The Mind Faculty Conditions All Dharmas with Focus, Orientation, and Selectivity

The characteristic of parikalpita-svabhāva (imagined nature) of manas (the mental faculty) does not entail clinging to all dharmas simultaneously or indiscriminately, as its energy is insufficient, leading it to make selective choices at any given moment. Manas remains indifferent toward some dharmas; it is disgusted by and avoids others, though this avoidance itself constitutes a form of clinging; it harbors strong attachment toward certain dharmas; and it habitually clings to and discriminates others. Although manas has the capacity to perceive all dharmas universally, it cannot simultaneously perceive them all at once. It still operates with focus, emphasis, and selectivity, particularly regarding dharmas it expects the six consciousnesses to process. Otherwise, if the six consciousnesses cannot fully discriminate them, they would become fatigued and collapse—a consequence manas is capable of understanding.