What Is Meant by the Perfuming of the Manas?

When consciousness contemplates the Dharma, it forms its own thoughts, concepts, views, and understandings. This process simultaneously exerts a permeating influence on the manas (the root of mentation). The act of contemplation itself permeates the manas, and when consciousness contemplates with focused attention, it penetrates deeply into the heart of the manas, making the permeating effect more pronounced. If the manas is aroused to attention and earnest consideration, this constitutes the most preliminary effect. If the manas arouses alertness and contemplation, the effect becomes more significant. If the manas contemplates with concentration and depth, and does so in accordance with principle and Dharma, the permeating effect becomes even more apparent. If the manas begins to grasp the thread of contemplation, the effect becomes manifest. If the manas contemplates the meaning of the Dharma and makes preliminary discernments, the true effect emerges. If the manas arrives at a very clear and principled conclusion, firmly affirms its own contemplation, and makes corresponding discernments and judgments, it can be said that permeation has succeeded. Once the manas is transformed, all subsequent mental activities will transform accordingly, revolving around the judgments and discernments of the manas. At this point, permeation has been thoroughly accomplished.