The Essence of Rūpa

The form-dust perceived by eye-consciousness arises and ceases instantaneously. What does this mean? It means that form-dust arises in one instant and ceases in the next, then arises again and ceases again, continuously forming countless discontinuous snapshots of form-dust. However, these snapshots are so numerous and transition so rapidly that the eye-consciousness cannot discern that the perceived form-dust is actually composed of countless successive frames. Each frame is static, but when viewed in rapid succession, they appear dynamic, as if constantly evolving. In reality, they are discontinuous—much like frames on a film reel. When projected at high speed, these frames create the illusion of continuous motion, which we call movies or television.

Since it is called "electric shadow" (movie), it means shadows formed through electrical projection. All characters, scenery, and objects within are merely shadows—not tangible material form-dharmas that can be physically contacted. All form-dust perceived by eye-consciousness is as unreal as shadows—a deceptive appearance resembling reality, inherently static yet seemingly dynamic. Therefore, we should not believe that any form-dharma seen by the eyes possesses true substance or real function. After all, shadows remain shadows, not actual entities. Since it is called "television," it implies that only when energized can those continuously appearing shadows be seen. For form-dust to be perceived by consciousness, it too requires energization. What does this "electricity" refer to?