The Relationship Between Intuition and Zen Meditation

The final state of Chan investigation is a "searching and examining" state devoid of linguistic or textual forms, meaning it has penetrated into the mental faculty, where the mental faculty actively participates in the investigative activity. Intuition is precisely the functional operation of the mental faculty; it is the awareness of the mental faculty, the perception of the mental faculty. It is difficult to articulate through language because the mental faculty does not correspond to language. The intuitive function of the mental faculty is potent and relatively accurate, which is why many people trust their intuition.

All questions within the mind belong to mental objects (fǎ chén). When the Tathāgatagarbha manifests these mental objects, the mental faculty contacts and perceives them first, thereby generating awareness. Some mental objects can be roughly understood by the mental faculty, albeit not in detail or specificity. The mental faculty then directs the consciousness to contact these mental objects again, carefully observing and analyzing the issues. Sometimes, consciousness must commence its thinking and analysis based on the direction perceived by the mental faculty, ultimately clarifying the problem. Often, when consciousness thinks along the direction of the mental faculty's intuition, problem-solving becomes swift and relatively accurate.

Chan investigation and contemplation involve the coordinated effort of consciousness and the mental faculty to clarify an issue. Consciousness requires the intuitive function of the mental faculty for cooperation, while the mental faculty needs the logical thinking and analytical data from consciousness. The mental faculty uses this data, further applying perception and verification, thereby solidifying the resolution of the issue.

Sustaining that intuitive perception constitutes both meditative concentration and investigative activity, penetrating deeply into the mental faculty. Most people have experienced this, yet they lack understanding and fail to utilize it. During deep investigation, conscious thinking and analysis are not employed; instead, the mental faculty engages in subtle, profound contemplation deep within. It cannot express itself and does not correspond to words or language. With only the slightest cooperation from consciousness, the state where the mental faculty predominates is the state of investigation. When consciousness predominates, it is a state of thinking and analysis, which is more superficial than the state of investigation. This is the preliminary expedient for Chan meditation, after which the state of investigation can subsequently arise.