The Wisdom of the Mind

The difference in wisdom between the sixth and seventh consciousnesses is simply that the manas (the seventh consciousness) cannot discern the objects of the six dusts (sense objects) as meticulously and concretely as the consciousness (the sixth consciousness) can. Beyond that, the wisdom of manas is still quite remarkable. Much of the time when we deal with worldly affairs, especially urgent or chaotic matters, we rely entirely on the experience and wisdom of manas, while the consciousness is unable to cope—it cannot analyze everything, cannot resolve everything, and can only follow the command and arrangement of manas. This situation is sometimes called "going with the flow" (suíyuán) and sometimes "leaving it to fate" (tīngtiānyóumìng), yet in the end, matters are resolved, sometimes even quite satisfactorily and to our liking.

Manas possesses its own unique great wisdom. For instance, being undaunted in the face of danger, remaining composed and self-possessed, being orderly and methodical, having lofty aspirations and heroic spirit, possessing a broad and humble mind, extraordinary boldness, and so forth—all these are manifestations of the wisdom of manas, which is truly remarkable. Especially for those who have been humans for many lives, who have been leaders, generals, prime ministers, or high officials, or who have rich experience and worldly knowledge—their manas possesses very powerful wisdom. Much of their action relies on the wisdom of manas to decide, handle, and respond to all matters, while consciousness often plays a supporting role.

A great general commanding on the battlefield, making urgent decisions, formulating major strategies—these often rely on the silent wisdom and experience of manas. Consciousness often cannot exert much force. People who have great merit (fúdé), independent judgment, and strategic acumen often remain very calm when encountering situations; they are in no hurry to respond or make decisions. When the time comes, ideas and solutions automatically arise—that is relying on the methods conceived by manas; manas has its own way. Having a firm backbone also relies on manas. What worldly people call "having an old pig's waist" (lǎo zhū yāozi - a colloquial expression implying resolute conviction) means that manas itself has its own ideas; consciousness doesn't need to interfere.

People with great wisdom, sagacious people, rational people, cultivated people—they still primarily rely on the wisdom of manas. Consciousness is not cunning, scheming, or strategic; manas makes its own arrangements. This great wisdom is the result of manas's deliberation and also the result of manas's seasoned experience.

It's too late to train a talented person on the spot. That is to say, it's too late to have this person's consciousness learn now and then cultivate the manas afterward. The person must have already possessed the necessary qualities beforehand; they must be innate—that is, what the manas possesses, what has already been successfully cultivated, the wisdom one is born with. The so-called "root of wisdom" (huìgēn), the so-called "wholesome roots" (shàngēn), the so-called "merit" (fúdé)—these refer to what the manas possesses, what is innate.