The Source of Kleshas in Consciousness

Manas is the concomitant basis for the arising of consciousness, and also the foundation upon which the mind-ground of consciousness becomes defiled or purified. Consciousness arises only after manas comes into contact with mental objects and manas makes choices and engages in volitional actions. Where do the defilements of consciousness originate? One source is the regulation and permeation by manas, while another source arises from the permeation of the surrounding defiled environment.

How does manas regulate and permeate consciousness? When manas contacts the objects of the six senses, it generally discerns that the sensory objects are unsatisfactory. Manas first gives rise to defilements within itself and intends to counteract the sensory objects. Consciousness then arises. Following the directive of manas, consciousness discerns the present mental objects. When bodily or verbal actions are taken, they carry defilements, causing body and speech to become defiled. This is the result of consciousness being regulated by manas. The meaning of permeation is that whenever defilements in manas arise, they permeate consciousness. Gradually imbued through permeation, consciousness develops the same defilements as manas. For example, when an infant is first born, consciousness is free from defilements. Over time, the innate defilements of manas influence the mental activities of consciousness, causing consciousness to increasingly align with the defilements of manas. This is the process of being permeated by manas. Only when consciousness attains awakening can it reduce some defilements and, in turn, control the defilements of manas.

The second source of defilements in consciousness is the permeation from sensory objects. By constantly dwelling among people with various defilements and through daily accumulation of such permeation, defilements arise in the mind. The defilements of consciousness then permeate manas in return, causing manas to develop the same defilements. Once the defilements in manas are severed, it becomes difficult for manas to be permeated. Even if defilements occasionally arise, they are temporary afflictions of consciousness and will subside afterward, not persisting for long.