this ninth consciousness and allow its brilliance to illuminate the lower levels of the mind.
The Mechanism of Transformation The significance of the Nine Consciousnesses in SGI lies in the mechanism of transformation. While many spiritual traditions advocate for suppressing the ego (seventh consciousness) or rationally controlling the senses (sixth consciousness), Nichiren Buddhism proposes a different path. Through the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, practitioners tap directly into the ninth consciousness.
When one accesses the ninth consciousness, the "light" of the Buddha nature flows downward, purifying the karmic seeds in the eighth consciousness. This purification naturally transforms the ego-centric attachments of the seventh consciousness and changes the perspective of the sixth consciousness. Consequently, the five senses begin to perceive the world differently. This process is described as "human revolution"—an inner transformation that changes one's destiny and environment.
Conclusion The theory of the Nine Consciousnesses provides SGI practitioners with a sophisticated model of the human psyche. It validates the complexity of human suffering by acknowledging the deep-seated karmic influences of the eighth consciousness, while simultaneously offering a solution that transcends intellectual analysis. By identifying the ninth consciousness as the fundamental reality of life, SGI Buddhism offers a path where enlightenment is not a distant goal but an accessible state of being. Ultimately, this doctrine asserts that while humans operate on the surface levels of the mind, the power to reshape reality resides in the deepest, most profound depths of the heart.
The concept of the Nine Consciousnesses is a central pillar of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) philosophy, providing a Buddhist perspective on the structure of life and the human mind. It explains how we perceive the world, store experiences, and ultimately tap into a "fundamental pure consciousness." 🧠 The Structure of the Nine Consciousnesses
The first five layers correspond to our physical senses, while the deeper layers deal with psychology, karma, and enlightenment. 1-5: The Five Sensory Consciousnesses Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch.
These are the tools we use to gather information from the outside world. 6: The Ideative Consciousness The Mind.
This layer integrates the data from the five senses into coherent thoughts and judgments. 7: The Mano-Consciousness The Subconscious / Ego.
It is the site of self-awareness and the origin of the attachment to "self."
It differentiates between "me" and "others," which can lead to ego-driven conflict. 8: The Alaya-Consciousness The Storehouse of Karma. Often called the "never-perishing" consciousness. Nine Consciousness Sgi Pdf
All actions, words, and thoughts are stored here as "karmic seeds."
These seeds influence our future circumstances and how we react to life. 9: The Amala-Consciousness The Pure Consciousness.
Located at the deepest level of life, beneath the "torrent" of karma.
It is synonymous with Buddha nature or the "Universal Self."
It is fundamentally pure and remains untainted by the suffering or karma of the upper layers. ✨ The SGI Perspective on Transformation
In SGI practice, the goal is not to escape the first eight layers, but to purify them by tapping into the ninth.
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: This practice is described as "drilling" down through the karmic layers of the 8th consciousness to reach the 9th.
Kosen-rufu: By changing one’s own 8th consciousness (karma), an individual can influence the collective consciousness of society.
Practical Application: When we tap into the 9th consciousness, we gain the wisdom to use our senses (1-5) and mind (6-7) to create value in the world. 📄 Key Resources and PDFs
If you are looking for specific study materials or PDF guides on this topic, you can find them through official SGI channels:
SGI-USA Study Materials: Visit the SGI-USA Study Resources for downloadable guides on Buddhist concepts.
SGI-UK Philosophy: Detailed articles on the Nine Consciousnesses can be printed or saved as PDFs for personal study.
World Tribune: Search the World Tribune archive for articles by Daisaku Ikeda that explain this concept in modern, accessible language.
Find specific Daisaku Ikeda quotes regarding the Alaya-consciousness?
Explain how this concept differs from Western psychology (like Jung or Freud)?
Unlocking the Secrets of the Nine Consciousness SGI PDF: A Comprehensive Guide
The concept of the Nine Consciousnesses, also known as the "Nine Levels of Consciousness" or "Nine Dimensions of Consciousness," has been a topic of interest in various spiritual and esoteric traditions. One of the most influential organizations that have popularized this concept is the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a global Buddhist movement. In this write-up, we will explore the Nine Consciousness SGI PDF, a widely circulated document that outlines the SGI's interpretation of the Nine Consciousnesses.
What is the Nine Consciousness SGI PDF?
The Nine Consciousness SGI PDF is a document that appears to be an excerpt from a larger work by the Soka Gakkai International. The document outlines a nine-level framework of consciousness, which is rooted in Buddhist philosophy and Nichiren Buddhism, the specific tradition of Buddhism practiced by the SGI. The PDF document has been widely shared online, and its contents have sparked intense interest and debate among spiritual seekers, researchers, and critics alike.
