The Sovereignty of Manas

When an itch arises, the brain issues the command to "scratch." If this command is not carried out, neural regulation becomes disordered, and the body seeks alternative methods, causing muscles to twitch to relieve the itch spontaneously.

The brain does not issue any command at all. Is it manas or tathāgatagarbha that issues the command? It is the result of manas initiating the action. Nor does the body devise a solution. Is it manas or tathāgatagarbha that devises the solution? It is manas that devises the solution. Tathāgatagarbha neither issues commands nor devises solutions. At this stage, consciousness has not yet arisen; it is not consciousness that issues the command, nor is it consciousness that devises the solution. Even if consciousness exists, the autonomous actions of human neurons—such as those occurring during sleep—cannot involve consciousness; consciousness cannot assist. Phenomena like leg cramps are perceived by consciousness only after the fact. During deep coma, various bodily reactions occur without the involvement of consciousness. When a mosquito suddenly bites, consciousness has no time to think—a startled slap occurs reflexively. Here, there is absolutely no conscious thought, analysis, or decision-making; consciousness is not even aware of the mosquito's bite.