Which Characteristic of Manas Facilitates Easier Identification

Question: In daily life, one can find and experience the manas (mind faculty). For instance, when the skin itches, when one feels hungry, thirsty, hot, or has a strong desire to do something, it is ultimately the manas that makes the final decision. At such times, if consciousness intentionally refrains from carrying out the action and forcibly delays it, one can observe what the manas is doing and thinking during this period. After all, the manas still possesses the volition to decide whether to implement the action. This is how one seeks the traces, origins, or source of the manas. By persisting in this practice over time, can one eventually find and attain realization of the manas?

Answer: The manas makes decisions instantaneously, exercising control. It decides to scratch an itch, to eat, to drink, to seek a breeze, or to undertake any specific action. Whenever any action is performed, it is decided and directed by the manas. Herein lies the means to locate the manas. If consciousness deliberately disobeys the manas’ instructions, observing the manas’ reactions can reveal its mental activities and habitual tendencies. When consciousness refuses to execute the manas’ commands, the manas simultaneously issues the instruction to temporarily abstain from the action. This is because consciousness can never assume control; what is done or not done is entirely determined by the manas. Even consciousness’s resistance to obeying the manas is equally dictated and decided by the manas itself.

From this, it is also evident that the manas sometimes complies with consciousness’s decisions; it is not entirely self-willed, nor does it operate with complete autocratic rule or a militaristic governing mindset. The manas instantaneously takes charge and makes decisions regarding every single event. It is through this characteristic that one can discover the traces of the manas, thereby attaining realization of it.