How Consciousness Transfers Questions to Manas for Deliberation

To encapsulate and condense a question with the conscious mind, then entrust it to the manas (the mental faculty), this method operates as follows. The conscious mind transforms the entire meaning of the question into a single thought, suspending it within the manas—that is, deep within the heart. Regardless of one's activities, one must carry this questioning thought within the mind, deeply and continuously, without abandoning it. If the mind lacks that thought, if the doubt vanishes, or if contemplation ceases, the conscious mind must again present the question to the manas and remind it once more. Simultaneously, the conscious mind itself should avoid excessive and complex mental activities, lest it distract the attention of the manas. This is precisely how Chan (Zen) practitioners investigate the huatou (critical phrase); the method is identical. Deep and subtle, the deepest and most subtle contemplation is just like this. Within worldly methods, many people have used this approach, yet they simply do not summarize or extract it for the use of the Dharma.