The Understanding of Mind Consciousness Cannot Replace the Direct Realization of Manas

If one has not genuinely realized the illusory and unreal nature of the six realms of rebirth, and has not genuinely realized that the five aggregates are without self, but merely has the conscious mind understanding and the conscious mind thinking so, then it is just like an ostrich that buries its head in the sand, believing that because it cannot see the enemy behind it, there is no danger. The gap between what we ourselves believe and what is actually realized through practice is extremely, extremely vast. It is like owing someone ten million and choosing to forget it, ignoring the matter—but is the creditor willing to let you off? Wishful thinking is absolutely unreliable. So when the conscious mind thinks that the five aggregates are without self, it seems utterly certain, yet in reality there is still a self deep within the mind; it is only that one's wisdom is insufficient to discover it. What the conscious mind understands and believes is merely wishful thinking, self-deception; it cannot substitute for genuine realization and is not utterly certain. Therefore, I once again urge those who place emphasis on the conscious mind: wake up quickly! The endeavor of the Path weighs heavier than Mount Tai, while reputation is lighter than a goose feather.