Commentary on The Sūtra of the Compendium of Father and Son (11)

How is the Kalala formed?

Original Text: Great King, if a woman, within her mind, thinks of a certain Puruṣa (male), and that Puruṣa also feels affection and desire for her, then through the union of these two, the Kalala is formed. Moreover, it should be understood that it is impossible for the Kalala to arise through imagined union alone. It is impossible for two women to produce it. It is also impossible for two Puruṣas (males). If it were possible for the Kalala to arise merely through mutual longing without actual union, that too would be impossible. For the self-nature [of the Kalala] lacks inherent reality, as it does not correspond [to such causes].

Explanation: Great King, if a woman thinks of another person (a man) in her mind, and that man also feels affection and desire for this woman, then through the union of these two, a Kalala (fertilized ovum) within seven days is formed. If two individuals are not physically together but merely imagine union while in separate places, without physical contact, it is impossible for a Kalala to arise. Without the actual contact of physical entities, the Tathāgatagarbha cannot spontaneously project the seeds of the earth element and the five elements to sustain a non-existent fertilized ovum; thus, no sentient life can be formed.

It is impossible for two women united together to produce a Kalala. Similarly, it is impossible for two men united together to produce a Kalala. If any two individuals merely long for each other without actual union, it is even more impossible for a Kalala to arise. Without a physical body, without the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind), the Kalala cannot come into being, due to the absence of necessary conditions.