The Special Function of Manas in the Absence of Consciousness

When the recitation of the Buddha's name penetrates deeply into the manas (the seventh consciousness), it transforms the thoughts of the manas, enabling one to continue reciting even while asleep. When Zen meditation gives rise to a state of doubt or questioning in the manas, one continues investigating it even while asleep, resulting in restless sleep. If a problem remains unresolved, the manas considers it extremely important and continues to ponder it during sleep. Upon waking and opening the eyes, the consciousness (the sixth consciousness) suddenly comprehends, resolving the problem.

Entrusting the Dharma principles not yet understood by the conscious mind to the manas, the manas deeply doubts and ponders them. While the conscious mind attends to its ordinary functions, at some unknown moment, the manas resolves the doubt, and the consciousness suddenly comprehends, experiencing a moment of profound realization.

Regarding the Buddha Dharma, the manas uses the conscious mind to learn the knowledge and theories of the Dharma. Afterwards, the manas digests and absorbs this learned theoretical knowledge, akin to a cow ruminating during rest. Many people rely solely on the conscious mind to learn and collect vast amounts of knowledge everywhere, then simply output it again. They never understand how to allow the manas to absorb and digest it, thereby transforming it into the nourishment they need, becoming their own genuine wisdom. The Patriarchs said that those without genuine realization expound the Dharma as if it were "in one ear and out the other," or merely interpret it through emotional thinking and intellectual understanding. If they themselves have not yet benefited, how much less can others benefit.