The Principles of Mind-Thought and Mind-Listening

Mental recitation and mental hearing are not the same as mental recitation and auditory hearing. Mental recitation and auditory hearing, though termed "auditory hearing," is actually not auditory hearing, as the auditory consciousness cannot perceive internal sounds; it can only perceive the external sound of vocalized recitation. The mental consciousness perceives both internal (mental) and external (vocal) sounds, while the manas, depending on the level of concentrative power, participates in the hearing to varying depths. In mental recitation, where no sound is produced, there is no bodily consciousness involved in the recitation; only mental consciousness is present, or sometimes both manas and mental consciousness recite together, with this mental consciousness being the manas-consciousness. The conscious mind that hears the sound of mental recitation is the manas-consciousness listening, and the manas may also listen together.

There is another scenario of mental recitation where the manas recites alone. In this case, the observer is also the manas-consciousness, and the manas may also engage in introspective observation together. Generally, when concentrative power is shallow and introspective awareness is lacking, the manas-consciousness finds it difficult to observe the manas reciting; only with deep concentrative power can one observe one's own mind reciting. When reciting with the mind, the deeper the concentrative power, the more deeply the manas participates in the recitation, and the manas itself along with the manas-consciousness observe the mental recitation with increasing clarity and distinctness. This already reaches the state of Buddha-recitation samadhi.

The mental recitation of the manas also manifests in mantra recitation. When reading sutras or reciting mantras, one can also engage the manas to follow along in recitation. This requires meditative concentration (dhyāna). The deeper the meditative concentration, the more deeply the manas participates. When the mind is calm, the manas-consciousness can observe the mental recitation of the manas, but the manas itself has no linguistic, textual, or auditory form; it possesses only mental recitation, which is the mental factor of recollection (smṛti). When reading sutras or reciting mantras, one should do so slowly and silently. This allows the manas to focus and follow along in recitation. With deep concentrative power, the manas not only recites deeply and attentively but also possesses strong introspective awareness. Here, both the manas-consciousness and the manas possess introspective awareness, making them difficult to distinguish. Very deep meditative concentration and a very calm mind are required to develop discernment, so misunderstandings easily arise regarding the introspective awareness of these two.

Concentration (samādhi) is essentially the power of focus. To maintain concentration free from distracting thoughts, there are two methods: First, reciting extremely fast, leaving no time for distracting thoughts to arise, as they cannot keep pace. Second, reciting extremely slowly, where the absence of distracting thoughts in the mind allows for single-minded focus. However, the first method of extreme speed can only be used temporarily, not long-term, as it consumes energy and vitality, and physical stamina cannot sustain it. The strength of concentrative power directly influences the degree of the manas's participation in all dharmas. The more the manas participates, the more one can accomplish; this is wisdom. Therefore, possessing meditative concentration and concentrative power is not only beneficial for Buddhist study and practice but also brings immense advantages for survival within worldly affairs.

In spiritual practice, as long as one applies effort diligently, surmounting one ridge will lead to rapid progress. May everyone be able to let go of worldly affairs and wholeheartedly turn towards the Buddha Dharma, seeking the fundamental essence, not grasping at superficial adornments.