Mind Liberation with Manas as the Primary Basis

Liberation of the mind is centered primarily on the manas. If the manas is not liberated, none of the six consciousnesses can be liberated. Afflictions mainly refer to the afflictions of the manas; it is the manas that is bound, so the six consciousnesses cannot but be bound. When the manas eradicates the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi), there begins one part of liberation; at the second fruit there are two parts of liberation; at the third fruit there are three parts of liberation; at the fourth fruit there is complete liberation; and at the Buddha stage there is ultimate and thorough liberation.

The mind consciousness arises and ceases moment by moment and cannot be the master. Liberation of the mind consciousness alone is useless, for it is still subject to the control of the manas, its master.