A Vijñapti-mātratā Analysis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a symptom manifested by the conflict between the sixth and seventh consciousnesses. An individual's manas (ego-consciousness) is extremely stubborn in wanting to perform a certain action, yet the consciousness (mano-vijñāna) is highly rational and unwilling to do so, deeming it inappropriate. However, the consciousness does not understand why manas insists on this course of action and thus cannot effectively persuade or guide manas, resorting instead to forcefully refusing to carry out the action.

Why does manas harbor such thoughts and desire to engage in such unreasonable behavior? The most plausible explanation is karmic obstacles, sometimes referred to as habitual tendencies. Manas follows karma, controlled and manipulated by karmic forces. The consciousness, being discerning and rational, recognizes that this impulse is highly detrimental and thus opposes manas's decision, refusing to execute its commands. This results in intense conflict between the two, giving rise to obsessive-compulsive disorder. For example, a child may have harmed their mother in a past life. Due to karmic connections, they reunite in this life, and the mother may seek retribution against the child. However, the consciousness holds no such intention and refuses to comply with the karma, thus obstructing manas's vengeful behavior. The struggle between karma and reason, the clash between feelings of love and hatred for the child, creates an internal conflict of intertwined love and hate, leading to profound inner turmoil and suffering. This is driven by the karmic pressures from past lives.

Ultimately, which force prevails depends on which is stronger: the rationality of the consciousness or the karmic power of manas. To empower the consciousness to prevail, one must cultivate the wisdom to persuade and guide—thoroughly understanding the principles, thinking clearly, reasoning with evidence, exercising patience, employing skillful methods, and utilizing expedient means. Gradually, this can guide manas to relinquish its original impulse. The consciousness must meticulously and patiently discern why manas holds such thoughts, guiding manas toward magnanimity and broad-mindedness. It should emphasize the importance of nurturing the mother-child relationship, contemplating the boundless benefits and joy the child will bring in the future, reflecting deeply on the child's suffering, and recognizing that treating the child well is tantamount to treating oneself well. It should also contemplate the hardships and challenges endured during pregnancy.

From the relationship between consciousness and manas, we observe that each holds distinct viewpoints. Why can their thoughts and views differ? Would it be beneficial if they were completely aligned? Coercion exists—consciousness may coerce manas, and manas may coerce consciousness. In obsessive-compulsive disorder, who typically forces whom? It is usually manas forcing the consciousness, while the consciousness resists. If both can jointly eradicate ignorance, ultimately exhausting ignorance and transforming consciousness into wisdom, the sixth and seventh consciousnesses will become fully unified, harmoniously aligned, perfectly coordinated, and endowed with immense power of action. Action is the bodily, verbal, and mental activity of the sixth consciousness. The power of action stems partly from the strength of consciousness and partly from the strength of manas. The power of consciousness can be conducted to manas, and the power of manas can empower consciousness. When the two are in harmony and unity, the power of action reaches its maximum potential.