Denying the Role of Manas in Attaining the Fruition Is an Act of Slandering the Dharma and Undermining the Dharma

When attaining the fruition and enlightenment, is it sufficient for consciousness alone to comprehend, or must the manas simultaneously understand and jointly attain the fruition? This question is also a matter of consciousness-only wisdom. Only bodhisattvas above the first ground, after transforming consciousness into wisdom, can genuinely observe this and truly understand the issue. Because bodhisattvas below the first ground and ordinary beings cannot observe the manas and its operations, nor perceive the subtle and profound role it plays in attaining fruition, denying the function of the manas in this process is unreasonable. It constitutes slandering and damaging the Dharma, carrying no light karmic retribution.

Those who propagate the notion that consciousness alone attains fruition will face rather bleak karmic retribution in this life and beyond, akin to the consequences of a blind person giving directions. When we do not yet understand the Dharma, we should strive to remain silent and minimize expressing opinions, thereby reducing the risk of inviting misfortune. Refraining from speech altogether avoids calamity altogether. The principle that "diseases enter through the mouth, disasters emerge from speech" should be understood by everyone.

Regarding the recent series of religious policies introduced by the state, discerning individuals should be able to detect some clues, recognize the underlying issues, and observe the shifting trends. If one cannot be prescient, being retrospectively aware is still acceptable. The true danger lies in remaining utterly unaware, for the ignorant bear the karmic consequences of their dullness.