Why a Shock to the Mind Is Sufficient to Counteract the Habitual Tendencies of the Manas

Because the shock to the mind directly shakes the manas, the manas is compelled to change its habitual tendencies. Only when the manas comes into contact with reality and direct perception does it feel shaken; the mind consciousness does not experience such shock. The mind consciousness easily comes to know things, but rather superficially. The shaking and shock spoken of here are both directed at the manas—only when the manas knows the facts can it change itself.

When the mind consciousness feels shock, it is mainly because the shock has reached the manas; only then does the manas make a decision—either changing itself or confirming certain dharmas. Normally, no matter how others try to scare you, it is of no use, because the manas has not been shaken. But once, one day, the manas comes to know the seriousness of a matter, it is shaken and decides that it must change itself, that it must act in such-and-such a way.

How many people every day say with their mouths "no-self, no-self," yet when it comes to actually doing things, it is all "me, me, me." Why? Because the manas does not know no-self. If one day the manas becomes certain that there truly is no self, that is what is called shock! From then on, one changes oneself, and both body and mind undergo transformation.