The Distinction Between Contemplative Awareness and Conventional Designations of Manifest Phenomena

Perception is the perception of consciousness, and thought is also the thought of consciousness. Consciousness further possesses the functional capability to manifest the realms of the six dusts through words and language. Perception can give rise to thought; thought can give birth to words and language; with words and language, one can express and manifest realms. However, the initial perception is devoid of words and language, and the deepest, most subtle perception is also without words or language. Thought accompanied by words and language is relatively coarse and superficial, lacking refinement. When consciousness engages in perception and thought without words or language, it becomes extremely difficult to distinguish it from the state of manas (the mental faculty) which also lacks words or language. Light and darkness intermingle, making it almost impossible to distinguish between them.