The Nine Levels of Consciousness
According to the Nine Consciousness SGI PDF, the nine levels of consciousness are:
Key Takeaways and Implications
The Nine Consciousness SGI PDF offers several key takeaways:
Criticisms and Controversies
While the Nine Consciousness SGI PDF has inspired many, it has also faced criticisms and controversies:
Conclusion
The Nine Consciousness SGI PDF offers a thought-provoking framework for understanding the complexities of human consciousness. While it has sparked interest and debate, it also raises important questions about the nature of consciousness, spiritual growth, and the role of organizations in promoting spiritual development. As we continue to explore the mysteries of consciousness, the Nine Consciousness SGI PDF serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the human experience.
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Introduction to the Nine Consciousnesses
The Nine Consciousnesses, also known as the "Nine Levels of Consciousness," is a concept in Buddhist philosophy, particularly in the Nichiren Buddhism tradition. The SGI (Soka Gakkai International) is a global Buddhist organization that has popularized this concept.
The Nine Consciousnesses
The Nine Consciousnesses refer to the various levels of consciousness or awareness that a person can experience. These levels are:
Understanding the Nine Consciousnesses in PDF Format
If you're looking for a PDF resource on the Nine Consciousnesses from an SGI perspective, I couldn't find a specific document that matches your query. However, I can suggest some possible sources where you might find relevant information:
Key Concepts and Implications
The Nine Consciousnesses have significant implications for personal growth, spiritual development, and understanding human nature. Some key concepts related to the Nine Consciousnesses include:
SGI Resources
The Soka Gakkai International has published various resources on Buddhist teachings, including the Nine Consciousnesses. You may want to explore their publications, such as:
The Nine Consciousnesses is a central concept in Nichiren Buddhism, as practiced by the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which maps the human experience from physical senses to our ultimate "Buddha nature". According to this framework, we can transform our deepest life state and negative karma by tapping into the ninth, most profound level of consciousness through the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Nine Levels of Consciousness
SGI teachings organize these levels into a "pyramid" of awareness, moving from the surface senses to the fundamental core of life. The Conscious Mind (Levels 1–6)
Consciousnesses 1–5: The Senses: These correspond to sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. They act as "gateways" for data from the external world.
6th Consciousness (Mano-vijnana): The Thinking Mind: This level integrates sensory data into coherent images and thoughts, allowing us to judge and understand our physical surroundings. The Subconscious and Karmic Realms (Levels 7–8)
7th Consciousness (Manas): The Ego: The seat of self-awareness and the "individual self." It is where attachment to the ego originates and where we form value judgments.
8th Consciousness (Alaya): The Karmic Storehouse: Known as the "repository," it stores all our past causes and effects—our karma. This level persists across lifetimes and influences our current circumstances. The Ultimate Reality (Level 9)
9th Consciousness (Amala): Pure Consciousness: This is the fundamental, unchanging core of our lives, free from any karmic impurity. Often called the "Buddha nature," it is an infinite reservoir of wisdom and compassion. Transforming Life Through the Ninth Consciousness
The practice of SGI focuses on "turning the tap" of the ninth consciousness to purify the other levels.
Changing Karma: By accessing the amala-consciousness, practitioners aim to transform even the most deep-seated negative karma into a source of value and happiness.
Purification: Chanting is described as a way to "flush" pure energy through the system, clarifying how we perceive the world and interact with others. Nine consciousnesses | SGI-UK
In Nichiren Buddhism as practiced within the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the concept of the nine consciousnesses provides a profound map of the human life and mind. This teaching illustrates how our perceptions, thoughts, and deepest karmic tendencies interact to shape our reality, ultimately revealing a "ninth" level—the pure, indestructible life of the Buddha.
For practitioners seeking a structured study, official SGI-USA and SGI-UK study materials are often available in PDF format through their respective national websites or member portals. Below is a detailed breakdown of this Buddhist philosophy. The Structure of the Nine Consciousnesses
The nine levels can be viewed as layers of awareness, ranging from basic sensory input to the universal life force. 1. The First Five Consciousnesses: The Senses
These are the gateways through which we interact with the physical world. Sight: Perceptions via the eyes. Hearing: Auditory input via the ears. Smell: Olfactory data via the nose. Taste: Gustatory sensations via the tongue. Touch: Tactile sensations via the body. 2. The Sixth Consciousness: The Integrating Mind
The mind-consciousness integrates data from the first five senses into coherent images and thoughts. It is the level where we make judgments and form responses to external stimuli—for example, recognizing that a specific scent and color belong to an "orange". 3. The Seventh Consciousness: The Realm of Self-Identity
Known as the mano-consciousness, this level is directed inward. It is the seat of abstract thought, the sense of individual identity (the ego), and the ability to distinguish between good and evil. However, it is also where deep-seated delusions regarding a "fixed" self arise, often leading to fundamental egotism and the fear of death. 4. The Eighth Consciousness: The Karmic Storehouse
The ālaya-consciousness (Sanskrit for "repository") is often described as the "karmic storehouse".
