The Vigilant Function of Manas Toward Vijñāna

Question: Once, while I was digging for mugwort near a graveyard, I constantly felt as if someone was behind me, but there was actually no one around. Is this a sensation of the manas (mind root) or of consciousness? Was there really someone there, or was it an illusion?

Answer: The feeling that someone is present is a sensation of consciousness. This feeling is transmitted from the manas to consciousness. Consciousness does not perceive anyone behind you, but the manas can perceive it. Because it cannot handle the matter itself, it causes consciousness to sense it first for later processing. If consciousness does not understand at this point, it cannot process it. If consciousness realizes that there might be a ghost behind you, it will decide whether to leave or not. Those with great courage will not leave, while those with less courage will leave. Of course, this "courage" refers to that of the manas, and the final decision to leave is still made by the manas.

The manas can perceive people and events unseen by consciousness, including beings in the spirit realm, but consciousness remains unaware. If the manas wants consciousness to know, consciousness will become suspicious and develop a sensation. If consciousness possesses wisdom, it will reasonably analyze, contemplate, and deduce, thereby becoming aware of what is happening.