Denying the Role of Manas in Attaining the Fruit Is an Act of Slandering and Destroying the Dharma

When attaining the fruits of realization and enlightenment, is it enough for the mind consciousness alone to understand, or must the manas simultaneously understand and attain the fruit together? This question is also a matter of the seed-wisdom of Yogācāra. Only bodhisattvas on the bhūmis, after having transformed consciousness into wisdom, can truly observe and truly comprehend this issue. Because pre-bhūmi bodhisattvas and ordinary beings cannot observe the manas and its operations, and cannot observe the subtle, profound, and fine role the manas plays in attaining the fruits of realization, denying the manas's role in attaining realization is contrary to reason; it is an act of slandering and damaging the Dharma, and the retribution is not light.

Those who join in propagating the idea that the mind consciousness attains the fruits of realization will face retribution in this life and future lives that is not very optimistic, just like the retribution of a blind person pointing the way for others. When we do not yet understand the Dharma, we should all try to keep our mouths shut and express fewer opinions, thereby incurring fewer disasters and less trouble; if we do not voice opinions, we will not incur disasters and trouble. Illness enters through the mouth, and calamity exits through the mouth—everyone should understand this principle.

Regarding the series of religious policies recently introduced by the state, people with discernment should be able to see some signs, should understand a bit of where the problems lie, and should be able to observe a bit of which way the wind is blowing. If one cannot perceive things before others do, perceiving them after others do is also acceptable; what is to be feared is being completely unaware. Dull and obtuse people have the retribution of dullness and obtuseness.