What to Do When Knowing Yet Unable to Act?

Question: When my mind is relatively tranquil, I quietly observe the entire world, and a doubt often suddenly arises within me: What is this world really about? What exactly is it? Then I feel like distancing myself from the world, but I can't actually do it. What should I do at such times?

Answer: This is the manas (intellect) silently observing and contemplating the world as a whole, thereby giving rise to doubt and a desire to investigate the true nature of the world. However, due to the lack of realization through direct experience, its power is insufficient; concentration (samadhi) and wisdom (prajna) are not yet fully developed. Although one perceives this world as illusory, without having realized it through experience, the manas cannot break through this world, nor can it renounce or distance itself from it. At this stage, one should continue observing, continue cultivating precepts (sila), concentration (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna), and continue preparing the various provisions necessary for realizing the truth (seeing the Way). Gradually, when the causes and conditions for realizing the truth are sufficiently gathered, one will be able to achieve distancing, letting go, and non-attachment. Observation and doubt are the initial stages of practice. With persistent effort over time, one will eventually realize all dharmas through direct experience. Thereby, the mind will become empty, free from all dharmas, and practice will reach its ultimate end.