Controversies arise only when one relies on persons rather than on the Dharma

To observe the functioning of the manas in accordance with reality through direct perception, one must possess the wisdom of the seed-wisdom (bīja-jñāna) of Consciousness-Only, and one must at least have the observational wisdom of a bodhisattva who has attained the first bhūmi.

It is precisely because the manas cannot be observed and is not truly known that controversies arise. Shallow dharmas give rise to no controversy, because everyone can observe them through direct perception; it is only toward what cannot be observed that people dispute. Otherwise, what is there to dispute? White is white, and black is black. Only when one cannot distinguish black from white does dispute arise.

As for what mental factors (caittas) the manas actually possesses, who is able to observe and verify them in actual practice? Both the sixth and seventh consciousnesses are defiled by afflictions, with such heavy obscuration—what capacity do they have to make actual observation? If there is anyone who can verify this, then describe the process of verification.

To rely on the Dharma means to rely on the true reality of how the manas operates. If one cannot observe the manas, how can one define the manas in accordance with its true reality? How can one truly rely upon the actual dharma of real suchness? If one cannot rely upon the dharma of real suchness, then one is relying on persons instead; relying on persons does not accord with the fundamental purpose of Buddhist cultivation and realization, and it will contain errors and omissions, failing to accord with the Buddha's intention—still less can one attain the Way.