Self-Suggestion Is Similar to Hypnosis

When using the method of self-suggestion to engage in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) of the Buddha-dharma, the mind consciousness must frequently suggest to the manas that the five aggregates (pañca-skandha) are illusory, that all dharmas are illusory, and that they are all the functions and operations of the tathāgatagarbha. At a certain point, the manas will give its assent, and then the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi) can be eradicated, thereby allowing one to bring one's own potential into play and transform oneself. This kind of suggestion is similar to self-hypnosis: adjusting oneself into a relatively quiet and tranquil state, a state in which one can hear the inner voice. At that point, self-suggestion can begin.

Slowly and with measured cadence, recite the aforementioned content concerning the eradication of the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi-prahāṇa), guiding the manas to accept it, and give the manas a certain amount of buffer time to receive the information, organize itss, whether it has experience in guiding, and whether it truly understands the principle of non-self. Such guided hypnosis can be repeated many times at suitable times and in suitable settings. As long as the mind consciousness is well-versed in the theory, knows how to observe the manas, knows how to guide the manas, and can maintain a steady and tranquil state, then after a certain period of time, the view of self will surely be eradicated.