The Importance of Understanding the Distinction Between Manas and Mano-vijnana in the Dharma Ending Age

People nowadays do not cultivate meditative concentration, nor can they cultivate it well; they merely engage in empty talk. After reading a couple of books and intellectually understanding a little, they consider themselves enlightened, not even attaining intellectual awakening, yet claim to have attained actual realization. Therefore, it is necessary for sentient beings in the Dharma-ending Age to understand the distinction between the manas (the seventh consciousness) and the consciousness (the sixth consciousness), so that the public may know what constitutes intellectual understanding and what constitutes actual realization, in order to prevent sentient beings from committing the grave offense of false speech.

The chaos in the Dharma-ending Age is extremely severe. Sentient beings are deeply entrenched in emotional attachments. While they often say, "Rely on the Dharma, not on the person," their actions are actually the opposite. If all sentient beings could practice according to the Dharma and principles, truly relying on the Dharma rather than individuals, reducing empty slogans and increasing practical actions, striving to fulfill their duties properly, and genuinely adhering to the Buddha's teachings, then the Buddha would be somewhat more at ease. Not opposing the Buddha but following his teachings diligently is equivalent to repaying the Buddha's kindness.

If one subdues emotional attachments even a little, they will perceive the truth more clearly. One should prioritize the path of spiritual cultivation over emotional attachments. Emotional attachments cannot save anyone; each person bears their own karma, and no one can substitute for another. If one can broaden their mind and have more energy, they should prioritize the Buddha-dharma and the life-and-death matters of sentient beings. Moreover, one must first understand the Buddha's kindness and find ways to repay it, avoiding speech and actions that cause the Buddha sorrow and distress. It is essential to know that the Tathagatagarbha stores seeds moment by moment. In every instant of our speech, actions, and activities of body, speech, and mind, the Tathagatagarbha is overseeing and recording. Therefore, we must revere the Tathagatagarbha and revere the law of cause and effect, rather than merely paying lip service while acting contrary to it.