The Principle of Interconnectedness Among the Six Sense Bases

For example, when people look at the text on their phone screen, their mind simultaneously comprehends its meaning, while their hand touches the screen to turn the page, knowing precisely when to swipe. Then, thoughts arise in the mind, prompting them to type and ask questions. Although only the eyes are viewing the text, the other faculties cooperate seamlessly, generating a series of activities. This demonstrates that when one faculty acts, all six sense faculties can engage.

Why is this so? There must be a fundamental element behind them that governs and unifies the six faculties. Though they appear as six distinct faculties, their essence is one and the same, without any difference. Therefore, upon reaching a certain level of cultivation, the six faculties become interchangeable and mutually functional, free from distinction or obstruction.

In the fifth volume of the Śūraṅgama Sūtra, the World-Honored One states: "Within the absolute unity arises absolute difference." This means that the substance of the six faculties is originally one, without distinction. However, because sentient beings, since time without beginning, have failed to abide in their self-nature and instead sought outwardly, the six distinct faculties have arisen from within this single root. If, through cultivation, all six faculties are untied and dissolved, then ultimately not even one faculty remains. All is the true suchness of self-nature, with nothing else whatsoever. Thus, sentient beings abide in their original state, return to their self-nature, and cease transmigration.