The Transformation of the Environment with the Mind Is the Transformation Through Manas

Question: Once, while driving, I was contemplating. At first, my thoughts were scattered, but suddenly, all distractions vanished. Then, I found the surroundings extremely unfamiliar, as if I no longer recognized the road. Everything I saw felt fresh, even the air seemed exceptionally clear. As a result, I got lost, even though that road was actually very familiar. Why did I experience this feeling?

Answer: Because after the mind becomes focused on contemplating the Dharma, attention is no longer fixed on the surrounding dust-like phenomena. The consciousness being deeply absorbed in contemplation allows the manas (mind-root) to gain a deeper perception of the Dharma, bringing inner joy. Consequently, everything appears pleasant, somewhat akin to the emergence of a pure samadhi state. The mind can transform objects, and the environment changes with the mind. This is a temporary fruit that arises during the cultivation process, not yet the ultimate result. The final outcome is exceedingly sublime. Without undergoing these stages of cultivation and the accumulation along the way, no one should speak of possessing any particular fruit. A plastic fruit is nothing to boast about.