The Difference Between the Sixth and Seventh Consciousnesses

The difference between the sixth consciousness and the seventh consciousness is as follows: The seventh consciousness is the mind that makes decisions and exercises control; it is also the root upon which the consciousness relies to arise. The one that constantly governs and directs the actions of body, speech, and mind at every moment is the seventh consciousness. The one with many habitual tendencies and inertia is the manas (mind-root), and the one that makes decisions according to inertia is the manas. Sometimes, when an event suddenly arises, and the mind has no mental preparation, and the conscious mind has no time to analyze or deliberate, the manas makes a decision on how to handle it based on inertia. When dealing with matters, what decides what to do without time for reflection is the manas; whereas what ponders over and over is our consciousness. Decisions made hastily without deliberation often lead to regret afterward, because after the event, when the consciousness reconsiders, it thinks that the matter should not have been handled that way. Therefore, the manas is the mind that takes charge according to habitual tendencies and inertia, while the conscious mind is the mind of rational deliberation. These two minds are fundamentally distinct and cannot be conflated as one mind.