Consciousness and Manas: Simultaneous Discernment and Mentation

In the process of discerning all dharmas, whether thoughts arise or not, whether thoughts are distinct or indistinct, whether in the state of investigation or examination, there is discernment by consciousness as well as discernment by the mental faculty (manas). As long as a dharma is discerned, these two consciousnesses certainly coexist simultaneously. The distinction lies in which one discerns clearly and which one does not, which one discerns distinctly and which one indistinctly, and which one primarily performs the discernment. Whenever a thought arises, these two consciousnesses definitely appear together simultaneously. This is because the mental faculty is the co-existent basis (sahabhū-hetu) of consciousness; where there is consciousness, there must be the mental faculty. The arising of consciousness is the result of the mental faculty's deliberation. Therefore, when consciousness moves, the mental faculty has necessarily already moved. If discernment and mental movement by the mental faculty are absent, consciousness will not arise.

Moreover, the mental faculty is an uninterrupted consciousness, existing at all times, constantly operating, clinging, and grasping. It never ceases to generate thoughts and never ceases to deliberate. The only differences are whether its movements are distinct or indistinct, whether its mind is scattered or concentrated, whether it is with attachment or without attachment, and whether consciousness can perceive its existence and mental activities.

When many people experience no movement of consciousness and cannot observe the mental faculty, they feel that they are currently quite tranquil, without any thoughts. In reality, the mental faculty does have thoughts at this time; it is engaged in clinging and deliberation. It is merely that consciousness lacks the wisdom to observe this. At any moment, the mental faculty may make a decision, and then consciousness can no longer remain tranquil—it will begin to engage in some action or creation. Every action of body, speech, or mind, whether major or minor, subtle or significant, is the result of the mental faculty's deliberation. When it intends to create something, consciousness cannot remain tranquil and will follow the mental faculty's inclinations to engage in creation.