The Consequences of Intellectual Awakening

Only when the manas corresponds with dharmas and is touched do bodily and mental reactions arise. When the manas comes to know a principle it previously did not know, or comes to understand a principle it previously misunderstood, bodily and mental reactions will appear, expressing one's emotions and state of mind. These states can occur even before attaining the fruits; after attaining the fruits and after awakening to the true mind through enlightenment, the bodily and mental reactions become even more evident—this is the benefit and experience of the merit of realization. If these phenomena do not appear, it shows that the manas has not been touched; regardless of whether it is the Dharma of the Great Vehicle or the Small Vehicle, it is merely intellectual understanding, with no benefit or experience of merit to speak of. As for what the outcome of such intellectual understanding will be, it will become clear at the time of death.

Therefore, everyone should take responsibility for the great matter of their own birth and death, and should not casually put tall hats on themselves, claiming realization when realization has not been attained. If one does not even possess the mental conduct and wisdom of a sage or worthy one, what does merely understanding some Buddhist teachings amount to? Many people, having understood a bit of the Buddha's teachings, regard themselves as sages and worthy ones. In fact, without the benefit and experience of the merit of realization, one's virtue does not match one's position, and problems will arise sooner or later—especially at the time of death.