Liberation of the Mind Primarily Through Manas

Liberation of the mind is primarily centered on the mental faculty (manas). If the mental faculty is not liberated, none of the six consciousnesses can be liberated. Afflictions primarily refer to the afflictions of the mental faculty; it is the mental faculty that is bound, compelling the six consciousnesses to be bound accordingly. Liberation begins with the severance of the view of self at the first fruition (Sotāpanna), yielding partial liberation. At the second fruition (Sakadāgāmi), there is twofold liberation. At the third fruition (Anāgāmi), there is threefold liberation. At the fourth fruition (Arahant), there is complete liberation. At the stage of Buddhahood, there is ultimate and thorough liberation.

The consciousness (mano-vijñāna) ceaselessly arises and perishes; it cannot act as the master. Merely liberating the consciousness is insufficient, as it remains subject to the control of its master, the mental faculty.