The Distinction Between Consciousness and the Karmic Activities of Manas

To distinguish the difference between karma created by the manas and karma created by the mental consciousness, one must examine whether the karma aligns with the mental volition of the manas or that of the mental consciousness. Generally, karma created by the mental consciousness aligns with the manas, because it is the manas that prompts the mental consciousness to create karma. The karma created by the mental consciousness is essentially karma created by the manas. The mental consciousness can only create karma when permitted by the manas; without the manas' permission, it cannot create karma. This is the case under normal circumstances.

There is another scenario where the power of the mental consciousness is exceptionally strong, overriding the manas and compelling it to act according to the mental consciousness's will. In this case, the manas is forced to submit to the volition of the mental consciousness and make decisions accordingly. At this point, the karma governed by the manas aligns with the mental volition of the mental consciousness. The mental consciousness thoroughly reasons the rationale behind the matter, presenting compelling arguments that successfully persuade the manas.

Here, the manas is less powerful than the mental consciousness and thus follows the mental consciousness's intent in decision-making. Superficially, the manas appears to govern, but in reality, the mental consciousness is in control. The physical, verbal, and mental actions align with the mental volition of the mental consciousness, making this karma primarily created by the mental consciousness. If the manas is entirely persuaded and controlled by the mental consciousness—fully agreeing and endorsing its view—then the karma directed by the manas through the six consciousnesses becomes karma jointly created by both the manas and the mental consciousness.

If the power of the manas surpasses that of the mental consciousness, and the manas disagrees with the mental consciousness's perspectives, opinions, or views, the manas will insist on making decisions according to its own volition. The resulting actions will align with the habitual tendencies of the manas itself. The karma it prompts the six consciousnesses to create will conform to its own mental volition. In this case, the karma belongs solely to the manas.

The distinctions here involve multiple levels and are not as superficially simple as one might assume. Each specific situation requires concrete analysis. To determine whether karma aligns with the mental volition of the mental consciousness or that of the manas, one must analyze the following aspects: observe whether the mental volitions of the mental consciousness and the manas are consistent. When their mental volitions align, both the sixth and seventh consciousnesses (the mental consciousness and manas) exhibit the same quality—either both virtuous or both non-virtuous—and the karma created aligns with their shared mental volition. If they are inconsistent, then discern whether the karma is primarily governed by the manas or dominated by the mental volition of the mental consciousness. This distinction must be made based on the specific circumstances.