The Realization of Manas Is Far More Difficult Than the Comprehension of Consciousness

(VI) Consciousness must constantly permeate the manas (root consciousness) to transform its inherent perceptions and concepts. While it is not difficult for consciousness to comprehend all dharmas, the true challenge lies in the manas’ understanding and cognition. Therefore, altering the conceptual framework of the manas is exceedingly difficult. Yet once the manas’ conceptual framework is transformed, attaining fruition becomes as effortless as picking something up—enlightenment, seeing one’s true nature, and achieving all forms of contemplative practice likewise become readily attainable. Once the manas attains fruition, its thoughts and concepts transform instantaneously.

The precondition is for consciousness, through understanding, to permeate and habituate the manas. The subsequent work—the most crucial work—is to enable the manas itself to personally investigate and deliberate, after which it can directly realize the truth. Without this process, it remains mere intellectual understanding.

As the ancient saying goes: “What a three-year-old can articulate, an eighty-year-old may fail to accomplish.” Some speak as if they have reached the Buddha’s stage, mistaking the Buddha’s realization for their own. Yet when one truly attains and embodies such realization, one has already become a Buddha. The meaning is that understanding is exceedingly easy, but genuine realization is profoundly difficult. Thus, sages are rare, exceedingly rare—they do not burst forth like some who, after reading a couple of books and grasping a few concepts, proclaim themselves saints.