The Theoretical Resolution of Vijñāna Differs from the Realization of Manas

It feels as though this supernatural power is so easily attained, but is the conscious understanding truly realized? If it is realized, supernatural powers manifest instantly; if supernatural powers do not appear, then they have not been attained. In that case, conscious understanding is utterly useless—it cannot exert any force, nor can it yield even the slightest merit of liberation. The same applies to severing the view of self and realizing the mind: conscious understanding holds not the slightest merit; it is not true severance of the view of self. No matter how much the consciousness believes the five aggregates to be devoid of self, this is not the realization of selflessness, nor is it the severance of the view of self. Therefore, reading a book a hundred times until its meaning becomes apparent is futile—it remains merely conscious understanding, not the realization of the mental faculty. This principle is crucial, utterly crucial. I urge all to ponder it deeply within your hearts. Cease esteeming emotional thoughts and intellectual understanding as supreme, grand, and precious, lest you mislead yourselves and then go on to mislead others.