The Role of the Power of Thought

Why can individuals with deep meditative concentration cure illnesses through the power of thought? Is this a direct result of interaction between the eighth consciousnesses? The power of thought primarily stems from the mental force of the seventh consciousness (manas), supplemented by the mental force of the sixth consciousness (mano-vijñāna). If the mental force of the seventh consciousness is strong, one's willpower becomes formidable and resolute. The eighth consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna) will then cooperate, submitting to the mental force of the seventh consciousness to fulfill its thoughts, intentions, and desires. For the mental force of the seventh consciousness to become powerful, profound meditative concentration is essential. This ensures that the attentive power of the seventh consciousness is fully concentrated in one place, thereby generating potent force that compels the eighth consciousness to align with its mind and actualize its wishes.

If mental power is strong enough, even intending to kill can result in death. Killing through mental power involves both mental impulse and karmic action, thus constituting the same karmic offense as physical killing, bearing negative retribution. Intending to save lives can revive the dying, involving mental impulse and karmic action—this constitutes wholesome karma with positive retribution. Intending to transform others can indeed change them, carrying corresponding karmic consequences. Therefore, one must never intentionally provoke individuals with exceptionally powerful mental force; it is best to accommodate them harmoniously. If you anger such a person, a single directed thought from them—without even a glance—can bring misfortune upon you, leaving you unaware of the cause. Those with immensely powerful mental force can oppose ten or a hundred thousand, equivalent to the strength of an army, capable of altering an opponent's fortune. Powerful mental force arises from three sources: first, meritorious virtue (puṇya); second, the power of meditative concentration (dhyāna); third, the power of wisdom (prajñā). Spiritual practice means relying primarily on oneself, with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas providing support. By believing in one's own strength and gradually reducing dependency, one progressively becomes more powerful.