The Efficacy of Spiritual Practice Depends on the Degree of Manas's Permeation

Question: If after hearing a certain teaching, such as "the five aggregates are illusory" or "non-self, impermanence, and emptiness," and the mind indeed changes in daily life—whether through major adjustments in work and life, or finding that previously craved objects are no longer so desirable, feeling very detached—is this considered a transformation of the manas?

Answer: This change occurs at the stage of practicing the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment. It indicates that the practice is becoming effective, the mind is on the Noble Eightfold Path, and some coarse afflictions of greed have been subdued, leading the mind to begin transforming. When the body, mind, and world undergo transformation, it is due to the manas being influenced and transformed. That is to say, at any stage of practice, as long as the manas is influenced, the practice will show results. The Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment must also reach the manas; otherwise, it is merely superficial practice, not yet on the true path. However, such transformation of body and mind is still insufficient to bring about a thorough rebirth, to the extent of severing the view of self. Therefore, many who claim to have severed the view of self show little improvement or change in body and mind afterward. The bones remain unchanged; the womb of an ordinary being cannot be replaced with that of a sage.