The Distinction Between Consciousness and Manas in Preference

The attachment of the mind can be broadly categorized into two levels or two degrees: the superficial is the liking of consciousness, while the deeper is the liking of the manas (意根, mind root). What cannot make decisions is the liking of consciousness; what strives by all means to obtain, takes action to acquire, is the liking of the manas—addiction, obsession, and constant preoccupation are all forms of the manas' liking. For example, within a family, the head of the household has the final say. When it comes to liking something, there is the child's liking and the parent's liking. However, no matter what the child likes, they cannot decide independently; they must obtain the parent's consent before they can acquire what they desire. In contrast, the parent obtains whatever they like through their own means. Here, the child corresponds to consciousness, and the parent corresponds to the manas.

If the liking of consciousness influences the manas, causing the manas to also like it or agree with the consciousness's liking, then the manas will decide to acquire the desired object and act to obtain it. The liking of consciousness is influenced partly by the manas and partly by the external environment (the six dusts—objects of the senses). The liking of the manas stems partly from beginningless kalpas of afflictive habits and partly from the habituation by consciousness. If the liking of consciousness does not affect the manas, the manas will disregard it, leaving consciousness to like in vain without obtaining the object. For instance, liking the study of the Dharma is first initiated by consciousness and later embraced by the manas. If consciousness likes studying the Dharma but the manas does not, one will not exert diligent effort. If the manas also likes studying the Dharma, one will pursue it tirelessly and cultivate diligently. What enables sustained, unwavering commitment is the liking of the manas. Intermittent effort indicates the manas is not particularly interested and is merely being pulled along by consciousness; once consciousness loses control, the manas disengages.