The Role of the Power of Thought

Why can individuals with deep meditative concentration cure illnesses through the power of thought? Is this a direct result of interaction between the eighth consciousnesses? Mental power primarily stems from the volitional force of the mental faculty, supplemented by the force of conscious thought. If the volitional force of the mental faculty is potent, mental strength becomes formidable, and willpower becomes resolute. The eighth consciousness will then cooperate, yielding to the volitional force of the mental faculty, thereby actualizing its thoughts, intentions, and aspirations. For the volitional force of the mental faculty to become potent, profound meditative concentration is essential, ensuring that the mental faculty's intention-power is wholly concentrated at one point. Only then can the force become powerful enough to prompt the eighth consciousness to comply with its will and fulfill its wishes.

If mental power is potent enough, even the intention to kill can result in death. Intentional killing involves both the arising of thought and karmic action; thus, like physical acts, it constitutes the karmic offense of killing, incurring negative retribution. Conversely, the intention to save can revive a person, involving both the arising of thought and karmic action; this constitutes wholesome karma, bringing positive retribution. The intention to transform others can indeed change them, carrying karmic consequences. Therefore, one should never deliberately provoke individuals with exceptionally potent mental power, but rather strive to accommodate them. If you anger such a person, a mere thought from them—without even moving their eyes—could bring misfortune upon you, leaving you unaware of the cause. An individual with immensely potent mental power can be equivalent to an army of ten or a hundred thousand, capable of altering an opponent's fortune. Potent mental power arises from three sources: blessings from virtuous karma, the power derived from meditative concentration, and the power of wisdom. Spiritual practice means relying primarily on oneself, with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas serving as support. By trusting in your own strength and gradually reducing dependency, you will progressively become more powerful.