Hello Tobi,
Consciousness (vinnana) is many types. But they can be divided into TWO main types.
1. Awareness (Consciousness)
You become aware of a rupa (say, a tree) when you look at it. That is cakkhu vinnana (eye consciousness). When you become aware of a sound, that is sota vinnana (ear consciousness), etc. The sixth is mano vinnana, where you become aware of a past event (memory). That last happens via “manañca paṭicca dhammē ca uppajjāti manō viññāṇaṃ.” The first one happens via“cakkhuñca paṭicca rupē ca uppajjāti cakkhu viññāṇaṃ.”
Those are vipaka vinnana (of six types.) We cannot avoid them while we live.
2. Creating a Mind (rebirth consciousness or patisandhi vinnana) for a new existence (in the rebirth process)
This happens at the end of current existence (say, Deva) and grasping a new existence (say, human).
This happens via “upadana paccaya bhava” and “bhava paccaya jati” steps in Uppatti Paticca Samuppada. This also involves a dhammā.
- However, this dhammā differs from dhammā in recalling a memory in #1 above. This dhammā is a STRONG kamma bija that can lead to rebirth.
- These are kamma vinnana.
EXCEPTION: There are not so strong dhammā that can bring vipaka vinnana during life. These are more than memories. Memories don’t have kammic energy. These also belong to #1 above.
See “Viññāṇa – Consciousness Together With Future Expectations.” see #3.