The Intentional Engagement (manaskāra) of the Seventh Consciousness, the Manas, in the Seed Stage

The attention (manaskāra) mental factor of the manas, the seventh consciousness, also initially begins to direct attention toward the six sense objects at the seed stage. After directing attention, the mental factors of contact, feeling, perception, and volition begin to operate upon the six sense objects. Once the manas determines to discern the six sense objects, the six consciousnesses arise in succession. The seeds of the seventh consciousness also must have a place of birth; it is not that the consciousness seeds arise randomly upon encountering whatever dharma happens to come along—if that were so, sentient beings' minds would be even more of a chaotic mess, and sentient beings would hardly ever have a day of peace. The consciousness seeds of the six consciousnesses likewise must have a place of birth. If, at the seed stage, there were no directing of attention, the consciousness seeds would arise randomly and indiscriminately everywhere, the six consciousnesses would be thrown into disorder, and sentient beings would be at a loss. Therefore, the consciousness seeds must first have a place of birth: at the seed stage, attention is first directed, and then the seeds arise. After arising, the six consciousnesses directly make contact with the six sense objects; the contact mental factor operates only after consciousness has arisen. If the six consciousnesses cannot give rise to the final determining mind, they then direct attention toward the six sense objects again. This directing of attention is the attention that occurs after the six consciousnesses have become manifest, not the attention at the seed stage.