The Reasoning of Consciousness Is Not Observational Practice and Investigative Inquiry

When practicing concentration through observing the breath, consciousness solely observes the act of breathing, knowing the inhalation and exhalation of breath, and knowing whether the breath is long or short, without adding the notion of speculating about the source of this knowing. Regardless of what the ultimate result of this knowing might be, that is a matter for the future. Since the result has not yet manifested now, one should not speculate. The reasoning of consciousness is merely wishful thinking on the part of consciousness, and wishful thinking alone can never resolve problems. Only when there is mutual willingness between consciousness and the mental faculty (manas) can matters be perfectly resolved in seamless harmony, and only then will the final result manifest as it truly is. That is what is called realization.

The reasoning of consciousness is not without value, but it is merely a signpost. Whether one actually proceeds and how one proceeds still depend on the choice of the mental faculty. If the mental faculty does not make a choice, no amount of direction from consciousness is useful. Sometimes, when consciousness refrains from reasoning, problems can be smoothly resolved; reasoning may instead cause delays. If the direction is correct, proceeding without reasoning might be faster and more stable. Using consciousness excessively is not beneficial. The more consciousness is used, the more incompetent the mental faculty becomes. If the mental faculty is incompetent, it means the entire person is incompetent. If the operating and command system is flawed, how can one operate effectively?

Spiritual practice is the work of fools; those who are too clever will not do things with earnest diligence. Consciousness points out the general direction, and then one should simply close the eyes to rest and maintain silent supervision. Do not interfere excessively. Once the mental faculty, relying on its own capability, moves forward and reaches the destination, its ability proves immensely powerful. If it is dragged along by consciousness, the mental faculty becomes weak and incompetent, incapable of accomplishing any significant task.

The reasoning of consciousness is essentially delusion. Delusion means failing to perceive reality; once something is perceived, it is no longer called delusion. Some people, through the delusional reasoning of consciousness, fabricate an eighth consciousness (alaya-vijnana) that performs certain functions in some location, and then define this as "clarifying the mind and attaining enlightenment." They claim there is no need to eradicate afflictions or cultivate meditative concentration, asserting that merely achieving a few minutes or ten-odd minutes of mental stability is sufficient. The consequences of such an approach should be evident to everyone. If this counts as enlightenment, then dreaming about it should also count. If one dreams of mountains of gold and silver, one should wake up immensely wealthy. After all, dreams are not reality, not facts. How can the various actions of isolated consciousness, such as speculation, be taken as real? To attain great wisdom, genuine wisdom, one must earnestly practice concentration, observe phenomena, and investigate thoroughly. Do not allow consciousness to flexibly and cleverly deduce results. If the mental faculty does not acknowledge that result, all the efforts of consciousness are in vain.