If there is no fundamental ignorance, there will be no action. If there is no action, there can be no consciousness, since consciousness arises from the accumulation of actions. You may ask, "If there is no consciousness, does it mean there is no retribution?” Actually, retribution is also a subjective term. You perceive karma to be retribution only if you are attached to a self. If you are enlightened, previous karma may still manifest, but it no longer perceived as retribution. Consciousness exists because of attachment to self, both externally and internally. External attachments are to the body and the environment; internal attachments are to thoughts, concepts, feelings, and memories. Good thoughts, bad thoughts, even thoughts of emptiness and enlightenment, all lead to consciousness. As long as there is attachment to a self, there will be consciousness.