Karma: All thoughts, words, and deeds are stored here as "seeds" or latent energy.
Eternity: While the first seven levels cease at death, the eighth consciousness persists through the cycle of birth and death, carrying the flow of one's unique life energy into the next lifetime.
Function: It is not static; it is like a "raging river" of energy that constantly shapes our current circumstances. 5. The Ninth Consciousness: The Fundamental Pure Life
The amala-consciousness ("pure" or "stainless") lies even deeper than the ālaya. Nine consciousnesses | SGI-UK
A solid review of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) teachings on the Nine Consciousnesses must highlight how this ancient Buddhist doctrine serves as a practical "map" for navigating modern psychological and spiritual challenges. Conceptual Overview
The SGI teaching breaks down human experience into nine layers, starting from surface-level sensory input and descending into the deepest core of life:
1–5: The Sensory Consciousnesses: Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
6: The Mind-Consciousness: Integrates sensory data into coherent images and thoughts.
7: The Mano-Consciousness: The inner-directed spiritual realm, responsible for self-identity, judgment of right and wrong, and often deep-seated egotism or fear.
8: The Alaya (Storehouse) Consciousness: The "karmic storehouse" where all experiences from past and present lives are stored as "karmic seeds".
9: The Amala (Pure) Consciousness: The fundamental Buddha nature or "Mystic Law" that remains untouched by karmic impurity. Key Review Points
Actionable Framework for Change: Unlike models that view karma as fixed destiny, this principle emphasizes that the Ninth Consciousness is a reservoir of pure energy. By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, practitioners can "drill" down to this level to purify and transform negative patterns in the eighth (karmic) layer.
Psychological Relevance: Modern reviews often note the striking parallels between these layers and Western psychology—specifically behaviorism (senses), psychoanalysis (6th/7th), and the collective unconscious (8th).
A Message of Inherent Worth: A major strength of the SGI presentation is its rejection of "original sin," teaching instead that every human being is a "palace of the ninth consciousness" and possesses an indestructible, wholesome core.
Interconnectedness: The concept explains that at the eighth level, lives are interconnected with family, society, and the environment. Therefore, a change in one’s own deep consciousness acts as a "cogwheel" for broader social change. Conclusion nine consciousnesses | Dictionary of Buddhism Also known as the "storehouse consciousness" or Alaya
Nine Consciousnesses is a Buddhist model that maps the depths of human life, from basic sensory perception to the ultimate source of wisdom. In Soka Gakkai International (SGI) philosophy, this framework explains how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
can transform our deepest karma and reveal our innate Buddha nature. The Nine Layers of Consciousness
The model describes life in layers, starting with the conscious mind and moving into the vast subconscious. 1–5. The Five Sensory Consciousnesses
: Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. These are the "gateways" through which we perceive the external world. 6. The Mind-Consciousness
: This level processes and integrates information from the five senses, forming conscious thoughts and judgments. 7. The Mano-Consciousness (The Subconscious Ego)
: This is the seat of the "self" and ego. It is where self-attachment, fear, and the distinction between "self and other" originate. 8. The Alaya-Consciousness (The Karma Storehouse)
: Known as the "repository consciousness," it stores all experiences from present and past lifetimes as "karmic seeds." These seeds shape our current circumstances and reactions. 9. The Amala-Consciousness (Fundamental Pure Consciousness)
: The deepest level, often called the "Buddha nature." It is an indestructible, infinite realm of wisdom and compassion that remains untouched by karmic impurity. Transforming Karma through the Ninth Consciousness Nine consciousnesses | SGI-UK
Unlocking the Nine Consciousnesses: A Journey to Your Deepest Self
In Nichiren Buddhism, the principle of the Nine Consciousnesses provides a profound "map" of our inner lives. It explains how we interact with the world, why we fall into repetitive patterns, and—most importantly—how we can tap into an indestructible source of happiness. The Layers of Our Life
Think of your life as a deep well. The surface layers are what we experience every day, but the most powerful energy lies at the very bottom.
