The Distinction Between Contemplative Thought and the Designative Terms of Manifest Phenomena

Perception is the perception of consciousness, and deliberation is also the deliberation of consciousness. Consciousness also possesses the functional capability to manifest the realms of the six dusts through language and words. From perception, deliberation can arise; from deliberation, language and words can be born; with language and words, realms can be expressed and revealed. However, the initial perception is without language or words, and the deepest, most subtle perception is also without language or words. Deliberation accompanied by language and words is relatively coarse and superficial, lacking refinement. When consciousness is without language, words, perception, or deliberation, its state is extremely difficult to distinguish from the state of manas without language or words; they are intermingled like light and darkness, making it hard to distinguish one from the other.