The Practice of Vitarka and Vicāra in Zen Meditation

During meditation, initially there is the seeking (vitarka) of consciousness. As samadhi deepens, consciousness shifts to sustained observation (vicara), while the manas (mind-root) begins seeking. When samadhi deepens further and doubt grows intense, manas shifts to sustained observation. When the doubt within manas deepens and transitions to sustained observation, enlightenment is near at hand and may occur at any time or place. Therefore, enlightenment is first attained by manas, followed by consciousness, or simultaneously with consciousness.

In contrast, intellectual understanding is entirely an activity of seeking and sustained observation within consciousness, with manas not yet participating. In cases of deep intellectual understanding, manas participates minimally, lacking sustained observation—at most exhibiting seeking.

Considering seeking and sustained observation: when consciousness abides in a state of no-thought, manas is absolutely not in a state of no-thought. Manas continues its process of deliberation (manana). Regardless of what it deliberates upon—including deliberating upon the very state of non-thinking—this too constitutes manas engaging in seeking and sustained observation.