Among the Five Aggregates, Only the Manas Is the Single Governing Consciousness

The equality wisdom (samatā-jñāna) of the manas means seeing all sentient beings as equal to oneself, without any difference or distinction, with no division between self and others; it contemplates true suchness and Buddha-nature as identical, without giving rise to discriminating thoughts, and contemplates all dharmas as one suchness without giving rise to discriminating thoughts. However, no matter what, the manas will still remain the consciousness that acts as the master—this cannot be changed. Just like a nation: it absolutely cannot function without a leader; if there are two leaders who both want to be in charge, the whole world will fall into great chaos. If the five aggregates had two consciousnesses acting as master, great chaos would likewise ensue!