The Parikalpita Nature of Manas Can Be Changed

The awareness following the arising of thoughts is primarily, and at first, the awareness of consciousness. The arising of thoughts is initiated by the mind faculty (manas) without language or words; subsequently, when consciousness gives rise to thoughts, language and words may emerge. The mind faculty has a tendency to cling to objects, leading it to constantly and in all circumstances generate thoughts; whenever it encounters conditions, it gives rise to thoughts. This is determined by its nature of being conceptually constructed (parikalpita-svabhāva). However, this conceptually constructed nature can be altered through the continuous guidance and regulation of consciousness. Only then does spiritual practice become possible.