The Mind Root Possesses Immense Potency

The characteristic of the manas is that it acts incessantly, unbeknownst to the consciousness, refusing to remain idle. Its primary function is self-serving, safeguarding all its own interests. It constantly seeks ways to fulfill its needs and resolve its most immediate problems. Possessing immense energy, it can achieve its goals and realize its purposes, supported by the tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-nature) that strives to satisfy it as much as possible. Therefore, it is crucial to convince the manas that one's body will inevitably regain health. Once the manas believes this, it will endeavor to restore health. Whether afflicted by karmic disturbances or physical ailments, it will persistently seek solutions and resist tenaciously. If the manas refuses to tolerate karmic afflictions, it will stubbornly resist; as karmic obstacles partially diminish and merit increases, beings from the negative realms will retreat. In the case of physical ailments, if the manas desires health, the tathāgatagarbha will activate its fundamental elemental nature, delivering harmonizing seeds of the four great elements (earth, water, fire, wind) to gradually restore the material body. This is what is commonly known as the body's innate self-healing capacity. Simultaneously, the manas will covertly seek various opportunities to alter its condition. Thus, the material body gains numerous chances to recover. The key lies in instilling confidence in the manas—convincing it that health is attainable, that one is not truly ill, and that everything will improve. With this conviction, the manas will strive toward this goal, ultimately resolving the issue. Hinting to the manas and encouraging it is precisely empowering oneself. Ultimately, it is the self-nature Buddha that empowers; oneself delivers oneself, oneself saves oneself.

A contrasting example is when a patient, learning of a severe diagnosis, exhibits fear and anxiety—a direct result of the manas believing the doctor's words. The manas, gripped by fear, causes the body and mind to transform according to its thoughts; if the manas relaxes, the material body likewise changes accordingly. This means information received by the consciousness from the doctor is processed and transmitted to the manas. Once the manas accepts it, it forms intentions, and the eighth consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna) accommodates the manas, manifesting either health or deterioration in the material body. Similarly, when someone curses another, the curser's manas emits a certain energy. If the manas harbors a wish or intention, their own tathāgatagarbha cooperates with the manas, causing the cursed person to realize the curse-wish.