What information about past lives can the manas convey?

For example, when Master Hanshan saw the relics left behind by Su Dongpo, he felt especially close and familiar with them. This was information conveyed by the manas, which the mind consciousness discerned and thereby generated feelings. This discernment was vague and indistinct, unable to determine anything specific, yet the feeling was very strong—a feeling brought to the mind consciousness by the manas. If the mind consciousness has the wisdom to further discern the manas's intentions, it will know more detailed and accurate information; then it would not merely be a feeling of familiarity and closeness. In that case, the manas might be able to satisfy its own intentions, and there could be further thoughts and actions.

For example, suppose B always speaks ill of A behind A's back. A's mind consciousness does not know this, but A's manas perceives it. Then when A meets B, the manas will certainly transmit information, and the mind consciousness will inexplicably feel uncomfortable and not particularly like B. But the mind consciousness cannot figure out exactly why, while the manas knows yet cannot express it. If the mind consciousness has wisdom, it will know why—knowing that B always speaks ill of it—and may then plan what action to take in retaliation. Once the manas also agrees to retaliate, then something will happen between A and B. Therefore, do not discuss or judge people behind their backs, and even less should you scheme against them or trip them up behind their backs. Any heavenly secret can be leaked; there is no wall that is completely airtight. If you form unwholesome karmic bonds with others, sooner or later you will receive the retribution. No one can escape cause and effect, and no deed fails to bear its consequences.

The manas can also transmit to the mind consciousness all afflictions of greed, anger, and delusion. For instance, with greed for wealth and possessions: upon seeing them, one wants to take them for oneself. The mind consciousness may feel too embarrassed and not quite dare to act, but if the manas instigates and decides behind the scenes, the mind consciousness will cautiously, stealthily, and secretly devise ways to take the wealth and possessions for itself. If the manas is upright, it can also transmit upright mental intentions to the mind consciousness; if the manas is resolute, it can make the mind consciousness strong; if the manas has wisdom, it can make the mind consciousness act in accordance with reason and the Dharma, so that when encountering defiled states, it is not influenced or tainted by them.