Commentary on the Sutra of the Father-Son Compendium (103)

Recalling the beautiful music in a dream is merely self-exhaustion.

The Buddha said, "Great King, for example, there is a person who, in his sleep, hears the sound of wonderful music and feels joy in his heart. After this person awakens, he recalls the beautiful music in the dream. Is it real?" The King said, "No."

The Buddha said, "Great King, what do you think? This person clings to what he dreamed as real. Is he wise?" The King said, "No, World-Honored One. Why? Because in the dream, after all, there is no music sound, let alone the joy arising. Therefore, it should be known that this person is merely exhausting himself for no reason, and there is nothing real."

Explanation: The Buddha said to King Śuddhodana, "Great King, for example, there is a person who, in his sleep, hears the sound of beautiful music and feels comfortable and joyful. After this person awakens, he still constantly recalls the beautiful music in the dream. Is what he heard in the dream real?" King Śuddhodana said, "No, World-Honored One." The Buddha said, "Great King, what do you think? This person takes what he dreamed as real. Is he a wise person?" King Śuddhodana said, "This person is not wise, World-Honored One. Why do I say so? Because in the dream, after all, there is no music sound, let alone this person feeling joyful and comfortable in his heart. Therefore, it should be known that this person is merely needlessly exhausting his mind, and there is no actual thing."