How to Contemplate Dharma Through the Method of Self-Suggestion

When using the method of self-suggestion to contemplate the Dharma, consciousness often needs to suggest to manas that the five aggregates are illusory, all phenomena are illusory, and that they are all functional manifestations of the Tathagatagarbha. Over time, manas will come to acknowledge this, enabling the severance of the view of self, thereby unleashing one's potential and transforming oneself. This suggestion resembles self-hypnosis, adjusting oneself into a relatively quiet and serene state, a state where one can hear the inner voice, at which point self-suggestion becomes possible.

Gradually recite the content concerning the severance of the view of self with measured cadence, guiding manas to accept it, while allowing manas a certain buffer time to receive the information, organize thoughts, and contemplate the Dharma principles within the information. This requires a certain amount of time and specific environmental conditions—namely, ensuring manas does not focus on other issues but concentrates solely on the guided content, maintaining an inner state of tranquility, stability, and harmony to fully receive the guidance of consciousness. If consciousness can guide to a certain point, manas will contemplate accordingly. At this stage, manas is relatively obedient, having been preliminarily influenced, though not yet fully successful. The key lies in whether consciousness can observe manas' reactions, whether it possesses guiding experience, and whether it truly comprehends the principle of non-self. Such guided hypnosis can be repeated multiple times in appropriate temporal and contextual settings. As long as consciousness is proficient in theory, capable of observing manas, skilled in guiding manas, and able to maintain a steady and serene state, over time, the view of self will inevitably be severed.