Methods of Training the Manindriya in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta: Manindriya Training

The method of contemplation taught by the World-Honored One in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra is a means to train the manas (mind root). First, regarding the observation of breathing, the World-Honored One instructed disciples to observe reality as it is: observe the present state of the breath without adding conceptual thinking or imagination from consciousness. Consciousness is only responsible for directing the manas to the act of breathing; it should not interfere further, refrain from stirring thoughts, or create unnecessary distractions. How does consciousness direct the manas to the breath? Consciousness need only fix attention steadily upon the breath, simply watching it without employing words, language, or internal monologue. At this point, the manas cannot command consciousness, and thus cannot grasp at other dharmas (phenomena); it can only follow the focus of consciousness to observe the breath.

During breath observation, consciousness perceives the in-and-out, long-and-short, and other states of the breath without any mental processing. Gradually, the manas also relinquishes clinging to various conditions and, together with consciousness, concentrates solely on observing the breath, perceiving the state of the breath in each present moment. This gradually becomes a habit, almost automatic, so that whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, one observes the breath. Cultivating this habit is crucial. Once the habit is formed, it becomes the master. Over time, when conditions mature, one will discover the truth of the breath, the emptiness of the physical body, and the truth of non-self (anātman). The observation of other dharmas follows the same principle: reign in the wild horse of the manas, keeping it present and focused. When the mind becomes as fine as a hair, truth is revealed. If the manas is not restrained, it becomes scattered like a monkey or a wild horse, attention diffuses, wisdom does not arise, and one cannot discover the truth, drifting endlessly within the stream of birth and death.

The Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra is excellent. Its practice method applies to both Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna. The method of exertion is simply honest observation, observation as it is, without entertaining other thoughts or mental processing. Consciousness directs the manas, while the manas restrains the deluded thoughts of consciousness. Working together, they realize the non-self of the Five Aggregates (skandhas). This practice gate (door) connects to the contemplation and realization of all dharmas, and to the practice of future generations. When encountering the Buddha Dharma in the future, one will naturally engage in such contemplation, making realization easier. The method of contemplation taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra, which is the method of training the manas, guides and restrains the manas, cultivating the habit of contemplation. Afterwards, realization will naturally follow, like water finding its course. It becomes seemingly effortless practice, spontaneous and natural, inevitably leading to the opening of wisdom.