Attaining Realization Requires Diligent Cultivation and Contemplative Inquiry

Cultivating concentration ensures that contemplative investigation can proceed; otherwise, the mind scatters after just a short period of thinking. Without the concentration of samadhi, contemplation lacks direction and the line of thought becomes disorganized and unclear.

The process of skillful practice and investigation is extremely complex, involving very deep and subtle activities of the conscious mind of both the sixth consciousness and the manas. If mishandled or without skillful practice, the investigation yields no results. One must know how to use skillful practice, to clearly discern the activities of the conscious mind within; only then can one understand how to apply the mind and how to engage in practice.

When the sixth consciousness and the manas jointly engage in investigation, the five consciousnesses also play a certain role. Otherwise, one abides in the state of the second dhyana, where the five consciousnesses are absent; thus, there is no contemplative investigation, making enlightenment impossible. The Tathagatagarbha also plays a corresponding role within this process; otherwise, the seventh consciousness would not exist.