The Sovereignty of Manas

When itching occurs, the brain issues the command to "scratch." If this command cannot be executed, neural regulation becomes disordered, and the body finds another way, causing muscles to twitch to relieve the itch on its own.

The brain does not issue any command at all. Is the command issued by manas or by tathāgatagarbha? It is the result of manas being mobilized. The body does not find a way either. Is the way found by manas or by tathāgatagarbha? It is a way devised by manas. Tathāgatagarbha neither issues commands nor devises solutions. At this point, consciousness has not yet arisen; it is neither consciousness that issues the command nor consciousness that devises the solution. Even if consciousness exists, the autonomous behavior of human neurons occurs during sleep as well, in which consciousness cannot participate or offer assistance. In the case of leg cramps, consciousness becomes aware only after the fact. During deep coma, various bodily reactions occur without any role for consciousness. When a mosquito suddenly bites, consciousness does not even have time to think—fear causes one to slap it instantly. Here, there is absolutely no process of conscious thought, analysis, or decision-making; consciousness does not yet know that a mosquito has bitten.