The Mystery Hidden Behind the Operation of the Five Skandhas

Modern machines are manufactured through automated processes, with some even devoid of visible human operation. These machines operate continuously, running one process after another. Such operation follows the principle of dependent arising; it is caused by specific conditions, for machines do not operate without reason. There are numerous conditions enabling a machine's operation, each distinct. Different conditions lead to different operational patterns, resulting in different products. But what is the fundamental cause of a machine's operation? Can a machine operate automatically by itself?

Take, for example, a washing machine at home, agitating clothes in water, turning incessantly. This is a process. How does this process occur? Does the washing machine turn by itself? Without human operation, the washing machine is merely scrap metal, incapable of any action. It is only when a person presses the button that the washing machine operates. Moreover, the washing machine's automated processes are designed by humans; it requires human-supplied electricity to function. Does this sequence of processes, running one after another, occur naturally? What can we perceive in the operation of machines?

An ignorant child, unaware of worldly affairs, does not realize that machines are operated by people, for when adults are not beside the machine, it moves by itself. However, a person who understands worldly affairs, even if unable to see anyone operating the machine, knows that it is being operated by someone. The washing machine serves as a metaphor for our body of five aggregates. The operation of the five aggregates is akin to a process. This process does not arise without cause or condition; it has both conditions and a fundamental cause. What, then, is the fundamental cause of the five aggregates' operation?

Since the five aggregates are not truly existent, how can they operate? Isn't this peculiar? One should question: Why can something false still function? What is the ultimate reason? If one regards the five aggregates as naturally existing, doubt does not arise. Without doubt, there is no investigation, and thus the truth remains unknown. We must not merely look at the superficial phenomena of all things. How many secrets lie hidden behind the phenomena? Do we know? What is the essence of all things? Is it as the surface presents? The wise should investigate, should strive to understand the truth, to uncover the mysteries within.

If there were nothing real behind the operational process of the body of five aggregates, would the five aggregates still operate? Could there still be a process? What remains after the physical body of five aggregates ceases? What remains after the body is cremated? What remains after an Arhat enters nirvana? To believe that nothing remains is the view of annihilationism, the nihilistic void, contradicting the Buddha's teachings. If one believes that after the five aggregates cease, a sentient knowing mind remains, a mind that can know all things and proceed to future lives, this is the view of eternalism — the notion of permanent existence, which also contradicts the Buddha's teachings.