The Distinction Between Manas Wisdom and Vijnana Wisdom

When encountering a situation, immediately understanding its origin and swiftly grasping it without relying on words, language, or sound—this is the wisdom of the manas (the mental faculty). It is extremely difficult to observe, and most people are unaware of it. Conversely, when encountering a situation that cannot be understood immediately, requiring thinking, analysis, summarization, organization, comparison, or imagination before comprehension is possible—this is the wisdom of consciousness. Consciousness utilizes words, language, and sound, employing a superficial thinking function; this aspect is readily observable.

Why are some things known immediately while others are not? As soon as an event occurs, the manas engages in attention, contact, sensation, perception, and thought. For matters that are very familiar or previously experienced, the manas can understand immediately and automatically takes charge to handle and respond to them. For unfamiliar or unexperienced matters, it cannot understand immediately, and even after deliberation, it remains uncertain. Consequently, consciousness arises to allow for discernment and thinking. The manas then deliberates again based on the results of consciousness's analysis before proceeding to handle and respond. The function of consciousness is to assist the manas in discernment. If the manas itself clearly understands the situation, there is no need for consciousness to engage in discernment or thinking; it makes decisions directly and handles the matter swiftly.