Manas - Verse Twenty Two

When the first stage of the bodhisattva path is attained,
the obstacles of knowledge and afflictions are transformed.
At the tenth stage, the yogi transforms the belief in a separate self,
and store consciousness is released from manas.

There are ten stages on the bodhisattva path. They are called bhumis. Bhumi means ground or land. The ten bhumis are Pramudita, Vimala, Prabhakari, Archismati, Sudurjaya, Abhimukhi, Durangama, Achala, Sadhumati and Dharmamegha.

At the first stage on the path (Pramudita bhumi), the bodhisattva takes the bodhisattva vows. The bodhisattva experiences great joy as she lets go of the stress and demands of daily life. She realizes the transformation of obstacles. There are two kinds of obstacles - knowledge and afflictions.

By practicing openness and non-attachment to views, we can transform the obstacles of knowledge. Buddha taught that his teachings are like a raft that helps us cross the river. Once we have reached the other shore, we should abandon the raft. If we cling to our knowledge, they become obstacles.

It is much tougher, however, to transform obstacles of afflictions. These are emotions like anger, hatred, envy, sadness, despair and anxiety. Negative emotions and desires are obstacles and prevent the development of our bodhisattva career.

There are two kinds of attachment to self. One is what we have acquired during this lifetime. The other is what we were born with. When a bodhisattva reaches the eighth stage (Achala bhumi), the innate belief in a separate self vanishes and store consciousness is released. At the tenth stage Buddhahood is confirmed.

The innate belief in a separate self is transformed by practicing the wisdom of interbeing. When the bodhisattva reaches the stage where there is no difference between self and others, the innate belief in a separate self no longer exists.

Seeds are produced and strengthened by formations. Formations are manifestations of seeds. There are three capacities that we must continuously look to develop. The first is the capacity to look at mental formations as only conventional designations. The second is the capacity to see that they have no separate self and the third is the capacity of letting go (of attachments and cravings).

Anyone who wishes to pursue the bodhisattva career may carefully study and practice the fourteen mindfulness trainings. This will help transform obstacles, help maintain focus, strengthen aspiration and expedite development. By practicing openness and non-attachment to views we can transform knowledge obstacles. Similarly, when we practice taking care of anger and dwelling happily in the present moment, we are transforming afflictions.

(Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.)

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