The Difference between Vitarka-Vicāra Thinking and Object-Manifesting Names

Initial application and sustained examination (vitarka-vicāra) are the mind consciousness's initial application and sustained examination; deliberation is likewise the mind consciousness's deliberation. The mind consciousness also has the function and capacity to display the realms of the six sense objects through words and language. From initial application and sustained examination, deliberation can arise; from deliberation, words and language can be produced; and with words and language, realms can be expressed and displayed. However, the initial initial application and sustained examination are without words and language, and the most subtle and refined initial application and sustained examination are also without words and language. Deliberation that involves words and language is relatively coarse and superficial, lacking refinement. When the mind consciousness is without words and language, without initial application and sustained examination and deliberation, it is extremely difficult to distinguish it from the wordless state of the manas—the two blend together like light and darkness mixed, and it is almost impossible to tell which is which.