All Dharmas Are Subsumed Under the Manas Consciousness

The manas is the subtle and profound self that regards all dharmas as the self; thus, all dharmas are naturally utilized by the manas. It regards the Five Aggregates as the self, so the functions of the Five Aggregates become its own functions. It regards the functional roles of the eighth consciousness as its own functional roles, and the functional roles of the six consciousnesses as its own functional roles. Consequently, all dharmas are utilized by the seventh consciousness, the manas. Moreover, since it remains unceasing throughout all lifetimes, all karmic retributions naturally accrue to it for experience. At all times, it is preoccupied with "I, I, I," functioning as a keen consciousness that aggregates habits, afflictions, and defilements into a single entity. Without the participation of the manas, no endeavor can be accomplished; the same applies to the practice of Chan meditation. If the manas does not make the decisive resolution to engage in Chan meditation, the mental consciousness cannot undertake it. Therefore, the method of Chan meditation is also utilized by the manas. Once the manas is mobilized, all endeavors become twice as effective with half the effort. By persistently presenting facts and reasoning to the manas, enabling it to realize the selflessness of all dharmas, the manas will comprehend the principle. Once the manas understands the principle, all matters will be fundamentally resolved, leading ultimately to Buddhahood.