Realization Is Necessarily the Product of Many Factors

The manas has shallow wisdom because the dharmas that the manas takes as its object are too extensive, making it unable to attentively and meticulously perform discernment and deliberation (manasikāra); moreover, its own afflictive habits are heavy, and it constantly grasps at objects without being able to concentrate. However, in a state of meditative concentration (samādhi), the manas can maintain focus to the greatest degree, thereby increasing the power of wisdom in its deliberation; the mind consciousness can also more easily observe directly (direct perception), and the probability that the manas will accept the conclusions of the mind consciousness's direct perception is higher, making it easier for the result of realization to appear.

In summary, realization is necessarily the product of many factors working together, including the condition of meditative concentration, the mind consciousness's direct perception, the manas maintaining focus, and the manas deliberating with power—only then can the manas finally confirm it. Among all these factors, meditative concentration is the prerequisite. Without meditative concentration, the mind consciousness cannot easily observe directly, the manas cannot easily concentrate, and the manas will not readily accept the mind consciousness's observations. Therefore, in the process of realization, meditative concentration plays a crucial role. The prerequisite for meditative concentration is upholding the precepts and keeping the mind from restless movement, and the prerequisite for upholding the precepts well is having merit. None of the bodhisattva's six perfections can be lacking.