The Principle and Function of Hypnosis

Hypnosis works when the subject is in a relatively good state: through deep guidance, it digs out the deeply ingrained habits buried in the subject's manas. If the subject is cooperative and follows the guidance, the habits of the manas can be changed. All these phenomena demonstrate that it is the manas that manipulates all dharmas, with the eighth consciousness behind it cooperating with it, changing and upholding all dharmas. By controlling the brain, the manas controls and mobilizes the whole body, and its executor is the eighth consciousness. The six consciousnesses are merely tools, used by the manas for its own purposes.

When the mind consciousness is less active and the physical body is temporarily forgotten—without reminding the manas or letting the manas know of the existence of the physical body and its obstructions—the manas can make the physical body perform extraordinary feats, similar to supernatural powers. The manas can utilize the eighth consciousness to bring its potential into play—mobilizing the physical body and manipulating all dharmas—outputting energy to control everything and change everything, including having the eighth consciousness manifest buddha-lands and countless physical bodies. The supernatural powers of non-Buddhists are likewise the result of bringing the functions of the manas into play.