A More Effort-Saving Method for Thinking About Problems

When encountering a problem that the conscious mind cannot yet grasp despite focused contemplation, and such concentration proves excessively taxing, what should be done?

Allow the conscious mind to package and condense the problem, then hand it over to the manas (the root mind). Let the manas carry this problem constantly, pondering and deliberating upon it, while the conscious mind attends to its regular activities. Engage in light activities, such as moving the body, organizing clothing, tidying up, and so forth. Strive to avoid thinking about other matters, lest they excessively divert the attention of the manas, causing it to become too distracted to deliberate on the primary problem.

During these light activities, although the manas is also distracted, a portion of its energy remains focused on considering the problem. If the activities become too numerous or demanding, the manas becomes excessively distracted and cannot contemplate the main issue. When the manas becomes particularly interested in the problem and desires to resolve it, it may continue its deliberation during sleep. Dreams might then arise, engaging the solitary head consciousness (a specific type of consciousness) in contemplation and investigation within the dream, while still allowing sleep to occur. This is the best and most effortless approach, as the conscious mind does not feel fatigued.

If the conscious mind is not averse to fatigue and chooses to focus intently on pondering this problem during the day, collaborating with the manas to overcome the difficulty, this is the fastest method. If the conscious mind, fearing fatigue, does not participate in the contemplation, then once the manas has roughly conceived an approach, the conscious mind will still need to engage in detailed consideration. Ultimately, the problem must be solved through collaboration with the manas. However, a fundamental principle is that the manas must participate. If the manas does not participate, the problem cannot be resolved.