Distinguishing Between Consciousness and Manas

In fact, many people are capable of observing their manas (mind-root), yet they do not recognize that particular mental function as manas. Due to an inability to distinguish between consciousness (vijñāna) and manas, they conflate consciousness and manas into a single, integrated "self," thereby turning the observation into the self observing its own various mental states.

For example, when consciousness observes its own capabilities and sensations, the observed phenomena include both the capabilities and sensations of consciousness and those of manas. Yet, all are uniformly regarded as the capabilities and sensations of consciousness. Another example is when consciousness observes whether it can accept a certain viewpoint or opinion. After observation, it may find that it very much wants to accept and is willing to accept it, yet the inner self still cannot accept it. The part that is willing to accept is consciousness, while the part that cannot accept is manas. However, not knowing it is manas that is unwilling, they mistakenly believe it is the so-called "self" that refuses. If consciousness discovers that it has changed its cognition and views, becoming willing to accept a certain suggestion, it is actually manas that has altered the cognition and views. Consciousness still attributes this change to the thinking "self," unaware that it is manas.

Such examples are numerous, demonstrating that consciousness is capable of observing manas. The issue is simply an inability to distinguish between consciousness and manas, as they are often blended together. If it is suggested that manas plays a role in these processes, most people would object, saying: "No, that's consciousness." This precisely illustrates that the majority conflate manas with consciousness, unable to discern which is which. Afflictions obscure the mind, wisdom is insufficient, and this stems from a failure to transform consciousness into wisdom.