The Method of Training the Manas in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra (Manas Training Section)

The contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) method taught by the World-Honored One in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra is precisely the method for training the manas. First, looking at the contemplation of breathing: the World-Honored One simply had his disciples observe as it truly is—whatever state the breathing is presently in, observe that state. One must not add the mind consciousness's thinking and imagination. The mind consciousness is only responsible for drawing the manas toward the matter of breathing; nothing else should be attended to—do not give rise to thoughts, and do not go looking for trouble when there is none. How does the mind consciousness draw the manas toward the breathing? The mind consciousness need only fix its attention on the breathing and watch the breathing, without using language, words, or inner monologue. At this time the manas cannot direct the mind consciousness, and other dharmas cannot be grasped at; the manas can only follow the mind consciousness's focus and observe the breathing.

During the contemplation of breathing, the mind consciousness cognizes the conditions of the breath—its coming in and going out, its length, and so on—without any processing or embellishment. The manas also gradually sets aside the various conditions and, together with the mind consciousness, single-mindedly observes the breathing, cognizing the state of the breath at each present moment. Gradually this becomes a habit, becoming almost automatic, and one will observe the breathing whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. Developing this habit is very important. Once a habit is formed, it becomes the dominant force. Over a long period of time, when the causes and conditions ripen, one will discover the truth of breathing, and the truth of the emptiness and non-self of the physical body. The contemplation of other dharmas proceeds in the same way: tether the wild horse of the manas so that it abides in mindfulness of this very object (念兹在兹), and when the mind becomes as fine as a hair, the truth will be discovered. If the manas is not tethered, the manas will be like a restless monkey and wild horse, attention will scatter, wisdom will not arise, and one will be unable to discover the truth, instead drifting endlessly along the current of birth and death.

The Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra is an excellent sutra. Its method of practice applies to both the Greater and Lesser Vehicles; its method of applying effort is simply honest observation, observing as it truly is, without entertaining other thoughts and without processing or embellishment. The mind consciousness draws the manas along, and the manas restrains the mind consciousness's deluded thoughts; working together, they realize the non-self of the five aggregates (pañcaskandha). This gateway of practice applies to the contemplative practice and realization of all dharmas, and it carries over into future lifetimes' practice. In future lives, upon encountering the Buddha's teachings again, one will automatically practice contemplation in this way, and realization will then be easy. The contemplative practice method taught in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sūtra is precisely the method for training the manas—guiding and restraining the manas, and cultivating the habit of contemplative practice. What follows will naturally come to completion as water flows into a channel; it seems to become practice without effort (anābhoga-caryā), operating spontaneously and naturally, and wisdom will surely open up.