The Achievement of Manas Application

Since learning to utilize the manas, the disciple's work efficiency has rapidly increased, and the workload has multiplied severalfold. Now, when tackling any task, methods are no longer a concern; there is an abundance of approaches that can be conceived. As soon as a matter occupies the mind, attention becomes focused upon it. Then, upon sitting down in meditation—or even falling asleep—a multitude of solutions emerge. Once methods for resolving problems arise, they must be recorded immediately or put into action right away; otherwise, they are easily forgotten later. After implementation, the results of the work progressively improve. Previously, without knowing how to use the manas, encountering certain situations was utterly vexing, especially during busy periods of professional work. It was unclear how to address and resolve matters, causing considerable mental strain.

Over the years of using the manas, the disciple has indeed gained some experiential understanding, though summarizing it remains challenging. At times, the methods, insights, and inspirations generated by the manas' pondering are simply marvelous, evoking personal astonishment and wonder at how they emerged.

Commentary: This sharing of experience is genuine and concrete, entirely free from false or speculative interpretations. The meditative concentration (dhyana) is exceptionally profound; entering samadhi occurs swiftly upon sitting. The functions of consciousness (vijnana) are somewhat weaker, while the functions of the manas are powerful. It truly generates wisdom capable of resolving practical problems, including wisdom pertaining to the Dharma. Once a problem enters the manas, its contemplation becomes thoroughly penetrating.

After consciousness casts forth a question, it ceases pondering, leaving the question suspended within the manas-heart. Allowing the manas to engage in subtle pondering, it contemplates silently and imperceptibly, and the result naturally emerges. When consciousness becomes aware of this result, sudden understanding arises. At this moment, one realizes that although consciousness is not actively thinking, a current of mental force or thinking power is still perceived to be operating. This is the manas' covert way of contemplating problems in the background. As for the depth and duration of this contemplation, or what the outcome will be, it is determined by various factors.

The prerequisite for actively utilizing the manas and enabling its contemplation is the necessity to calm the mind and possess meditative stability (samadhi). The deeper the dhyana, the more powerful the manas' contemplative function becomes, yielding increasingly astonishing results. If one possesses access concentration (anagamya-samadhi) or the first dhyana, contemplating the Dharma with the manas makes severing the view of self (sakaya-drishti) and realizing the mind's nature (seeing one's true nature) relatively much easier. If meditative stability is insufficient, it may feel as if the manas is contemplating, but in reality, consciousness has not ceased and also participates in the thinking. The result then contains elements of conscious analysis and reasoning, making it less authentic.

Mastering this skill leads to great accomplishment in both worldly affairs (laukika) and supramundane Dharma (lokottara). One attains unique, great wisdom, capable of handling diverse matters with multiplied efficiency and strikingly evident results. This skill can be cultivated starting from elementary school age. Once mastered, it not only achieves twice the result with half the effort, but self-learning ability may increase manifold. Outstanding talents would emerge across all walks of life. Such innovative individuals are those whom robots can never catch up to or replace.