Mental Fabrications Are No Substitute for Actual Practice

With a telescope, one can gaze upon the stars in the distant sky, behold the vast and boundless ocean, and see the mountains, rivers, and lands at the horizon, yet the body remains separated by countless mountains and rivers. Seeing far and high does not equate to being physically present. Established goals cannot be reached by pointing fingers or empty talk; they require measuring with one’s feet, which is why one must take the first step. Step by step, one must walk—not run, not jump, and certainly not fly—to steadily reach the destination. Do not complain about the long journey and resort to mental fantasies; do not complain about the hardship and resort to mental fantasies; nor complain about the expense and resort to mental fantasies. Indulging in illusions will only lead to a mirage. To truly experience the kingdom, one must use the manas (root consciousness) to tread firmly on the ground, step by step, personally touching every inch of the land.

Sometimes, after learning some Buddhist teachings, the consciousness feels that it can change everything, summon wind and rain, and accomplish anything with a little effort—that nothing is difficult, including attaining Buddhahood. Yet, one cannot even control a single thought, remains stubbornly attached to matters, and fails to transform body, speech, mind, or actions.

Why is this? Because without the experiential realization of the manas, whatever the consciousness assumes, understands, or imagines is useless—it cannot be grounded. Strength cannot be applied, often leaving one feeling helpless. Thus, even if attaining Buddhahood seems exceptionally easy, one must still diligently undergo three asamkhyeya kalpas (incalculable eons). Even if realizing the fruition and awakening the mind seems as easy as eating vegetables, one must still practice the Four Right Efforts, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, and the Noble Eightfold Path step by step, uphold precepts and cultivate concentration earnestly, practice the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, and diligently complete the Six Perfections of a Bodhisattva. The paths of practice taught by the Buddha are not useless ornaments; they must be implemented. For the vast majority of people, fulfilling these prerequisites in one lifetime is already commendable. Without perfecting these conditions, relying on the reasoning and fantasies of the consciousness to realize the fruition and awaken the mind is futile.

Why is this so? Because genuine practice and realization involve the manas. In the process of cultivating the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment and the Six Perfections of a Bodhisattva, the manas is continuously refined, transforming its inherent views. Only when the practice reaches its depth can the views of the manas change, and thus everything transforms along with the manas. Only then can one realize the fruition and awaken the mind. However, the manas is not easily swayed from its stubborn views. If the manas remains unchanged, nothing can change. Therefore, in learning Buddhism, one must still engage in earnest practice. Consciousness-driven fantasies are useless; even if one feels they can attain Buddhahood tomorrow, it will still take three great asamkhyeya kalpas. Some people even boast about not grasping at appearances, having a mind free from attachment and fixation—such talk should wait until they reach the stages of a Bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas below the first stage cannot achieve this at all. Consciousness severing self-view, consciousness realizing the fruition, consciousness awakening the mind, consciousness attaining Buddhahood—why not try it in a dream first and see if it works?