What Information Can the Manas Convey About Past Lives?

For example, when Master Hanshan saw the relics left behind by Su Dongpo, he felt especially intimate and familiar with them at that moment. This was information conveyed by the manas; the mind consciousness discerned it and gave rise to a feeling of intimacy. This discernment was vague and indistinct, unable to determine anything specific, yet the feeling was very strong—a feeling brought to the mind consciousness by the manas. If the mind consciousness has the wisdom to further identify the manas' intentions, it will know more, more detailed and accurate information; then it would not merely be a feeling of familiarity and intimacy, and in that case the manas might be able to satisfy its own intentions, and there could be further thoughts and actions.

For example, suppose B always speaks ill of A behind A's back. A's mind consciousness does not know this, but A's manas perceives it. So when A meets B, the manas will certainly transmit information, and the mind consciousness will inexplicably feel uncomfortable and not like B very much. But as for exactly why A dislikes B, the mind consciousness cannot figure it out; the manas understands but cannot express it. If the mind consciousness has wisdom, it will know why—it will know that B always speaks ill of it—and then it may plan what action to take in retaliation. Once the manas also agrees to retaliate, then there will be drama between A and B. Therefore, do not discuss or judge people behind their backs, and even less should you scheme against them or trip them up behind their backs, because every secret can be leaked—no wall is completely airtight. If you form unwholesome karmic bonds with others, sooner or later you will receive the retribution. No one can escape cause and effect, and no deed fails to bear its consequences.

The manas can also transmit to the mind consciousness all afflictions such as greed, anger, and delusion. For instance, with greed for wealth and possessions: upon seeing valuables, one wants to take them for oneself. The mind consciousness feels too embarrassed and does not quite dare to do so, but with the manas egging it on and making the decision behind the scenes, the mind consciousness will cautiously, stealthily, and secretly devise ways to take the valuables for itself. If the manas is upright, it can also transmit upright mental intentions to the mind consciousness; if the manas is resolute, it can make the mind consciousness strong; if the manas has wisdom, it can make the mind consciousness act in accordance with the Dharma and with principle, so that when encountering defiled states, it is not influenced or tainted by them.