Commentary on the Sutra of the Father and Son Compendium (172)

All phenomena are illusory and unreal; clinging and attachment are futile

Original text: The Buddha said: "Great King, what do you think? Is this person wise for clinging to what he dreamed as real?" The King replied: "No, World-Honored One. Why? Because ultimately, there is no beautiful woman in the dream, let alone those pleasurable sensations. It should be understood that this person has merely wearied himself in vain, gaining nothing substantial."

Explanation: The Buddha said: "Great King, what is your view? This person regards what he dreamed as real and clings to it. Is he wise?" King Śuddhodana replied: "This person lacks wisdom, World-Honored One. Why is this so? Because ultimately, there is no beautiful woman in the dream—indeed, no person at all—much less those pleasurable sensations or delightful tactile experiences. They simply do not exist. It should be understood that this person has only exhausted his mind to no purpose, gaining no real benefit, obtaining nothing."

The World-Honored One's father possessed profound realization, knowing that in dreams there truly are no lovely women—not even people—let alone those delightful sensory contacts and pleasurable feelings. They fundamentally do not exist. In truth, all phenomena in our daily lives—people, events, objects—are just like those in a dream. In a dream, all phenomena seem to exist, yet ultimately lack substance; all are illusory, unreal, and without practical function. The Buddhas long ago awoke from the great dream of birth and death in the three realms. They fully understand that all phenomena are ultimately devoid of inherent existence, their appearances being illusory and unreal. Therefore, they have severed all greed and attachment, retaining not a single dharma in their minds.