Formation and Evolution of the Material Universe and the World of the Five Aggregates

The term "world" (世) represents cyclic existence, which involves the flow and transformation of time. "Realm" (间) denotes geographical orientation and spatial position, referring to the material world. "World" (世), encompassing the three periods of past, future, and present, represents time and its flow. Both time and space are manifested and supported by material dharmas (色法). Where there is no matter, there is emptiness. Before the universe initially formed, there was only vast emptiness. Only after the material dharmas of the universe appeared did the material realm come into being, time became manifest, and the world gained its basis.

The changes in material dharmas make time manifest. After the universe and its material realm formed, the three realms of existence were established. Only then could the physical bodies of sentient beings appear, and the world of the five aggregates (五阴世间) was established. All these dharmas, including the initial vast emptiness, are manifested and born from the Tathagatagarbha (如来藏). They are all the appearing aspect (相分) of the Tathagatagarbha, within which lies its perceiving aspect (见分). The Tathagatagarbha perceives first, then transforms into the appearing aspect. Therefore, apart from the Tathagatagarbha, everything is illusory. When all appearances are extinguished, what remains is the One True Dharma Realm (一真法界).