The Realization of Any Dharma Is Inseparable from Manas

The Lesser Vehicle (Hinayana) requires severing the view of self; the Thirty-Seven Aids to Enlightenment must be fully cultivated, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment must be complete, and the Noble Eightfold Path must be complete. The phenomena of the Joy Factor and the Reliance Factor of Enlightenment arise, followed by the presence of the Concentration Factor of Enlightenment. These are inseparable from meditative concentration (samadhi) and all pertain to meditative concentration.

During the contemplation of the Dharma, there should arise a phenomenon of physical and mental lightness and ease, along with inner joy. This is the content of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. When the Dharma has entered the mind and attained a certain level of acceptance, though not yet complete, it can also be called the manifestation of the preliminary stage of warmth (usmagata), which is part of the Four Preparatory Practices (nirvedha-bhagiya).

It now appears evident that the realization of any Dharma is indeed related to the mental faculty (manas) and is connected to meditative concentration. The Seven Factors of Enlightenment precisely illustrate this situation, providing a basis in the Buddhist scriptures.

Samadhi and wisdom are inseparable from the mental faculty even for an instant. The mental faculty realizes observational wisdom; consciousness alone, when realizing, does not attain great wisdom but merely parrots the words of others.

The Seven Factors of Enlightenment serve as excellent evidence. Within the Noble Eightfold Path, there is Right Concentration (samyak-samadhi). "Right" primarily means the mental faculty becomes correctly aligned; it makes the sovereign decision that all actions are right. If the mental faculty remains uncorrected, there is no Noble Eightfold Path.