How to Accurately Comprehend the Functional Role of Manas

Why do some people always think that the seventh consciousness, the manas, is incapable of anything? Because the vast majority can only perceive the functional roles of the superficial consciousness and fail to see the functions of the manas. Consequently, they attribute all the functions of the five aggregates to the consciousness alone, overlooking and negating the manas’ role as the master consciousness. They do not realize that the manas is the forerunner of all dharmas. The very emergence of all dharmas, and the reason why consciousness can contact, discern, and process them, is entirely the result of the manas’ decisions. The manas is the head of the household of the five-aggregate body.

If a useless entity incapable of anything were to be in charge, one can imagine what such a household would be like. Yet, in the world, there are many people of great merit and great wisdom whose five-aggregate bodies perform numerous virtuous and wise deeds—all results directed by the manas. Even in animals, the function of the manas is exceptionally superior, beyond comparison with the six consciousnesses. Consider this: in a group, large or small, why do subordinate members follow the leader’s arrangements and commands? Is it only because of authority, or is there something more? If the leader were incompetent and utterly incapable, yet the members still obeyed unquestioningly, wouldn’t these members be even weaker and more incapable?

A national president or head of state cannot possibly be like their subordinates, excelling in every specific matter and skill, nor can they take on all the work of their subordinates. They stand at the commanding height, overseeing the overall situation; they cannot engage in specific tasks. You cannot say that because the head of state does not personally handle specific public interactions, does not perform specific tasks, or is not proficient in technology, they have no work. They are the leader, responsible for managing the big picture, making comprehensive arrangements. Their work division differs from that of their subordinates; each has their own responsibilities, and only through harmonious cooperation can the entire nation be well-governed.

The same applies to a five-aggregate body. The manas stands at the commanding height, governing the whole. It cannot delve into the detailed discernment of specific dust realms like the consciousness does—thinking, reasoning, organizing, summarizing, calculating, analyzing, scrutinizing, with meticulous precision, ensuring everything is in place. Its energy does not permit this. Only when meditative concentration reaches a certain level, eliminating many unimportant matters, can its energy become concentrated and vigorous. Only when its energy is sufficiently powerful can it replace the work of the six consciousnesses and eliminate them. The manas of an ordinary being can only use the six consciousnesses to handle specific matters and respond to specific dust realms; otherwise, the six consciousnesses would have no reason to exist.

The manas is a consciousness mind of constant deliberative contemplation, working diligently and ceaselessly without interruption. Why, then, do some say the manas is nothing and serves no purpose? Those who consider consciousness important and the manas unimportant have failed to recognize who the leader is, who plays the decisive role, and whose work is more arduous. Because the leader is hidden too deeply, unseen by them, they believe the leader does not exist, or they mistake the employees for the leader. The leader may not understand technology. When a technician submits a technical project, the leader, though lacking understanding, still examines and reviews it, ultimately approving it for experimentation. The leader still does not comprehend the process or the results of the experiment. The manas is the leader, the decision-maker. Consciousness is the technician, providing technical services to the leader. Therefore, with the services of consciousness, the manas need not handle every matter personally.