How to Understand the "Continual" in the Manas's Continual Scrutiny and Deliberation

Question: If the manas is also a dharma subject to arising and ceasing, how should we understand the "continual" (恒) in its continual scrutiny and deliberation? 

Answer: "Continual" represents an extremely long and far-reaching duration of time. The manas's continuity can persist even after attaining buddhahood without ceasing. However, not extinguishing it does not mean the manas cannot be extinguished. Arhats and pratyekabuddhas can both completely extinguish the manas and enter nirvāṇa without remainder; bodhisattvas of the seventh bhūmi and above, as well as all buddhas, can completely extinguish the manas yet deliberately choose not to. The manas is produced by the eighth consciousness transmitting seeds of consciousness to it; it can only arise and operate by relying on the eighth consciousness. It is not an originally unborn and unceasing dharma. Once the manas no longer grasps at the worldly dharmas of the three realms, the eighth consciousness will no longer transmit seeds of consciousness to the manas, and the manas will cease. Therefore, the "continual" in the manas's continual scrutiny and deliberation is only said in relative terms with respect to the six consciousnesses; it cannot compare with the continuity of the eighth consciousness. The eighth consciousness's continuity is absolute and beyond comparison, whereas the manas's continuity is relative.