Only with the wisdom of wonderful observation (pratyavekṣaṇā-jñāna) can one observe the five specific mental factors of the manas

The mental factors and operations of the seventh consciousness cannot be observed through contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) by those who lack the wisdom of wondrous observation. Who possesses this wisdom of wondrous observation? Only bodhisattvas on the bhūmis, who have already transformed consciousness into wisdom, possess this subtle and wondrous observational wisdom, capable of directly perceiving the operations of the manas and the functioning of its mental factors. Because the majority cannot observe this, they say that among the five particular mental factors of the seventh consciousness, there is only a weak discriminating wisdom. This is like ordinary people who, before seeing their true mind, have a limited scope for the mind consciousness to cognize and cannot observe the operations of the eighth consciousness; they therefore deny the existence of the eighth consciousness, claiming that the eighth consciousness is merely a provisional name without real substance, not an actually existing mind-body.

The mind consciousness originally possesses this capacity for observation; it is merely that this capacity is obscured by one's own ignorance. And the manas originally possesses the five particular mental factors; it is only because sentient beings' minds are defiled that these mental factors are obscured by one's own obstruction of afflictions (kleśāvaraṇa), and thus cannot be observed. Our eighth consciousness originally radiates perfect light upon all dharmas; it is only because our ignorance obscures it that we cannot observe His radiance. We and the Buddha are originally no different; it is only because of ignorance that the radiance of the eighth consciousness is obscured and cannot be completely and thoroughly revealed and brought forth.

All dharmas are originally complete in themselves, not born later; there is no need to newly learn them after the fact. One need only remove the defilements and remove the ignorance, and all radiance will manifest. Therefore, in all dharmas there is nothing to be attained. The treasures of one's own household are not obtained from outside; the treasure within the house is not gained from another—it is merely sought out and dug up through skillful means. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas likewise merely sought out and dug up the treasures within their own households through skillful means, thereby attaining great wealth and great ease and freedom.