The Source of Consciousness Kleshas

The manas is the concomitant basis for the arising of consciousness and the foundation upon which the mind-ground of consciousness becomes defiled or purified. Consciousness arises after the manas comes into contact with dharmas (mental objects) and the manas makes decisions and engages in mental formations. From where do the afflictions of consciousness originate? One source arises from the regulation and influence of the manas, while another source stems from the defilement imbued by the surrounding contaminated environment.

How does the manas regulate and influence consciousness? When the manas encounters the objects of the six senses, it can generally discern that the sensory objects are undesirable. The manas mentally generates afflictions first and intends to counteract these objects, whereupon consciousness arises. Following the directives of the manas, consciousness discerns the current dharmas (mental objects). When bodily or verbal actions are taken, they carry afflictions, resulting in defiled speech and conduct. This is the outcome of consciousness being regulated by the manas. The term "imbue" (xūn rǎn) means that whenever afflictions of the manas arise, they influence consciousness. Gradually influenced by this, consciousness develops afflictions identical to those of the manas. For example, when an infant is first born, consciousness is free from afflictions. Over time, the innate afflictions of the manas dominate the mental activities of consciousness, causing consciousness to increasingly align with the afflictions of the manas. This is how consciousness becomes imbued by the manas. Only when consciousness attains awakening can it reduce some afflictions and, in turn, control the afflictions of the manas.

The second source of afflictions in consciousness is the influence of sensory objects. By constantly dwelling among people exhibiting various afflictions and undergoing continuous conditioning over time, afflictions gradually manifest in the mind. The afflictions of consciousness then influence the manas in return, causing the manas to develop the same afflictions. Having eliminated afflictions, the manas becomes less susceptible to such influence. Even if afflictions occasionally arise, they are temporary disturbances of consciousness and will dissipate afterward, not persisting for long.