The Goal of Subduing the Mind is to Subdue the Mind-Root

The goal of subduing the mind is to subdue the manas, maintaining an unchanged countenance and an unperturbed heart. After the consciousness receives information, the manas does not accept it, paying no heed to it. "Not taking it to heart" means not taking it into the manas. "Going in one ear and out the other" also means the manas does not care and does not take it to heart. As the saying goes, "like a big radish that neither reddens nor pales," it means that no matter what others say, the manas remains unmoved. What truly becomes agitated is still the manas. Once the manas is stirred, mental thoughts arise, and the body and mind react.

So, is the "mind" being subdued the conscious mind or the manas? Or does it encompass both? It begins with subduing the thoughts of greed, hatred, and ignorance in the conscious mind. From there, one gradually deepens the practice, slowly influencing and transforming to subdue the greed, hatred, and ignorance in the manas. Only when both are subdued is it true subdual. Subduing only the consciousness is useless, for if the manas commands the consciousness toward greed, hatred, or ignorance, the consciousness has no choice but to obey.

The poisonous effects of greed, hatred, and ignorance on the body, mind, and world are actually afflictions arising from the manas, which then affect the body and mind, causing adverse reactions. When the consciousness alone gives rise to afflictions, it has almost no effect on the body. But when the manas gives rise to afflictions, it becomes overwhelming—one feels helpless, unable to eat or sleep well, prone to internal heat, and even their complexion and blood vitality can change, appearing anxious and restless. Physical illnesses can even manifest. The most stubborn ox is still the manas. It is immensely powerful and authoritative. Only by subduing the manas can one achieve true subdual.