Mano-dhātu

mano-dhātu: 'mind-element', is one of the 18 elements (s. dhātu II).

This term, unlike manāyatana, does not apply to the whole of consciousness, but designates only that special element of consciousness which first,

at the beginning of the process of sens-perception, performs the function of advertence (āvajjana; Tab. I, 70) to the sense-object and,

then after twice having become conscious of it performs the function of reception (sampaṭicchana; Tab I- 39,.55) into mind-consciousness.

See viññāṇa-kicca.

Source

dictionary.buddhistdoor.com