The Distinction Between Contemplative Observation, Reflection, and Manifesting-Object Conceptual Designation

Initial application and sustained examination (vitarka-vicāra) are the initial application and sustained examination of the mind consciousness; deliberation is likewise the deliberation of the mind consciousness. The mind consciousness also has the function and capacity of displaying the realms of the six sense objects through written words and spoken language. From initial application and sustained examination, deliberation can arise; from deliberation, spoken and written language can be produced; and with spoken and written language, realms can be expressed and displayed. However, the initial application and sustained examination at the very beginning are without spoken or written language, and the subtlest initial application and sustained examination are also without spoken or written language. Deliberation that involves spoken and written language is relatively coarse and superficial, lacking subtlety. When the mind consciousness is without spoken or written language, without initial application and sustained examination or deliberation, it is extremely difficult to distinguish it from the languageless state of the manas—the two are mixed together like light and darkness, and it is almost impossible to tell which is which.