The Distinction between Contemplative Thinking and Manifesting-Object Verbal expression

Initial application and sustained examination (vitarka-vicāra) are the initial application and sustained examination of the mind consciousness; deliberation is likewise the deliberation of the mind consciousness. The mind consciousness also has the function and capacity to manifest the realms of the six sense objects through written words and spoken language. From initial application and sustained examination, deliberation can arise; deliberation can give birth to language and words; and with language and words, realms can be expressed and revealed. However, the initial application and sustained examination at the very beginning are without language and words, and the most subtle and refined initial application and sustained examination are also without language and words. Deliberation that involves language and words is relatively coarse and superficial, lacking subtlety. When the mind consciousness engages in initial application and sustained examination without language and words, it is extremely difficult to distinguish it from the wordless state of the manas—light and dark are mixed together, and it is almost impossible to tell which is which.