The Mental Factors of Manas

There are many secrets to uncover in the collaboration between the manas (the thinking faculty) and consciousness. It is not as simple as commonly believed. The seeds stored differ based on whether the manas attains conviction (adhiṃokṣa) or not; they differ based on whether the manas is attentive or inattentive; they differ based on whether consciousness or the manas is dominant; and the seeds stored when consciousness knows something but the manas has not realized it differ from those stored when both the manas and consciousness realize it together. The Dharma is extremely subtle, not at all like the popular understanding.

When solving arithmetic problems, the results differ depending on whether the manas is concentrated or distracted. Superficially, this appears as consciousness being focused or unfocused, performing differently, with varying thinking abilities, different levels of intelligence, and consequently, different outcomes.

When poets compose poetry or paint, concentrating their spirit in quiet contemplation, pacing and deliberating, it is akin to the effort of Chan meditation. Only with concentration (samādhi) can there be wisdom (prajñā). For a matter as significant as learning the Buddha Dharma, concentration is absolutely indispensable; shallow concentration cannot resolve the issue.

Which child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder excels in studies? Which practitioner whose mind is scattered in learning the Dharma can cultivate well?

If the manas cannot attain conviction, even if consciousness says "I should go east," the manas, lacking understanding, will either go west or remain motionless. In the end, not only will the task fail, but there will also be profound regret, potentially leading to mental derangement. If a car speeds towards you head-on and the manas fails to grasp the urgency of the situation, you cannot immediately dodge—what will be the result? If boiling water scalds your hand and the manas fails to comprehend the state of the body, you will continue to be scalded until the body consciousness can no longer endure it, while the manas still doesn't understand what is happening—what will be the outcome?

The manas is like the head of state of a nation. What it does not understand or cannot do personally, it delegates to subordinates; it need not handle every matter itself. But if one were to say that the head of state is nothing, possessing very low wisdom, incapable of conviction, incapable of desire and intention, and incapable of concentration—then consider, could such a nation be well-governed? To belittle the head of state is akin to belittling the entire nation. If the engine of a car rusts and malfunctions, what would that car be like?