The Power of Manas

As practice deepens and meditative concentration and wisdom become increasingly complete, the manas will gradually grow strong. The sign of the manas growing strong is the transformation of consciousness into wisdom—the transformation of the mental factors (caittas). The strength of the manas represents the strength of the mental factors; when the mental factors are strong, the manas becomes strong, capable of overcoming all obstacles. The five universal mental factors and the five object-specific mental factors, along with the eleven wholesome mental factors, are all present, while the afflictive mental factors have long been completely eradicated—though perhaps some very subtle afflictive habits remain, along with some slight attachment to dharmas. When the manas grows strong to a certain point, it will replace the six consciousnesses; without needing the supporting conditions of the six consciousnesses, it can on its own discern the realms of the six sense objects—both coarse and subtle pose no problem. At this time, great supernatural powers will manifest.