What information from past lives can the manas convey?

For example, when Master Hanshan saw relics left behind by Su Dongpo, he felt especially intimate and familiar with them. This was information conveyed by the manas, with the mind consciousness discerning it and giving rise to a feeling. This discernment was vague and indistinct, unable to determine anything definite, yet the feeling was very strong—a feeling the manas brought to the mind consciousness. If the mind consciousness had the wisdom to further discern the manas's intentions, it would know more detailed and accurate information, and it would no longer be merely a vague feeling of familiarity and intimacy. In that case, the manas might have its intentions satisfied, and there could be further thoughts and actions.

For example, suppose B always speaks ill of A behind A's back. A's mind consciousness does not know this, but A's manas perceives it. So when A meets B, the manas will certainly transmit information, and A's mind consciousness will inexplicably feel uncomfortable and not particularly like B. But as for the specific reason, the mind consciousness cannot figure it out; the manas understands yet cannot express it. If the mind consciousness has wisdom, it will know why—that B always speaks ill of it—and may then plan what action to take in retaliation. Once the manas also agrees to retaliate, then there will be drama between A and B. Therefore, do not discuss or judge people behind their backs, and even less should you scheme against them or trip them up behind their backs. Every heavenly secret can be leaked; there is no wall that is completely airtight. If you form unwholesome karmic bonds with others, sooner or later you will receive the retribution. No one can escape cause and effect, and no deed fails to bear its consequences.

The manas can also transmit to the mind consciousness all afflictions of greed, hatred, and delusion. For instance, with greed for wealth and property: upon seeing wealth, one wants to take it as one's own. The mind consciousness may feel too embarrassed and not quite dare to do so, but with the manas instigating and making decisions behind the scenes, the mind consciousness will cautiously, stealthily, and secretly devise ways to take the wealth as its own. If the manas is upright, it can also transmit upright mental states to the mind consciousness; if the manas is resolute, it can make the mind consciousness strong; if the manas has wisdom, it can make the mind consciousness act in accordance with reason and the Dharma, so that when encountering defiled states, it remains unstained by them.