What Information from Past Lives Can the Manas Convey?

For example, when Master Hanshan saw the relics left behind by Su Dongpo, he felt especially intimate and familiar with them at that moment. This was information conveyed by the manas; the mind consciousness discerned it and gave rise to a feeling of intimacy. This discernment was vague and indistinct, unable to determine anything definite, yet the feeling was very strong—a feeling brought to the mind consciousness by the manas. If the mind consciousness had the wisdom to further discern the manas's intentions, it would know more, more detailed and accurate information; then it would not merely be a feeling of familiarity and intimacy. In that case, the manas might have its intentions satisfied, and there could be further thoughts and actions.

For example, suppose Yi always speaks ill of Jia behind his back. Jia's mind consciousness does not know this, but his manas perceives it. So when Jia meets Yi, the manas will certainly transmit information, and the mind consciousness will inexplicably feel uncomfortable and not particularly like Yi. But as for exactly why he does not like Yi, the mind consciousness cannot figure it out; the manas understands yet cannot express it. If the mind consciousness has wisdom, it will know why—it will know that Yi always speaks ill of it—and may then plan what action to take in retaliation. Once the manas also agrees to retaliate, then there will be a drama between the two of them, Jia and Yi. Therefore, do not discuss or judge people behind their backs, and even less should you scheme against them or trip them up behind their backs, because any secret can leak out—no wall is completely airtight. If you form unwholesome karmic bonds with others, sooner or later you will receive the retribution. No one can escape cause and effect, and no deed fails to bear its consequences.

The manas can also transmit to the mind consciousness all afflictions of greed, hatred, and delusion. For instance, with greed for wealth and property: upon seeing wealth, one wants to take it as one's own. The mind consciousness may feel too embarrassed and not quite dare to do so, but with the manas egging it on and making the decision behind the scenes, the mind consciousness will cautiously, stealthily, and secretly devise ways to take the wealth as its own. If the manas is upright, it can also transmit upright mental states to the mind consciousness; if the manas is resolute, it can make the mind consciousness strong; if the manas has wisdom, it can make the mind consciousness act in accordance with the Dharma and with reason, so that when encountering defiled states, it is not influenced or tainted by them.