Knowledge and Views Cannot Withstand Afflictions, Much Less Birth and Death

When one attains the contemplation of the mirage-like illusion (mṛgatṛṣṇā), upon encountering any state or circumstance, there is no need for deliberation at all—one simply passes through it directly. When the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi) is truly eradicated, with sufficient meditative concentration, there is also no need for deliberation—one directly lets the state pass into emptiness, and will not regard these so-called states as real.

But for one who merely understands intellectually, compounded by arrogance, when encountering states, the afflictions may be even heavier than those of an ordinary person.

It is evident that realization through the manas and intellectual understanding through the mind consciousness cannot be mentioned in the same breath. The gap between having meditative concentration and not having it is considerable. What does actual practice cultivate? We should know this.

When one truly realizes any dharma, with the support of meditative concentration, no problem is a problem, and no matter is a matter. But once meditative concentration is lost, it is hard to say—the great flood may burst the dam and wash away the embankment of afflictions.

Whether one has cultivated or not is seen from one's actions, not from the words of one's mouth. One's words may sound lofty and grand, while one's conduct may be base and lowly—such is the magnitude of the gap. Language and words correspond to the mind consciousness; this does not represent cultivation. Actions directly correspond to the manas; only this represents cultivation. Therefore, cultivation means cultivating the manas. When cultivation has not reached the manas, it is not true cultivation. All views and knowledge are powerless in the face of even slightly greater afflictions, especially in the face of birth and death. Views and knowledge simply cannot withstand afflictions, let alone birth and death.