（1） To know， be aware of， cognize， discern. （2） Knowledge， consciousness， awareness. （Buddhism） Conscious mental function （vijn~a^na）. The function of the six faculties perceiving the six objects. Often synonymous with 心 （xin） and 意 （yi）. It is one of the five skandhas， and the third of the twelve aspects of conditioned origination. （3） In Yoga^ca^ra texts， it often refers directly to the sixth consciousness， as distinguished with the seventh consciousness， which is in turn indicated by 意. ［显扬论， T 1602.31.480c16-20］