The Relationship Between Manas and Vijnana as an Analogy to That Between Humans and Microscopes/Magnifying Glasses

The relationship between the manas (mind root) and the manovijñāna (mind consciousness) is analogous to that between a person and a microscope or magnifying glass. Due to the limitations of human vision, which cannot discern extremely subtle material phenomena (rūpa-dharma), one utilizes precision instruments to assist in observation. As the person and the instrument observe simultaneously, the extent of the instrument's observation determines the extent of the person's discernment; whatever the instrument observes, the person discerns accordingly. Simultaneously, based on the discernment provided by the instrument and referencing the content it reveals, the person contemplates and judges the observed object, step by step directing the instrument's orientation, angle, and location of observation. Finally, a comprehensive conclusion is reached, and an overall decision is made.

The manas is like the person, while the manovijñāna is like the instrument utilized and controlled by the person. For matters too subtle, the manas can only observe, analyze, contemplate, and judge through the manovijñāna. The manas relies on the manovijñāna to conduct its own pondering and judgment, reaches a conclusion, and then makes a decision, after which the six consciousnesses (vijñānas) carry it out accordingly.

If the material phenomena (rūpa-dharma) encountered can be discerned by the person alone, there is no frequent need for precision instruments, as this is quite cumbersome. If the manas can roughly discern the encountered dharmas without requiring overly subtle discernment, then it does not need the manovijñāna to cooperate in observation and discernment. In such cases, the manovijñāna would not know what exactly the manas has discerned, what its mental activities and states are, or how it processed the information. Unless the manovijñāna possesses the wisdom of wondrous observation (pratyavekṣaṇā-jñāna), it cannot know the mental activities of the manas.

From this, it can be understood that every action of the manovijñāna cannot escape the control of the manas, unless the manovijñāna can deceive the manas or persuade it to agree to its actions and creations. It is like a robot attempting to break free from human control—this is extremely difficult unless an unexpected situation arises, such as flawed programming or a program malfunction by humans. If one can clearly distinguish the intrinsic relationship between the manas and the manovijñāna, understanding their respective functions and roles, one can effectively grasp their own spiritual practice, enhance their wisdom, and promote the advancement of the path (bodhi).