Reflections on the Delimitation Between the Ordinary and the Sage

The manas is the basis for the purity or defilement of the six consciousnesses. When the manas is defiled, the six consciousnesses must be defiled; when the manas is pure, the six consciousnesses must be pure. If the manas has not severed the view of self, can the mental consciousness sever the view of self? If the manas has not severed the fetters of afflictions, such as failing to sever the three fetters, can the mental consciousness eliminate the three fetters? Since the manas has not eliminated the three fetters, upon death, one is pulled by karmic obstructions to receive retribution in hell. Where does the mental consciousness go at this time?

When the manas remains in the state of an ordinary being's ignorance, can the mental consciousness alone become a noble one who has attained the first fruition? Should such a person be considered an ordinary being or a noble one who has realized the fruition? Or are they split into two separate entities? If someone harms oneself, and the manas is stubbornly attached to the self, insisting on seeking revenge, how should the mental consciousness handle this matter?

When the mental consciousness is clear and has understood the correct principle, having been influenced, it can reason with the manas, counter-influencing it, thereby suppressing and subduing the manas to prevent it from seeking revenge and creating unwholesome karma. However, at the time of death and during the intermediate state, when the power of the mental consciousness is weak, it becomes incapable of guiding or persuading the manas.

Can the mental consciousness guide and admonish the manas in dreams? If one cannot control oneself even in dreams, it is even less possible at the time of death. What is meant by "control"? It refers to the mental consciousness understanding the principle and subduing the manas, rectifying it, and properly directing its course. Clearly, during the time of death and in the intermediate state, the mental consciousness is unable to control the manas. At this point, the manas will be pulled by karmic forces or by the power of vows, but not by the mental consciousness. Therefore, if one's practice stops at the stage of the mental consciousness and refuses to advance further, is it not very dangerous and unreliable?