What is the Purpose of Consciousness in Relation to Manas?

The consciousness of the five senses and the five aggregates are all essential tools that the manas must utilize. Without these tools, the manas itself would be powerless in the world. It requires the six consciousnesses and the five aggregates to serve it, enabling it to grasp all dharmas in the world through them. Without the six consciousnesses and the five aggregates, the manas would be helpless.

Therefore, while the manas can perceive many dharmas, it necessarily requires the consciousness to process these dharmas. For instance, when a ghost or spirit appears nearby, the manas senses it as quite frightening, fearing a threat to itself. Yet, it cannot deal with the ghost or spirit alone, nor can it simply withdraw independently. While the hairs stand on end, it alerts the consciousness to become aware of the matter. The consciousness then wonders: What exactly is happening? Why do I feel afraid? Why does the surroundings feel eerie and sinister, as if something is amiss? When the consciousness is sharp, it may reflect and realize that there is a ghost or spirit nearby, and then devise a way to withdraw. In this manner, the manas achieves its aim.

Thus, although the manas possesses perception, matters require the consciousness and the five aggregates to handle them. After the manas realizes the Dharma, the pure actions of body, speech, and mind need to be upheld by the consciousness and the five aggregates. Then, the pure bodily, verbal, and mental actions of the six consciousnesses reflect the purity of the manas. However, upon reaching a sufficiently high level of cultivation, when the Four Dhyanas and Eight Samadhis are attained, and one possesses immeasurable spiritual powers and abilities, the manas can replace the functions of the six consciousnesses. At this stage, it is no longer necessary for the six consciousnesses to manifest; all matters are handled by the manas itself, which is extremely swift and convenient. Therefore, the functions and status of the consciousness cannot compare to those of the manas. The relationship between them is eternally that of master and servant. The master employs the servant to manage trivial matters. When the master’s capabilities are great, everything becomes fully automated processes, and the servant becomes unnecessary, as the master can handle all matters skillfully and exquisitely alone.