The Deliberative Function of the Manas

Question: There are problems I cannot solve, yet sometimes when I'm not thinking about the problem, an answer suddenly appears in my mind. What is going on?

Answer: When a problem cannot be solved by the mind consciousness, it is set aside and left alone, but the manas has not given up; it keeps deliberating (manasikāra) on it secretly all along. When the time comes, it can think it through, and then it informs the mind consciousness, and the mind consciousness understands. The manas brings forth a thought, and the mind consciousness suppresses it—sometimes it can be suppressed, sometimes not. Some still say the manas has no thoughts; even if one thought with one's fingers, one would know that the manas must have thoughts; otherwise, how could all dharmas appear?