How to Accurately Understand the Functional Role of Manas

Why do some people always believe that the seventh consciousness, the manas, is incapable of anything? It is because the vast majority can only perceive the superficial functions of consciousness, failing to recognize the functions of manas. Consequently, they attribute all functions of the five aggregates to consciousness alone, overlooking and negating manas’ role as the sovereign consciousness. They do not realize that manas is the precursor of all phenomena; the very emergence of all phenomena, the contact, discernment, and processing by consciousness, are entirely the result of manas’ choices. Manas is the head of the household of the five-aggregate body.

If a useless entity incapable of anything were to take charge, one can imagine the state such a household would be in. Yet, in the world, there are countless individuals of great merit and wisdom whose five-aggregate bodies perform vast amounts of virtuous and wise deeds—all results led by manas. Even in animals, the function of manas is remarkably superior, beyond comparison with the six consciousnesses. Consider: in any group, large or small, why do subordinate members follow the arrangements and directives of their leader? Beyond authority, is there nothing else? If the leader were incompetent and utterly incapable, yet members still obeyed without question, would these members not be even weaker and more inept?

A national president or head of state cannot, like their subordinates, master every specific task or skill, nor can they shoulder all the work of their subordinates. They stand at the commanding height, overseeing the entire situation, and cannot engage in specific tasks. You cannot claim that because the head of state does not personally address the masses, perform specific duties, or master technical skills, they are not working. As a leader, they must take an overall view, coordinate arrangements, and work in distinct roles from their subordinates, each fulfilling their responsibilities and operating harmoniously to manage the entire nation effectively.

The same applies to a five-aggregate body. Manas stands at the commanding height, directing the whole. It cannot delve into the detailed discernment of specific sense objects like consciousness does—thinking, reasoning, organizing, summarizing, tabulating, analyzing, scrutinizing—with meticulous precision down to every detail. Its energy does not permit such an approach. Only when meditative concentration reaches a certain level, eliminating many unimportant matters, can energy become concentrated and vigorous. Only with sufficient energy can it replace the functions of the six consciousnesses and eliminate them. The manas of an ordinary being must rely on the six consciousnesses to handle specific matters and respond to specific sense objects; otherwise, the six consciousnesses would have no reason to exist.

Manas is the consciousness that constantly examines and ponders, working diligently and operating ceaselessly without interruption. Why, then, do some claim manas is nothing and serves no function? Those who deem consciousness important and manas unimportant fail to recognize who the leader is, who plays the decisive role, and whose work is more demanding. Because the leader remains deeply hidden and unseen, they believe the leader does not exist or mistake the employees for the leader. The leader may not understand technology; when a technician submits a technical project, the leader, despite lacking expertise, still reviews and evaluates it, ultimately approving it for experimentation. The leader still does not comprehend the process or outcome of the experiment. Manas is the leader, the decision-maker, while consciousness is the technician, providing technical services for the leader. Thus, with the services of consciousness, manas need not attend to every matter personally.