Mental Factors of Manas (Part 2)

The intention of the consciousness to learn Buddhism and strive for diligence must be conveyed to the manas, and the understanding of the Dharma must be conveyed to the manas. Only when the manas fully comprehends and attains adhimokṣa (resolute conviction) can it agree with the thoughts and contemplations of the consciousness, make decisions, arouse the mind of diligence, and diligently practice. The reason why the consciousness can successfully influence (perfume) the manas is that the manas attains adhimokṣa regarding the cognitive content contemplated and discerned by the consciousness, and attains adhimokṣa regarding the choices and judgments made by the consciousness. Only then can the manas make decisions based on this.

If the manas cannot attain adhimokṣa regarding the content contemplated, analyzed, and judged by the consciousness, it cannot agree with any decision made by the consciousness. Consequently, the consciousness cannot influence (perfume) the manas, and thus the manas can never be transformed, nor can it eliminate afflictions and ignorance. When the eighth consciousness causes karmic seeds to manifest, and karmic conditions arise, if the manas lacks the power of adhimokṣa regarding these, it cannot immediately take action or respond. For example, if a car approaches head-on and the manas lacks adhimokṣa regarding this event, it will not recognize the danger and thus cannot decide to dodge immediately. Sentient beings would then be forever unable to avoid dangers and live out their natural lifespans.

Animals' manas also possesses the power of adhimokṣa, which is why they exhibit intuitive reactions—their intuition is even more acute than that of humans. When a disaster is imminent and karmic conditions manifest, the manas attains adhimokṣa regarding its significance, recognizing the potential harm. Thus, the manas decides to flee, and animals exhibit various unusual reactions. Animals' consciousness also observes, though they cannot speak or express themselves verbally. When the consciousness observes and reaches a conclusion, the manas can attain adhimokṣa and comprehend it, subsequently taking corresponding action. Among themselves, animals can understand each other's thoughts. They coordinate actions, sometimes remarkably well-coordinated. These coordinated actions are initiated by the manas making decisions. Thus, animals' manas can attain adhimokṣa regarding each other's mental states, eye expressions, facial expressions, and body language. This, of course, occurs through the analysis and judgment of their conscious minds, enabling them to attain adhimokṣa and thereby make decisions and responses.