The Vigilant Function of Manas Toward Vijñāna

Question: Once, while I was digging for mugwort near a graveyard, I kept feeling as if someone was behind me, but there was actually no one around. Is this a sensation from the manas (mind root) or from consciousness? Was there really someone there, or was it an illusion?

Answer: The feeling that someone is present is a sensation of consciousness. This sensation is transmitted from the manas to consciousness. Consciousness does not perceive anyone behind you, but the manas can perceive it. Since it cannot handle the matter itself, it allows consciousness to sense it first for later processing. If consciousness does not understand at this point, it cannot process it. If consciousness realizes that there might be a ghost behind, it will decide whether to leave or not. Those who are bold will not leave, while those who are timid will leave. Of course, this boldness or timidity refers to the manas, and the final decision to leave is still made by the manas.

The manas can perceive people and events that consciousness cannot see, including beings in the spirit realm, but consciousness remains unaware. If the manas wants consciousness to know, consciousness will begin to feel suspicious or have a sensation. If consciousness possesses wisdom, it will analyze, reflect, and deduce reasonably, thus becoming aware of what is happening.