The False Self of Sentient Beings

From any perspective or aspect, the manas (mind root) is the false self upon which sentient beings truly rely, the primary self. This self constantly regards the five aggregates as itself, takes the functions of the six consciousnesses as itself, considers the functions of the eighth consciousness as itself, and attributes all meritorious functions to its own merits, believing that the functions of all dharmas are its functions.

Consciousness is also a false self, possessing evident functions of perceiving, hearing, sensing, and knowing. Sentient beings primarily rely on the consciousness's perceiving, hearing, sensing, and knowing, as well as its activities and functions. When consciousness lacks perceiving, hearing, sensing, and knowing, they say "I" no longer perceive, hear, sense, or know. When consciousness ceases its activities and functions, they say "I" cannot speak or think. This sentient being is the manas. It relies on the consciousness's perceiving, hearing, sensing, knowing, activities, and functions to achieve its own purposes and intentions. Without consciousness and its activities and functions, the manas cannot accomplish anything within the six dusts (sense objects), and the superficial functions of the five aggregates vanish. This is something the manas finds unacceptable. Therefore, when practicing meditation to reduce or cease the activities of the six consciousnesses, the manas initially cannot endure it. Meditation becomes extremely difficult, as the manas always struggles and resists.

On the other hand, the consciousness's perceiving, hearing, sensing, knowing, activities, and functions are all results directed and dominated by the manas. The two consciousnesses—one overt and the other covert—cooperate with each other. Almost everyone regards all these activities as solely those of consciousness alone, utterly failing to observe the hidden functions of the manas. This overlooks the merits of the manas, fails to recognize that the manas is the master of these activities, does not know that the manas is the true master, the genuine false self of sentient beings. Resolving the problem of the manas resolves all problems.