The Source of Mental Afflictions

The manas is the concomitant basis for the arising of mind consciousness, and it is also the basis upon which the mind consciousness becomes defiled or purified. Mind consciousness arises after the manas comes into contact with dharma dust and the manas makes choices and engages in volitional actions. Where do the afflictions of mind consciousness originate? One source is the regulation and influence from the manas, while another source arises from the influence of the surrounding defiled environment.

How does the manas regulate and influence mind consciousness? When the manas contacts the six sense objects, it can generally discern that the sense objects are unsatisfactory. The manas first gives rise to afflictions and intends to counteract the sense objects, whereupon mind consciousness arises. Following the instructions of the manas, mind consciousness discerns the present dharma dust, and when it initiates bodily and verbal actions, they carry afflictions, rendering body and speech defiled. This is the result of mind consciousness being regulated by the manas. The meaning of "influence" is that whenever afflictions of the manas arise, they influence mind consciousness. Gradually influenced, mind consciousness develops the same afflictions as the manas. For example, when an infant is first born, mind consciousness is free from afflictions. Over time, the innate afflictions of the manas dominate the mental activities of mind consciousness, causing mind consciousness to increasingly align with the afflictions of the manas, thereby being influenced by the manas.

Only when mind consciousness attains awakening can it reduce some afflictions and, in turn, control the afflictions of the manas. The second source of afflictions in mind consciousness is the influence of sense objects. Constantly dwelling among people with various afflictions, through continuous accumulation and influence, afflictions arise in the mind. The afflictions of mind consciousness then influence the manas in return, causing the manas to develop the same afflictions. Once the manas has severed afflictions, it becomes less susceptible to influence. Even if afflictions occasionally arise, they are temporary afflictions of mind consciousness and will subside afterward, not persisting long-term.

Dedication Verse: May all the merits from Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform be dedicated to all sentient beings in the Dharma realm and to people worldwide. May world peace prevail and wars cease; may conflicts end and weapons forever rest; may all disasters completely subside! May people of all nations unite in mutual assistance and extend kindness to one another; may favorable weather bless the land and the nation prosper in peace! May all sentient beings deeply believe in cause and effect, cherish life with compassion, widely cultivate virtuous connections and wholesome deeds, have faith in the Buddha and learn the Dharma, and increase their wholesome roots; may they understand suffering, cease its causes, aspire to nirvana, and cultivate the path; may the door to the evil destinies be closed and the path to nirvana opened! May Buddhism flourish eternally and the true Dharma abide forever; may the burning house of the three realms be transformed into the lotus paradise of Ultimate Bliss!