What Is Actual Realization?

Many people speak of experiential realization every day. What is meant by "actual"? "Actual" refers to the directly perceived state of Manas; the state of Manas determines the level of one's cultivation. The state of consciousness is illusory, vanishing in an instant like ephemeral flowers that never take root. Manas is the sovereign consciousness, commanding the six consciousnesses and governing physical, verbal, and mental actions. The understanding derived from consciousness is not experiential realization, because consciousness cannot govern physical, verbal, and mental actions.

Experiential realization requires realization through Manas. To achieve realization through Manas, meditative concentration is indispensable. Without sufficient meditative concentration, Manas cannot attain realization—only the understanding of consciousness remains. Therefore, apart from meditative concentration, there can be no talk of experiential realization. When there is understanding through consciousness but no realization through Manas, it is a case of virtue not matching the position.