How to Break Through the Region of the Aggregate of Form

Only when one truly breaks through the realm of the aggregate of form can one be free from the influence and obstruction of the physical body. Breaking through the realm of the aggregate of form can be achieved solely through cultivating meditative concentration (dhyāna); meditative concentration must be cultivated to the fourth dhyāna before one can be without obstruction, just like Elder Master Xuyun. Theory needs to be accompanied by meditative concentration; without meditative concentration, one is merely playing with words, having only ideas but no power of action. The theories we study need to be put into actual contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) and investigation within meditative concentration before they can be personally realized. Only afterward will there be some power of action. Without personal realization, the manas cannot change anything, and one will remain as one was. No matter how much you believe in your mind that the world is like a dream or an illusion, without personal realization, saying is saying and doing is doing, and nothing can be changed in the slightest. Change is made by the manas, and action is decided by the manas; only when the manas personally realizes it can it be done.