The Unobserved Dharma Does Not Imply Nonexistence

Consciousness and the manas (mind root) are like two individuals. When one cannot observe the psychological state of the other, one cannot arbitrarily claim that the other lacks certain mental states, thoughts, emotions, and so on. Making such assertions is flawed. Therefore, constrained by afflictions and without the transformation of consciousness into wisdom, it is difficult for consciousness to observe the various functions and roles of the manas. When such observation is impossible, one cannot draw definitive conclusions about the manas.

When the standard for defining a Dharma is unclear, one cannot compare two Dharmas and assert that A is wrong simply because it does not conform to B or is inconsistent with B. Such a judgment is too abrupt and irrational. Since B is not necessarily the standard or correct, the inconsistency between A and B does not prove that A is wrong.

When a person possesses superior wisdom, understands both A and B, and knows what the correct standard is, they can then judge and conclusively determine whether A is correct. They can also definitively judge whether B is correct. This is called relying on the Dharma, not on individuals. Conversely, not knowing the ultimate standard of the Dharma and lacking the wisdom to discern whether A and B conform to the standard, yet arbitrarily insisting that B is the standard simply because it is widely accepted, and thus concluding that A must be wrong because it does not align with B—such a situation absolutely constitutes relying on individuals rather than the Dharma. It stems from a mentality of emotional attachment and belongs to the realm of ignorance.