The Unique Deliberative Function of the Mental Faculty

The deliberative nature of the mind that is aware without discursive thought, apart from referring to the state of consciousness perceiving the six dusts when free from thought, also points to another mind. This mind lacks the functions of language and overt analytical thinking, yet it perceives the realms of the six dusts as well as dharmas beyond them. It is more subtle, more concealed, deeper, more deliberative, possesses greater deliberative power, and is more capable of solving problems—that is manas (the mental faculty). Manas cannot engage in analytical thinking about the realms of the six dusts like the conscious mind does, yet it possesses its own unique deliberative nature, which is extremely potent. Sentient beings primarily rely on the deliberative nature of manas to make decisions and exert control. For instance, when one falls asleep with an unresolved problem at night, upon opening one's eyes the next morning, the conscious mind immediately knows: "Oh, so that's how it is!" The problem is solved. Many matters that the conscious mind cannot analyze or resolve are left unattended, and then, at some unknown moment, one slaps their forehead and suddenly knows the solution. This is the deliberative function of manas. It deliberates silently and discreetly, unbeknownst to the conscious mind. For example, when manas resolves issues concerning the remains from a past life, the conscious mind remains unaware no matter what; manas deliberates alone on how to resolve it. Similarly, when manas enters someone else's dream, expounds the Dharma to them, or requests something of them, it operates independently, all involving its deliberative nature, while the conscious mind remains unaware. Furthermore, there are many matters the conscious mind cannot figure out or resolve, so it sets them aside and attends to other things. Then, at some unknown time, suddenly inspired, one slaps their forehead: "Right, that's how it is!" and figures it out. In reality, during this interval, the conscious mind temporarily gives up and ceases analytical thinking. So why is it understood later? It is because manas did not give up; it kept the matter in mind, pondering, deliberating, and contemplating it all along. The mental factors (caittas) of manas were continuously operating. It lacks the overt analytical thinking function of the conscious mind and differs somewhat from the conscious mind's analytical capabilities, yet its deliberative nature is still extremely potent. In truth, the dharmas deliberated upon by manas are numerous and vast in scope; what the conscious mind knows is only a very small portion. When the conscious mind lacks wisdom, it understands nothing of the deliberative nature of manas. Regardless of whether the conscious mind understands or not, manas still possesses its own deliberative functions and its own way of deliberation. The dharmas deliberated upon by manas concerning the six dusts can be made known to the conscious mind, or they may not be; this is not a matter of permission, but rather depends on whether the conscious mind possesses wisdom. There are many dharmas that even wise individuals cannot discern what manas is deliberating upon. Sometimes the conscious mind becomes aware of the results of manas' deliberation, and sometimes it does not; in fact, most of the time, the conscious mind remains unaware. When manas deliberates and reaches a conclusion—"This matter is important!"—important issues must be executed and resolved by the six consciousnesses, so it must find a way to make the six consciousnesses aware. If the matter is unimportant and manas can resolve it alone, it does not let the conscious mind know. When the conscious mind is unaware or relatively dull, lacking perceptiveness, it remains ignorant of the dharmas deliberated upon and the conclusions reached by manas. Even if the conscious mind is unaware, manas still directs the six consciousnesses to carry out the actions.