The Influence of Sense Objects on the Manas When the Six Consciousnesses Are Absent

When the manas contacts mental objects (dharmas), the mind consciousness subsequently arises to discern the mental objects. It is the manas that first contacts and first knows the mental objects, while the mind consciousness contacts and knows them afterward. It is only that what the manas knows is not as clear and detailed as what the mind consciousness knows, and after knowing, the manas is unable to act on it; it must rely on the mind consciousness and the five sense consciousnesses in order to act. Therefore, all sense objects are known first by the manas, without needing feedback from the six consciousnesses. However, the six consciousnesses discern the six sense objects in greater detail, and the mind consciousness has a strong capacity for logical thinking and observation, and can offer the manas many suggestions. When the manas receives feedback from the five sense consciousnesses and the mind consciousness, it can fully and thoroughly understand the sense objects, and then make the final decision. Therefore, although the manas cannot fully discern the realms of the six sense objects, it can still be habituated, or gain a general understanding; for familiar sense objects, its discernment can be somewhat clearer. In this way, it exerts an unconscious influence on the manas, and seeds can be stored away.