The Meaning of "Constant" in the Manas's Constant Deliberation

Since the manas is also a dharma of arising and ceasing, how should we understand the "constant" (恒) in its "constant deliberation and contemplation"? "Constant" has two meanings: one is unborn and unceasing, existing forever without perishing; the other represents an extremely long and far-reaching duration of time—remaining unchanged over a very long period, always being so. The first kind of "constant" is that of the eighth consciousness; it is absolute, without anything comparable to it, unborn and unceasing. The second kind is the "constant" of the manas; the manas's constancy is relative, meaning that as long as the manas is not extinguished, it forever maintains its deliberation without change.

The constancy of the manas can persist even after buddhahood is attained and will not perish, so as long as the manas exists, its deliberative nature exists. However, not extinguishing the manas does not mean the manas cannot be extinguished. Arhats and pratyekabuddhas can both completely extinguish the manas and enter nirvāṇa without remainder; bodhisattvas of the seventh bhūmi and above, as well as all buddhas, can completely extinguish the manas but deliberately choose not to. The manas is produced by the eighth consciousness transmitting consciousness seeds; it depends on the eighth consciousness to arise and operate—it is not an originally unborn and unceasing dharma. Once the manas no longer grasps at the worldly dharmas of the three realms, the eighth consciousness will no longer transmit the consciousness seeds of the manas, and the manas will perish. Therefore, the "constant" in the manas's constant deliberation and contemplation is only spoken of in relation to the six consciousnesses; it cannot be compared with the constancy of the eighth consciousness.