Mind as True Knowledge

The consciousness accompanied by the five senses possesses far greater power than solitary consciousness, thereby being much more capable of persuading the manas. Since the consciousness accompanied by the five senses grasps information that is more authentic and comprehensive, with richer data and more conclusive evidence, the manas gains reliable grounds for making decisions and judgments.

Practice is not mere imagination; it necessarily involves the participation of the manas. Without the manas' involvement, practice remains unsubstantiated, belonging to the realm of speculative understanding, like castles in the air. Only when the manas engages in practice can genuine realization be attained, for the knowledge of the manas is true knowledge. If it is merely the knowledge of consciousness, it is unreliable—acquired knowledge and theories, not personally verified realization.

If consciousness successfully influences the manas, its power becomes immense. Our ultimate attainment of Buddhahood through Buddhist practice relies precisely on consciousness continuously and profoundly influencing the manas, eradicating the ignorance of the manas, thoroughly transforming consciousness into wisdom, and ultimately achieving Buddhahood.

When the conscious mind possesses strength, daytime visualization influences the manas, leading to entry into dreams at night. In the dream state, consciousness can recognize that it is a product of one's own visualization—this is the merit of the manas.