The Reflective Power of Manas

All sentient beings possess the introspective power of manas (the mental faculty), but the conscious mind lacks great wisdom. When the transformation of consciousness into wisdom has not occurred, it cannot perceive this. Although manas is aware of all dharmas (phenomena), it relies on consciousness for observation. If consciousness cannot observe something, it is considered unknown. The knowing of manas seems useless if consciousness remains unaware of it.

Once manas knows, it must rely on consciousness to act. If consciousness does not know, action cannot be taken. Therefore, all people regard the knowing of consciousness as true knowing. If consciousness does not know, they consider themselves ignorant; if they consider themselves ignorant, they will say it does not exist. This is the reasoning of the vast majority, yet this logic is flawed. Without great wisdom, sentient beings cannot recognize any of their errors, let alone correct them. Since sentient beings fail to recognize their own mistakes and ignorance, unaware that they are trapped in countless misconceptions, they cannot free themselves from these errors. A perpetual mist obscures their vision, preventing clear perception of anything. This is ignorance (avidyā). The heavier the ignorance, the harder it becomes to gain the wisdom needed to see reality clearly, and the more difficult it is to attain liberation.