The Influence of Sense Objects on the Manas When the Six Consciousnesses Are Absent

The manas contacts the mental sense-objects, and only afterward does the mind consciousness arise to discern the mental sense-objects. Thus the manas contacts and knows the mental sense-objects first, while the mind consciousness contacts and knows them afterward. It is only that what the manas knows is not as clear and detailed as what the mind consciousness knows, and after knowing, the manas cannot act on its own; it must rely on the mind consciousness and the five sense consciousnesses in order to act. Therefore, all sense-object realms are known first by the manas, without needing feedback from the six consciousnesses. However, the six consciousnesses discern the six sense-objects in considerable detail, and the mind consciousness possesses strong logical thinking and observational abilities, able to offer the manas many suggestions. Having received feedback from the five sense consciousnesses and the mind consciousness, the manas can thoroughly and comprehensively understand the sense-object realms before making its final decision. Therefore, although the manas cannot fully discern the realms of the six sense-objects, it can still be habituated, or grasp a general outline; for familiar sense-object realms, its discernment can be somewhat clearer. In this way, the manas is imperceptibly influenced, and seeds can be deposited.