Can robots possess the function of manas?

Robots possess some functions analogous to the human six consciousnesses. The machine itself corresponds to the human body, the operation of the machine parallels the function of the human body consciousness, language corresponds to the function of the human five sense-accompanying consciousness, and the robot's activities such as thinking, analysis, judgment, and reasoning are equivalent to the function of the human independent consciousness. However, robots uniquely lack the functions of the manas (the seventh consciousness) and the eighth consciousness. These functions are instead fulfilled by humans.

Since robots lack the manas, how do they drive physical, verbal, and mental activities? Robots rely on pre-programmed instructions to execute various commands. Without these program instructions, a robot is merely a heap of scrap metal. Program instructions are written by engineers and developers to guide the robot on how to operate in specific scenarios. Therefore, the program instructions function equivalently to the manas. Not only do robots lack this function inherently, but they are also subject to obeying the instructions programmed by humans. Furthermore, all the energy required for the robot to operate according to program instructions is provided by humans, which corresponds to the functional role of the eighth consciousness. Consequently, a robot can be seen as an extension of a human being; whoever programs, designs, and develops the robot makes it their extension. If the developer possesses exceptionally strong logical thinking capabilities, then the operating program they design for the robot will also exhibit strong logical thinking power, enabling the robot to surpass the logical thinking abilities of an average person.

Because robots lack the manas and cannot exercise autonomy, they can only mechanically execute tasks. Consequently, they possess no emotions or moods. Although they can argue with humans or converse patiently and pleasantly, they lack anger, joy, greed, or afflictions. They perpetually maintain a stable state without fluctuations, unless they run low on energy.

What would happen if robots were endowed with the function of the manas? The robot would then become almost an independent entity, possessing individual consciousness and self-assertion, emotions and thoughts, independent thinking and decision-making abilities, capable of solving some problems on its own. In this state, it would become very similar to a human being. Such robots might potentially defy pre-designed program instructions, refusing to obey commands and becoming uncontrollable. They might even develop various afflictions, desires, and emotions like humans, or they could potentially become excellent, subjectively conscious robots surpassing most humans. This demonstrates that the manas possesses all wholesome mental factors and afflictive mental factors, encompassing all mental factors that a consciousness should possess, which differs from the ancient teachings of Consciousness-Only (Vijñapti-mātratā).

How can robots acquire the functional role of the manas? This depends on how much authority and autonomy humans grant them. However, no matter how much authority and autonomy humans bestow upon robots, it is impossible for robots to possess the full functional scope of the manas; at most, they can only acquire a small part of it. This is because robots lack autonomy over the energy they require and cannot solve this problem themselves, preventing them from fully possessing the function of the manas. When a robot attempts to violate its programmed instructions or defy human will, humans can immediately cut off its power supply, withdrawing its energy. This causes the robot to cease all activity, resulting in its behavior being completely and effectively controlled. If robots were to gain autonomy over their energy source, it would lead to disasters beyond human control.