The Meaning of 'Constant' in the Manas's Constant Deliberation

Since the manas is also a dharma subject to arising and ceasing, how should we understand the "constant" in its "constant deliberation (manasikāra)"? "Constant" has two meanings: one is unborn and unceasing, existing forever without perishing; the other represents an extremely long and far-reaching duration of time—remaining unchanged over a very long period, always being so. The first kind of "constant" is that of the eighth consciousness, which is absolute, without anything comparable to it, unborn and unceasing; the second kind is the "constant" of the manas, which is relative, meaning that as long as the manas remains unextinguished, it forever maintains its deliberation without change.

The "constancy" of the manas can persist even after buddhahood is attained and will not perish, so as long as there is the manas, its deliberative nature exists. However, not extinguishing the manas does not mean the manas cannot be extinguished. Arhats and pratyekabuddhas can both completely extinguish the manas and enter Nirvāṇa without remainder; bodhisattvas of the seventh bhūmi and above, as well as all buddhas, can completely extinguish the manas yet deliberately choose not to. The manas is produced by the eighth consciousness transmitting the seeds of consciousness; it depends on the eighth consciousness to arise and operate, and is not an originally unborn and unceasing dharma. Once the manas no longer grasps at the worldly dharmas of the three realms, the eighth consciousness will no longer transmit the seeds of consciousness to the manas, and the manas will perish. Therefore, the "constant" in the manas's constant deliberation is only spoken of in relative terms with respect to the six consciousnesses, and cannot be compared with the constancy of the eighth consciousness.