Controversies arise only when one relies on persons rather than on the Dharma

To observe the functioning of the manas in accordance with reality through direct perception, one must possess the wisdom of the seed-wisdom (bīja-jñāna) of Yogācāra, and at minimum the observational wisdom of a bodhisattva who has attained the first bhūmi. It is precisely because the manas cannot be observed and is not genuinely known that controversies arise. Shallow dharmas have no controversies, because everyone can observe them through direct perception; it is only what cannot be observed that people dispute—otherwise, what is there to dispute? White is white, and black is black. Only when one cannot distinguish black from white does dispute arise.

As for what mental factors (caittas) the manas actually possesses, who can observe and verify them in actuality? Both the sixth and seventh consciousnesses are defiled and afflicted, with such heavy obscuration—what capacity do they have to make actual observation? 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 according to its true reality? How can one truly rely on the actual dharma of real suchness? If one cannot rely on the dharma of real suchness, then one is relying on persons; relying on persons does not accord with the fundamental purport of Buddhist cultivation and realization, and it will contain errors and omissions, be contrary to the Buddha's intent, and all the more prevent one from attaining the Way.