The Contemplative Nature of Manas in the Daze State

Question: Through personal experience, I have found that entering a dazed state can be achieved anytime and anywhere with high efficiency. The duration of this dazed state varies, but I am unable to use the manas to deliberate on the Dharma principles. Using the dazed state to contemplate Dharma principles likely requires an entry point, which I haven't grasped yet. Therefore, I simply use this dazed state method to cultivate concentration. I wonder if this is in accordance with principle?

Answer: If one has not realized the manas, it is impossible to know that within the dazed state, the deliberative nature of the manas is still present. This is because the deliberative nature of the manas is extremely subtle and not easily discerned; one must realize the manas and understand its functioning. Even after the six consciousnesses have ceased, the manas still possesses its deliberative nature, its discerning nature, and various mental activities. How much more so when consciousness is in a state of concentration—the mental activities of the manas are even more present. The mental activities of the manas have never ceased; the difference lies only in what mental activities it engages in and what dharmas it deliberates upon.

Within this dazed state, there is also the deep and subtle thinking function of consciousness. Distinguishing between the thinking of consciousness and the deliberation of the manas is extremely difficult. If the dazed state lasts a little longer, one might be able to deliberate on a not-so-profound Dharma principle or clearly consider a not-too-difficult problem without employing language or words. Many people have had similar experiences, but they cannot introspect or summarize it because they do not understand the activities of the manas.

Because I can observe the functioning of the manas, I am able to summarize this method of cultivating concentration and contemplation. If I could not observe the functioning of the manas, I would not know that within the dazed state, the manas is also activated, functioning, deliberating, and discerning, and thus I would be unable to inform or guide others. Discovering and summarizing this experience is also a crystallization of wisdom.