The Lingering Question in the Depths: Yigen

Ruchun: A few days ago, the Master mentioned in the group: Sun Wukong couldn't jump out of the Tathāgata Buddha's palm. I started wondering why that was the case. After pondering for several days without finding a satisfactory answer, I set it aside. But yesterday, a family member said that by only eating vegetarian food, I was mistaking the part for the whole, just like Sun Wukong who only saw the pillars but failed to see the Tathāgata's palm. Hearing this, a shock ran through my heart—isn't this exactly the answer I was seeking? Only seeing the pillars but not seeing the Tathāgata's palm (Tathāgatagarbha). An answer derived from association isn't necessarily correct. What I want to confirm is, is this kind of hanging onto a question while searching for an answer the work of the manas? Because at the time, I couldn't figure out the answer, and although there was a trace of reluctance in my heart, I had no choice but to let it go helplessly. When I heard that family member's words, I suddenly felt I understood, like scratching an itch just right.

Commentary: You didn't clearly state what kind of answer you were seeking. Silently hanging onto a question and contemplating it—the conscious mind (oneself) isn't necessarily aware of it. This is the manas holding onto it internally. When inspiration arises, the manas figures out the problem, and then the conscious mind comprehends the answer investigated by the manas. However, what the manas figures out isn't necessarily correct; there might be misunderstandings or discrepancies. Because the wisdom of the manas varies widely, and even after enlightenment it is not yet perfect, let alone during the stage of an ordinary being shrouded in ignorance.

Ruchun: Yes, Master. The conscious mind doesn't know it is still thinking. The wisdom of my manas is very low. I only thought: The Tathāgata Buddha's palm symbolizes the Tathāgatagarbha, and the pillars Sun Wukong saw symbolize the world perceived by our physical eyes. At the time, I felt quite content just thinking this far, without knowing whether it was right or wrong.