The Method of Profound Contemplation with Manas

Sit cross-legged in stillness, take a deep exhale followed by an inhale. Once the mind settles and becomes tranquil, begin to deeply contemplate a question. Initially, this contemplation is certainly done by the conscious mind. Gradually, as focus narrows onto the question, the conscious mind merely observes the question without stirring, while the manas (the root faculty of cognition) takes over the profound process of investigation and inquiry. Although the manas moves, its movement is extremely slow, almost imperceptible, until it seems to cease moving altogether. The question then hangs suspended in the vast emptiness of the mind, or within the subtle sense faculties, sometimes referred to as the black box.

As the conscious mind attends and the manas contemplates, information devoid of words and language will spontaneously flash forth. The manas perceives it, and the conscious mind understands it, though not necessarily with perfect clarity or distinctness. If the power of concentration (samadhi) is sufficient and does not diminish, the information will subsequently become increasingly abundant and clearer. Within the mind, understanding of what the information signifies grows increasingly lucid, and the answer to the question gradually manifests. The heart-mind then feels lightened and expansive. Upon emerging from samadhi, the conscious mind needs to filter, recall, and examine the information that appeared in the mind from beginning to end once more, before finally confirming it. The manas subsequently confirms it as well, and thus the result is finalized.

The entire process requires very deep and focused meditative concentration (dhyana-samadhi). During the process of deep contemplation, it is possible that the power of concentration progressively improves, to the extent that the mind enters deeply into samadhi, experiencing ease, joy, and comfort, though not necessarily accompanied by the manas's process of investigation. After emerging from samadhi, or once the power of concentration weakens, resuming the investigation and inquiry will ultimately lead to the result appearing.