Where Do the Merit and Benefit of Liberation Come From

Knowing is easy while practicing is difficult; the key lies in where the knowledge is implemented. If it is merely implemented at the level of consciousness, then even a small amount of practice cannot be discussed. When consciousness knows that the five aggregates are without self, there is not even the slightest meritorious effect of liberation. Therefore, a Stream-enterer (Sotāpanna) absolutely does not merely know with consciousness that the five aggregates are without self; the manas (root mind) must know it. Only then can the severing of the view of self bring meritorious effect, enabling preliminary liberation and establishing a clear demarcation from ordinary beings.

If a Stream-enterer partially realizes liberation, possessing a fraction of liberation's meritorious effect, then the truth that the five aggregates are without self must be realized by the manas. If it is realized only by consciousness, there will be no meritorious effect and no partial realization of liberation.