The Distinction Between Consciousness and the Mental Activities of Manas

The mental states of sentient beings are divided into two levels: the conscious level and the manas level—one shallow, the other deep. Consciousness itself is passive; for it to assume control, it must influence the manas. Only after successfully permeating and transforming the manas will the manas comply with the thoughts of consciousness and make corresponding decisions. If consciousness fails to successfully influence the manas, the manas will act according to its own habitual tendencies, rendering the thoughts and suggestions of consciousness ineffective.

What gives rise to all the mental activities and formations of consciousness? Why does consciousness arise? It arises because when the manas contacts mental objects, it requires detailed analysis and judgment. The tathāgatagarbha then cooperates by giving birth to consciousness. When the manas intends to engage in mental formations, it inevitably causes consciousness to arise to assist it, as the manas itself is incapable of forming certain mental activities alone; thus, it requires consciousness to act on its behalf.

For example, consider the difference between the mental activities of consciousness and manas through the lens of anger. When consciousness manifests anger, what causes the resulting behavior? It arises from the anger of the manas. When the manas desires to vent or express its anger, it utilizes consciousness or the six consciousnesses to express the inner fury. At this time, the six consciousnesses manifest angry bodily actions and verbal actions. Anger manifests in many ways, such as a fierce facial expression, harsh speech, bodily actions like clenching fists, throwing punches, or pointing fingers at others. These are all formed jointly by consciousness and the body consciousness, all created in accordance with the mental activity of the manas, expressing the mental activity of the manas.

However, after creating the karma of hatred, the reactions of the two show a clear distinction. Consciousness, being relatively more discerning, can immediately reflect on whether these actions were good or bad, realizing that the previous behavior was indeed wrong and quickly understanding why it was wrong. Although consciousness comprehends this, the manas has not yet understood; it remains angry, seething with rage. Consciousness then advises: "Let it go, stop being angry; it was actually our own fault." But the manas still does not comprehend and continues to be angry.

When the manas is extremely furious, consciousness cannot control it at all. For instance, when the manas is enraged to the point of wanting to hit someone, consciousness feels that hitting is wrong, yet the body uncontrollably strikes out. Consciousness cannot restrain the manas; it must act according to its own habits, leaving no alternative. The six consciousnesses can only serve as accomplices, carrying out these actions on behalf of the manas. This is the behavior manifested when consciousness fails to persuade the manas and instead complies with the mental activity of the manas.