What is the Defilement of the Mental Faculty (Manas)?

The contemplation of the Dharma by consciousness forms one's thoughts, concepts, views, and understandings, which simultaneously exerts a permeating influence on the manas (the root consciousness). The process of contemplation permeates the manas, and focused contemplation by consciousness can penetrate deeply into the heart of the manas, making the permeating effect more pronounced. If it captures the attention and serious consideration of the manas, this constitutes the initial effect. If the manas becomes alert and begins to contemplate, the effect becomes more significant. If the manas contemplates with focus and depth, and does so in accordance with the Dharma and principles, the permeating effect becomes even more apparent. If the manas gains clarity in its contemplation, the effect becomes visible. If the manas discerns the essence of the Dharma and makes preliminary judgments, the true effect emerges. If the manas arrives at a very clear and principled conclusion, firmly affirms its contemplation, and makes corresponding judgments and decisions, it can be said that permeation has succeeded. Once the manas is transformed, all subsequent mental activities and behaviors will change accordingly, revolving around the judgments and decisions of the manas. At this point, permeation has been fully achieved.