The Relationship Between Anābhoga and Vitarka-Vicāra

Effortless operation refers to the automatic and self-aware functioning of the conscious mind that follows nature and conditions, unimpeded by any artificial interference that would cause it to stagnate. Among the eight consciousnesses, only the eighth consciousness and manas (the mental faculty) are consciousnesses that operate effortlessly. The six consciousnesses are not; they are frequently restricted by manas and unable to function, hence they are not effortlessly operative.

Investigation and examination refer to the actions of the sixth consciousness alone or accompanied by the five sense consciousnesses—such as searching, deliberating, thinking, contemplating, researching, etc.—to resolve doubts or problems within manas. Therefore, the investigation and examination of the sixth consciousness are directly directed by manas. Manas commands it to investigate eastward, and it investigates eastward; manas commands it to investigate westward, and it investigates westward. The sixth consciousness may offer suggestions beforehand for manas to consider and decide upon. Although manas cannot independently engage in activities involving the five aggregates, it possesses subordinates and functionaries who can perform many tasks on its behalf. Manas must utilize them; just as a busy leader cannot personally handle every specific matter and must delegate tasks to subordinates, this is perfectly natural. The six consciousnesses fulfill manas's instructions as required, which is also their inescapable responsibility—such is their duty.

The eighth consciousness does not engage in investigation or examination, nor does it possess the mental activity for such. This is because the eighth consciousness is a non-active, non-controlling mind, unrelated to all affairs, and thus has no need to investigate or examine anything. Manas, in its operation regarding all phenomena, due to ignorance and extensive clinging, possesses very coarse cognition and frequently encounters matters it does not understand. Even relying on the six consciousnesses, many phenomena remain incomprehensible. To understand, manas must initiate investigation and examination, requiring the six consciousnesses to carry out the task of inquiry. Therefore, the effortlessly functioning manas is precisely the initiator, supervisor, and director of the investigative and examinative actions of the six consciousnesses, and the results are experienced and utilized by manas.