The Innate Great Wisdom of Manas

The distinction between the wisdom of the sixth and seventh consciousnesses lies in the fact that the manas (意根) cannot discern the objects of the six dusts (六尘境界) as meticulously and concretely as the consciousness (意识) does. That is the only difference. In other respects, the wisdom of the manas is quite remarkable. Much of the time when we handle worldly affairs, especially urgent or chaotic matters, we rely entirely on the experience and wisdom of the manas. The consciousness is often incapable of coping, unable to analyze or resolve such situations; it can only follow the direction and arrangement of the manas. This can sometimes be described as "going with the flow" (随缘) or "resigning to fate" (听天由命), yet in the end, matters are resolved, sometimes even perfectly and satisfactorily.

The manas possesses its own unique great wisdom. Qualities such as fearlessness in danger, calmness and composure, meticulousness and orderliness, lofty aspirations and heroic spirit, an open and humble mind—all these and more are manifestations of the manas's wisdom, which is truly extraordinary. Especially for those who have lived many lifetimes as humans, served as leaders, generals, ministers, or officials, or have rich life experiences—their manas possesses potent wisdom. They often rely primarily on the wisdom of the manas to decide, handle, and respond to all matters, while the consciousness frequently remains thoughtless and devoid of deliberate mental activity.

When a great general commands on the battlefield, making urgent decisions and formulating major strategies in the heat of combat, it is often the silent wisdom and strategic acumen of the manas that prevail. The consciousness is usually unable to contribute effectively. People endowed with blessings (福德), independent judgment (主见), and strategic foresight (韬略) often remain very calm when encountering events. They do not rush to respond or make decisions hastily. When the time comes, ideas and solutions automatically emerge. This is because they rely on the manas—the manas inherently has its own methods. Having a "backbone" (主心骨) also depends on the manas. What worldly people call having "an old pig's backbone" (老猪腰子) refers to the manas having its own firm resolve; the consciousness need not interfere.

People of great wisdom, sagacity, rationality, and cultivation primarily rely on the wisdom of the manas. Their consciousness is not characterized by cunning, scheming, or strategizing; the manas makes its own arrangements. This great wisdom is the result of the manas's deliberation and also the outcome of its seasoned experience. It is too late to train a talented person on the spot; that is to say, it's too late to have their consciousness learn something new and then try to influence the manas. Such a person must already possess the necessary qualities from the past—innately endowed qualities. These are what the manas possesses, qualities that were cultivated long ago, inherent wisdom present from birth.

What is called the "root of wisdom" (慧根), the "root of goodness" (善根), or "blessings" (福德)—these refer precisely to what the manas possesses, what is innate and inherent.