The Relationship Between Manas, Dhyāna, and Enlightenment

The deliberation of the manas is more profound, subtle, and ultimate than the thinking of the consciousness. Therefore, only when the manas simultaneously deliberates and investigates the Dharma principles can realization be attained. For the manas to participate in the investigation of the Dharma meaning, a relatively deep state of dhyana is essential, as only then can the Dharma meaning penetrate to the manas, prompting it to concentrate and diligently investigate. Without dhyana, the manas cannot focus and thus cannot exert effort in the investigation. If one attempts forced contemplation without dhyana, it is known as speculation and emotional-intellectual understanding, the outcome of which is already known to all. Therefore, the relationship between dhyana and realization, and the relationship between the manas and realization, must be clearly ascertained and understood before one can begin the dedicated practice of Chan investigation.