Only by Cultivating to the Manas Can the Fundamental Problem Be Solved

When one attains the contemplation of mirage-like appearances, upon encountering any state or circumstance, there is no need for deliberation at all—one simply passes right through it. When the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi) is truly eradicated and meditative concentration is sufficient, deliberation is likewise unnecessary; one directly lets the state pass as empty, and will not take these so-called states seriously. As for those who merely understand intellectually, due to lacking meditative concentration and being compounded by arrogance, when they encounter states, their afflictions may even be heavier than those of ordinary beings.

It can be seen that realization by the manas and intellectual understanding by the mind consciousness are not comparable in the slightest. The gap between having meditative concentration and lacking it is considerable. What does actual practice actually cultivate? We should know this. When one has genuinely realized any dharma and possesses meditative concentration, no problem is a problem, and no matter is a matter. But once meditative concentration is lost, it is hard to say—the great flood may burst its banks and wash away the dam of afflictions.

Whether one has cultivated or not is seen from one's actions, not from the words of one's mouth. Words may sound lofty and grand, while one's conduct may be base and lowly—such is the magnitude of the gap. Language and words correspond to the mind consciousness, and this does not represent cultivation; actions directly correspond to the manas, and only this represents cultivation. Therefore, cultivation means cultivating the manas; before cultivation reaches the manas, it is not true cultivation. All views and knowledge are powerless in the face of even slightly greater afflictions, and especially in the face of birth and death—views simply cannot withstand afflictions, let alone birth and death.