What to Do When Mindfulness Meditation and Wisdom Are Insufficient

The manas can perceive and attend to all dharmas manifested by the Tathāgatagarbha, and it can also introspect upon itself. However, when the consciousness lacks meditative concentration and wisdom, it remains unaware of these functions and roles of the manas. The manas can know events from countless kalpas in the past and countless kalpas in the future; yet, without meditative concentration and wisdom, the consciousness still remains ignorant of this knowing of the manas, which is why supernatural powers are absent. The manas can ascend to the heavens and descend into the earths, but without meditative concentration and wisdom, the consciousness still cannot follow it to ascend or descend. Therefore, one should not deny or doubt that the manas possesses so many wondrous functions and roles.

When you are unaware of certain dharmas, do not deny them. Instead, think in this way: "My consciousness lacks meditative concentration, lacks wisdom, lacks merit, and for now, it cannot yet comprehend these matters. The problem lies within the consciousness itself." Do not deny or disparage people, matters, or principles that you do not understand. After the consciousness accurately realizes that it lacks meditative concentration and wisdom, it should then seek ways to change this condition. If it cannot accurately realize this, it will be unable to devise solutions. Once a solution is conceived, do not continually suggest to the manas that "this cannot be done" or "that cannot be done." Instead, suggest to the manas: "I can certainly make amends, I can certainly correct this, I can certainly succeed, I can certainly attain Buddhahood." This is the proper way to beneficially imbue the manas in accordance with truth and Dharma.