Disputes Arise Only When One Relies on People Rather Than the Dharma.

To observe the operation of the manas in direct perception and in accordance with reality, one must possess the wisdom of the seed-wisdom (bīla-jñāna) of Consciousness-Only, and must at least have the observational wisdom of a bodhisattva who has attained the first bhūmi.

It is precisely because the manas cannot be observed and is not truly known that controversies arise. Shallow dharmas give rise to no controversy, because everyone can observe them in direct perception; it is only toward what cannot be observed that people argue—otherwise, what is there to dispute? White is white, and black is black. Only when one cannot distinguish black from white does controversy arise.

As for exactly which mental factors (caittas) the manas possesses, who can actually observe and verify this? Both the sixth and seventh consciousnesses are defiled with afflictions, and their obstructions are so heavy—what capacity do they have to make actual observations? If there is anyone who can verify this, then describe the verification process.

To rely on the Dharma means to rely on the true reality of how the manas operates. If one cannot observe the manas, how can one define the manas in accordance with its true reality? How can one truly rely on the actual dharma of real reality? If one cannot rely on the dharma of real reality, then one is relying on persons; relying on persons does not accord with the fundamental purpose of Buddhist practice and realization, and there will be errors and omissions, not according with the Buddha's intent—much less can one attain the Way.