What Is Empirical Evidence

Actual realization refers to the direct attainment by the manas (the mental faculty). Actual realization is not limited to the realization of seeing one's true nature; many Dharma teachings require actual realization, and this holds true for both Buddhist Dharma and worldly Dharma. Attainment by the manas is called direct proof; it is personally verified, not transmitted or conveyed by the consciousness, nor is it hearsay learned by the consciousness. Teachings not directly attained by the manas are all false realizations. Since actual realization is always related to the manas, the manas is the crucial link in attaining all Dharma teachings, and it certainly contains deeper secrets and Dharma principles.

Severing the view of self and attaining enlightenment are both realized by the manas; they are actual realizations of the manas. The realization by consciousness is a false realization. Even after seeing one's true nature, there remain many, many teachings requiring actual realization. However, regardless of the teaching, as long as the manas acknowledges and confirms it, it constitutes actual realization, including worldly Dharma. The operation of every Dharma involves the manas. If actual realization lacks the involvement of the manas, if the manas has no actual realization, it is called lacking solid grounding, having an unsettled mind. The manas still possesses ignorance and lacks wisdom, meaning one remains an ordinary mortal.