How to Reverse the Unwholesome Habits of Manas through Consciousness Habituation

Question: Sometimes I know my mental activities are improper and not in accordance with the Dharma, yet I cannot control myself and display these unwholesome mental activities. Although I feel remorse afterward, when the same situation arises again, I still cannot control myself. What should be done about this?

Answer: This occurs because the consciousness recognizes that the mental activities of the self (the manas) are improper, but the persuasive power of consciousness is weak. It cannot convince the manas, and thus fails to control the habits and tendencies of the manas. Consequently, actions still proceed according to the mental activities of the manas. This requires consciousness to deepen its understanding of the principles and repeatedly persuade and admonish the manas. Gradually, the force of the manas's habits and tendencies will weaken.

The key is that upon discovering the unwholesome habits and tendencies of the self (the manas), one must awaken, clearly understand, and recognize what is incorrect and what is correct. Even if one cannot yet control the habits and tendencies of the manas, this awareness is of great benefit. When encountering the same situation in the future, the mind will hesitate. As consciousness opposes the manas more frequently, the manas will no longer stubbornly cling to erroneous mental activities. In this way, the unwholesome habits and tendencies of the manas are successfully and gradually transformed through habituation.