All Dharmas Possess the Volitional Function of Manas

Our physical activities are manifested by the manas through its regulation of the brain, with the cooperation of the six consciousnesses. For instance, when we open our eyes in the morning, the eyes do not open automatically; it is the manas that issues the command, regulating the six consciousnesses to open the eyes. When eating, the manas perceives the signal of being full, decides to stop eating, and orders the six consciousnesses to cease eating, which then obey the command. This also demonstrates that the manas, through the brain, can control the activities of the entire body, and all bodily activities are the activities of the six consciousnesses. Phenomena such as flushing red in the face and neck, flying into a rage, being overcome with anger, resorting to violence, beaming with joy, or being elated are all manifestations resulting from the afflictive emotions of the manas, outcomes of its manipulation.

On what basis does the manas issue commands? How does it grasp the condition of the physical body so accurately and promptly? All phenomena within the physical body are manifested and sustained by the Tathagatagarbha. The extent to which one has eaten is instantly and precisely reflected by the Tathagatagarbha. Relying on the Tathagatagarbha, the manas becomes omniscient. Once the manas knows, it gives rise to a decision-making mind, makes a determination, and then issues a command. Of course, the manas’s knowledge of the objects of the six senses and the detailed conditions of the body is acquired through the discernment of the six consciousnesses. During states such as unconsciousness or sleep, the physical condition is instantly and precisely reflected by the Tathagatagarbha, and the manas promptly perceives it. During these times, there is no consciousness at all; it is solely the manas knowing based on the Tathagatagarbha.

Another example: when suddenly encountering an acquaintance, the consciousness may struggle to recall the person’s name, yet one feels that they know the name, finding it very familiar, as if it is on the tip of their tongue and can be spoken immediately. This situation merely indicates that the consciousness cannot recall it; it does not mean the manas fails to recognize the person or the name. After the person leaves, the consciousness suddenly remembers. Why does the consciousness recall it? It is still because the manas provides certain information to the consciousness, which then suddenly remembers. In the operation of all phenomena, there must always be the function of the manas, but not necessarily the function of consciousness. If we are uncertain about whether certain functions involve the manas or the extent of its involvement, we should consider how the manas operates in several states devoid of the six consciousnesses.