Is the Defilement of Manas and the Attainment of the Fruit Necessarily Achieved Exclusively in Samadhi?

Attaining the fruition must occur within meditative concentration (dhyāna). While the permeation and maturation of the manas (the seventh consciousness) does not strictly require meditative concentration, the permeation of wholesome dharmas into the manas is indeed easier within such a state. In contrast, the permeation of unwholesome dharmas does not require meditative concentration at all. This is because the manas itself is replete with unwholesome dharmas and is naturally inclined towards them. Merely encountering unwholesome dharmas allows for unconscious permeation, especially through prolonged exposure, which inevitably causes the manas to become permeated and form habits. Due to the profound ignorance accumulated by the manas over beginningless kalpas, it has perpetually dwelt within unwholesome dharmas, becoming heavily afflicted and defiled. It lacks the strength to extricate itself, and external aid in its rescue is also exceedingly difficult. To eradicate defilements and afflictions, to permeate and cultivate wholesome dharmas, and to transform the mind towards goodness is not an achievement possible through short-term efforts.

Generally speaking, the defilements accumulated over beginningless kalpas require the permeation of wholesome dharmas over an equally beginningless span of time to transform unwholesomeness into wholesomeness. However, this process takes far too long, and such a prolonged environment conducive to wholesome dharmas is unavailable. Therefore, one must strive to accomplish this permeation and maturation within a relatively shorter period—such as one kalpa, a minor kalpa, millions of years, hundreds of thousands of years, or even hundreds or tens of years. To achieve this permeation and maturation within such a brief timeframe requires meditative concentration. The shorter the time, the deeper the required meditative concentration. This is because within meditative concentration, the mind becomes unified and focused, contemplation becomes deep, subtle, and penetrating, wisdom can arise, the manas grasps principles swiftly, readily accepts permeation, and wholesome dharmas are easily established. Without meditative concentration, the mind is scattered, the manas contemplates without penetrating depth, wisdom fails to arise, it becomes incapable of receiving wholesome dharmas, views and concepts cannot be altered, and one will continue to act according to unwholesome mental factors.

Moreover, attaining the fruition is even more difficult than the permeation of wholesome dharmas. It requires greater, deeper, and more subtle wisdom, and a more thorough, non-regressing transformation of thoughts and views. This necessitates deeper and more prolonged meditative concentration. Only then can the manas contemplate the principle of non-self (anātman) with greater single-mindedness, thoroughly penetrate the theoretical contemplation, and thereby realize the principle. Meditative concentration stills and quiets the mind. A stilled mind can subdue afflictions, focus intently on the principle, and generate wisdom. Without meditative concentration, this merit is absent. Since beginningless time, the manas has been habituated to self and afflictions. To change these habits and subdue afflictions within a short time is indeed not an easy matter. Without special methods and means, without extremely strong willpower, and without great vow-power and endurance, it is impossible to sever the view of self and eliminate afflictions.