1–5. The Five Sensory Consciousnesses: These are our gateways to the world—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
6. Mind-Consciousness: This level integrates sensory data into coherent thoughts and images, helping us judge and understand our surroundings.
7. Mano-Consciousness: This is the realm of the ego and self-attachment. It’s where we distinguish "self" from "other," which can lead to both survival instincts and feelings of arrogance or insecurity.
8. Alaya-Consciousness (The Karmic Storehouse): This layer stores all the "seeds" of our past actions, thoughts, and experiences—collectively known as karma. It is the framework of our individual existence that carries over through cycles of birth and death.
9. Amala-Consciousness (The Purest State): At the very core lies the "fundamental pure consciousness," also known as Buddha nature. It is free from all karmic impurity and represents the ultimate reality of all things. Why It Matters: Changing Your Karma
The breakthrough of Nichiren Buddhism is the teaching that we don't have to be trapped by the eighth consciousness (our karma). By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we "drill" down through the layers of delusion and ego to reach the ninth consciousness.
Ikeda Sensei explains that the ninth consciousness is like a reservoir of pure water deep underground. Chanting is like turning on the tap, allowing that pure life force to flow upward, flushing through our karmic storehouse and purifying our entire perspective on the world. Practicing in the Real World
Nichiren Daishonin taught that we should "base our minds on the ninth consciousness, and carry out our practice in the six consciousnesses". This means while our inner foundation is rooted in the boundless wisdom of Buddhahood, we must engage actively with the real world, using our senses and minds to create value every day.
By awakening to this "greater self," we can view every obstacle as an opportunity to reveal our highest potential and build a life of unshakable joy. Deepen Your Study:
Explore the Dictionary of Buddhism for technical definitions of each layer.
Read more about transforming karma on the SGI-UK Philosophy page.
Download introductory study guides from SGI-Canada to share with others. Nine consciousnesses | SGI-UK
The principle of the Nine Consciousnesses in Nichiren Buddhism provides a framework for understanding the layers of human life, from basic sensory perception to the core of enlightenment. Soka Gakkai International (SGI) study materials often focus on how this concept allows individuals to transform their karma by accessing the deepest level of their lives. Overview of the Nine Consciousnesses
The layers are categorized by their function and depth within the life of an individual:
1st–5th Consciousness (The Five Senses): These correspond to sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. They are the "gateways" for information from the external world.
6th Consciousness (Mind-Consciousness): This level integrates and processes sensory data. It allows us to recognize objects, make judgments, and form thoughts about the world.
7th Consciousness (Mano-Consciousness): This is the realm of the subconscious and the seat of the ego. It is where self-awareness and attachment to the self originate.
8th Consciousness (Alaya-Consciousness): Often called the "karmic storehouse," this level stores all past causes and their effects as "karmic seeds." It persists through the cycle of birth and death.
9th Consciousness (Amala-Consciousness): The deepest level, representing pure, fundamental life-force or "Buddha nature." It is free from all karmic impurity and is the source of wisdom and compassion. Key SGI Teachings and Resources Nine consciousnesses
In SGI explanations, the seventh consciousness is the "defiled" or "discriminating" mind. Its specific function is to cling to the idea of a separate self. It takes the eighth consciousness's karmic tendencies and says, "This is mine." It is the root of selfish attachment, pride, and the illusion that we are isolated individuals rather than interconnected with the universe.
The theory of the Nine Consciousness was developed to bridge the gap between our everyday, messy reality and the pure state of enlightenment. It categorizes the mind into three distinct layers:
Let’s break them down in order.
When you locate a legitimate SGI study document on the Nine Consciousnesses, it should contain a table similar to this:
| Consciousness | Function | SGI Practice Application | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1st to 5th | Sensory Input | Do not be enslaved by sensory pleasure/pain. | | 6th (Intellect) | Judgment & Logic | Study Gosho and Ikeda’s guidance. | | 7th (Ego/Manas) | Attachment to Self | Chant to break down arrogance and fear. | | 8th (Storehouse) | Karmic Seeds | The target of our practice. | | 9th (Amala) | Buddhahood / Law | The ultimate reality revealed by faith. | Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes based
This is the integrating intellect. Unlike the first five, which only sense, the sixth consciousness synthesizes sensory data, forms concepts, thinks, reasons, and makes judgments. It is the everyday ego—the "I" that plans the day, remembers the past, and worries about the future.
The paradox: The sixth consciousness is responsible for both wisdom and delusion. It is the only level that can choose to practice Buddhism. However, if it is controlled by the lower seven consciousnesses, it generates negative karma.