Generating karma (Buddhism)

Tsung-mi, a chronicler of Ch'an (Zen), indicated the process whereby, in the unenlightened aspect of alaya-vijnana, intrinsic enlightenment is gradually overlaid by delusion and, in the enlightened aspect, the delusion systematically removed. One generates karma as the ninth stage in the downward process, corresponding to the fifth of six coarse phenomenal appearances. While believing the dream to be real, one carries out both good and bad actions depending upon one's likes and dislikes. This is counteracted by cultivating the five practices.