The Process of Cultivating Dharma Is More Important Than the Outcome

The observation and thought of consciousness, through their process and outcome, can influence the manas (the seventh consciousness), causing it to become convinced and to generate identical thoughts and notions. Once the manas actualizes its thoughts and notions, all dharmas will inevitably be accomplished, for they are supported by the tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-nature). All actions performed by consciousness serve no other purpose than to influence and condition the manas, prompting its transformation. Beyond this, they hold no substantive significance. Consciousness does not make decisions; it is not the boss. Behind the boss, there is the president—this is the most formidable entity.

Therefore, in our cultivation and study of the Buddha Dharma, we must engage in deliberation—the deeper, more meticulous, and more comprehensive, the better. This process itself is the means by which the manas comes to understand and affirm. Without this process, the manas cannot attain certainty, and nothing can be accomplished. Thus, the process is more crucial than the result. Many people seek only the outcome in their study of the Dharma, neglecting the process. Without the process, how can they genuinely realize the Buddha Dharma and thereby transform themselves and everything else?