Consciousness Resonates with Theory, Manas Aligns with Empirical Evidence

How to prove that consciousness operates at the level of theoretical knowledge and learning, while the manas (the seventh consciousness) operates at the level of actual realization? Take the example of the method of cooking. Firstly, consciousness must learn the theoretical techniques of cooking. However, merely learning the theory does not equate to knowing how to cook. Regarding the method of cooking, this shows that actual realization has not been attained.

How, then, does one attain actual realization? It requires personally practicing cooking. Practicing cooking belongs to the realm of practical operation, and practical operation requires the manas to direct and supervise. If the manas does not understand the theory, it cannot supervise the six consciousnesses in cooking. Thus, the manas must repeatedly direct the six consciousnesses to practice cooking. When mistakes are made, consciousness must contemplate and analyze what went wrong and how to operate correctly. This is consciousness directing the manas to practice the operation.

Once the manas has learned the operation, it no longer heavily relies on consciousness for analysis and supervision. The manas becomes highly proficient at directing the six consciousnesses to cook and will eventually handle it with ease, demonstrating great technical skill. The phrase "like driving on a familiar road" describes the level of technical mastery attained by the manas.

Therefore, it is said that consciousness corresponds to theoretical knowledge, while the manas corresponds to practical operation. Theoretical knowledge known by consciousness is of little use; it is only after the manas has actually realized it that it becomes greatly useful. Personal realization refers to the manas personally attaining realization; it is not knowledge or theory learned by consciousness from elsewhere.