The Different Functions and Roles of the Manas of Sentient Beings

Question: Is the functional operation of the manas the same between one person and another? Is the functional operation of the manas the same among sentient beings of the six realms? Is the functional operation of the manas the same between ordinary sentient beings and sages? Is the manas of animals the same as that of humans?

Answer: The functional operation of the manas is the same in all sentient beings; it is only that the degree of ignorance differs and the degree of enlightenment differs, so when it functions, there is a distinction between good functioning and bad functioning. For example, all knives have the function of cutting, but because knives differ in sharpness and dullness, the results of what they carve out differ: what a sharp knife carves out is perfect, neat, and valuable, while what a dull knife carves out is uneven, unusable, or may even damage things, with no good effect. Because the wisdom of the manas differs, the undertakings it accomplishes differ; because the afflictions differ, the karmic actions it creates differ, and thus the retributions differ. A manas with slight ignorance can use it well, while a manas with deep and heavy ignorance uses it badly, and the results differ greatly. Because the degree of ignorance in the manas differs, and the degree of enlightenment differs, sentient beings in the world are divided into various ranks, with the distinction between ordinary beings and sages, and the eons required for sentient beings to become Buddhas differ accordingly.