Only when one relies on persons rather than the Dharma will disputes arise.

To observe the operation of the manas with direct perception and in accordance with reality, one must possess the wisdom of the seed-wisdom (bīla-jñāna) of Consciousness-Only, 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 truly known that controversies arise. Shallow dharmas give rise to no controversy, 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 controversy arise.

As for what mental factors (caittas) the manas actually possesses, who can observe and verify this in actual practice? Both the sixth and seventh consciousnesses are defiled with afflictions, and their obstructions are so heavy—what capacity do they have to observe it in actual practice? 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 purport of Buddhist cultivation and realization, and there will be errors and omissions, not according with the Buddha's intent—much less can one attain the Way.