The Meaning of Manas Not Corresponding to Words and Language

Question: Since the seventh consciousness does not correspond to verbal language, how does it comprehend the meaning of words and language?

Answer: The statement that the seventh consciousness does not correspond to verbal language means that it cannot express its own thoughts and insights through words or language, not that it does not understand them. As the master consciousness that oversees the entirety, it has the authority to command and mobilize the six consciousnesses. Though incapable of speech or written expression, it can direct the mental consciousness to speak and use written language. Many tasks it cannot accomplish directly can be delegated to the six consciousnesses for assistance. For example, a president has limited energy and cannot be in multiple places at once; he can only manage the nation's overall affairs and cannot personally conduct market research, statistical analysis, or other specific tasks. However, he can appoint subordinates to complete these tasks. Similarly, the seventh consciousness oversees the whole but cannot handle specific matters directly; it must rely on the mental consciousness (whether associated with the five senses or operating independently) to manage concrete, trivial affairs. The seventh consciousness simply needs to receive reports. While receiving these reports, it employs the mental factors of deliberation (思心所), discernment (慧心所), and decisive understanding (胜解心所) to make judgments and decisions, then issues commands for the six consciousnesses to resolve matters according to its instructions.

The seventh consciousness is like a mute person who, though unable to speak, can understand human speech. Similarly, the eighth consciousness cannot speak and does not engage with verbal language, yet it possesses its own unique mode of discernment, processing distinct information different from that of the other seven consciousnesses. The seventh consciousness also differs from the mental consciousness. The deliberation of the seventh consciousness is no less capable than that of the mental consciousness. If a president were to dedicate time and energy specifically to market research, he might perform better than his subordinates—he merely lacks the time. If the seventh consciousness were to take over the functions of the six consciousnesses, it might surpass them, but currently, it lacks sufficient energy. This is precisely why one must meditate, meditate, and meditate again—to free up time and energy for the seventh consciousness, enabling it to focus, focus, and focus once more. Only then can great wisdom emerge.

By regarding the seventh consciousness as a distinct consciousness, or even as a person, one can understand its intrinsic nature and associated mental factors. The mental consciousness and the other five consciousnesses act on behalf of the seventh consciousness. If the seventh consciousness possesses sufficient wisdom, it can perceive everything the six consciousnesses do with perfect clarity. If its wisdom is inadequate and its power of decisive understanding is weak, misunderstandings may arise; it may fail to comprehend the actions of the six consciousnesses or remain unclear about their activities. If the mental consciousness cannot express itself effectively or expresses unclearly, the seventh consciousness will likewise be unable to fully understand or grasp the intentions of the mental consciousness.