The Principles of True Zen Meditation Practice

During Chan meditation, while the consciousness is thought-free, the manas must never be without thought. The absence of thought belongs purely to the cultivation of concentration and cannot give rise to wisdom; therefore, it cannot lead to enlightenment or the realization of one's true nature.

When the power of concentration is exceptionally strong, the consciousness may seem thought-free, but in reality, there remains a thought suspended in the heart—specifically, suspended within the manas. The manas engages in investigation, with the consciousness cooperating. When sufficient material and complete data are available, the manas takes the lead in investigation.

If the data is insufficient, the manas requests material and data from the consciousness, after which it delves deeply into investigation. This is the true secret of diligent investigation. If one knows everything, it ceases to be a secret. When the manas requests material and data from the consciousness, the consciousness must engage in clear thinking and analysis, then deliver the results of this analysis to the manas. The manas then proceeds to investigate based on this data.

We have all experienced moments when, on the surface, it seems there are no thoughts or mental activities, yet deep within, the mind is not truly tranquil. Some mental dynamics remain deeply concealed, much like the ocean—its surface appears still and calm, while beneath, its currents flow swiftly and powerfully. The manas is precisely like this: profound, elusive, and unfathomable.

Realization through Chan investigation can only occur under specific conditions of causes and circumstances, depending on the respective states of consciousness and manas. Therefore, experienced and highly responsible Chan masters observe whether their disciples possess the necessary conditions. If the conditions are insufficient—such as a lack of meditative concentration—the master refrains from guiding them, lest the disciples attain only intellectual understanding and remain devoid of vitality throughout their lives.

The wisdom attained under different Chan masters varies significantly, and the depth of realization differs greatly. Thus, encountering a particular kind of Chan master precisely reflects one's own merit, virtue, and karmic conditions.