The Form Aggregate as the Product of Solidified Delusion

Due to the firm delusion of the mental faculty (manas), one perceives the form aggregate as the self—as something real, indivisible, and indestructible. Consequently, the form aggregate severely obscures and confines one's mind, causing the mind's functions to be gravely hindered and unable to break through these constraints; its capabilities become obstructed. Whatever we regard as the self, as real, becomes our burden, weighing us down and preventing liberation. It obstructs the manifestation of great spiritual powers and hinders the unimpeded, perfect interpenetration of all dharmas.

In reality, due to ignorance and afflictions, we obscure ourselves. We could inherently be Buddhas, possessing immeasurable spiritual powers and unimpeded abilities without any limitations, yet everywhere we encounter obstructions, everywhere there are hindering conditions. So many people are burdened with afflictions all day long, constantly embroiled in disputes of right and wrong, fighting each other over wealth, sensual pleasures, fame, food, and sleep, struggling for power, status, and reputation, consumed by mutual jealousy and hatred—how utterly foolish. They are constantly setting up obstacles for themselves, and ultimately, it is themselves who suffer the anguish.

Sentient beings, due to the depth of their afflictions, inevitably create disputes and conflicts whenever they gather, especially in groups of three or more. There will inevitably be phenomena of mutual contention, jealousy, and competition, whether overtly or covertly, each trying to outdo the other and assert dominance.

Within any group, there will always be some who oppress others. After a split occurs, the remaining members will again engage in mutual rivalry, jealousy, and exclusion, leaving only a small number. Then, continuous disputes arise again until only one person remains, bringing some semblance of quiet. Therefore, I most fear crowds, I most fear people heavily burdened with afflictions, I most fear those immersed in disputes and lacking mental purity, I most fear those who delight in sowing discord, I most fear those with intense hatred and jealousy, and I also most fear the foolish who cannot distinguish right from wrong. Yet such people are everywhere, impossible to avoid. This is the characteristic of sentient beings in the Saha World.

Regardless of its difficulty, we must study and practice the Shurangama Sutra. As long as the Shurangama Sutra exists, the Buddha Dharma will not perish; as long as the Shurangama Mantra exists, the Buddha Dharma will also not perish. Every chapter, every section, every part of the Shurangama Sutra instructs us to illuminate the mind and perceive our true nature, to abandon the false and perceive the true, and to eliminate afflictions, ignorance, and karmic obstacles. Every sentence is a pearl, every passage is gold and treasure—it is the supreme Dharma treasure for attaining the Way and Buddhahood.