What Exactly Is the Nature of Matter?

The matter we perceive is, in fact, aggregates of particles composed of the four elements, lacking any substantial, solid form.

The continuous arising, ceasing, transformation, and alteration of these particles are phenomena resulting from the Tathagatagarbha transmitting and retrieving the seeds and subtle particles of the four elements. Thus, the Tathagatagarbha interacts with external form-dharmas, and since all subtle particles of the four elements belong to the Tathagatagarbha, there is no question of whether the Tathagatagarbha "contacts" the particles of the four elements or the external six dusts.

It is inherent and instinctive for the Tathagatagarbha to transmit these particles of the external six dusts to any location. If an individual possesses immeasurable emanations, it would not be surprising for their own Tathagatagarbha to transmit the external six dusts to those countless emanations.

Using the seeds of the four elements, the Tathagatagarbha can generate immeasurable, boundless, and limitless material form-dharmas through varying quantities and diverse arrangements and combinations. This is beyond the comprehension of our consciousness. Due to limited merit, limited wisdom, and limited virtue and capability, obscured by ignorance and afflictions, the scope of what we know and understand is severely constrained. Therefore, we must eradicate ignorance, afflictions, and habitual tendencies, remove the obscurations covering our minds, expand the capacity and perspective of our minds, and cultivate wisdom to its ultimate limit, thereby attaining the state of wisdom characteristic of a Buddha.