The Importance of Observational Practice, Verification Through Realization, and Experiential Awareness of Selflessness

All sentient beings regard sensations as real, as the self, and as belonging to the self. They pursue sensations, satisfy and yield to them, and create various karmic actions—especially unwholesome ones—merely for the sake of their own sensations.

To liberate ourselves from the suffering of birth and death, we must contemplate the illusory, unreal, phantom-like, empty, and non-self nature of sensations. By doing so, we can realize that sensations are indeed empty, illusory, and unreal. We will then cease to value or pursue sensations. First, this eradicates the view of self. Second, the mind gradually becomes purified, and the afflictions of greed, hatred, and delusion gradually diminish. By not pursuing sensations, we will not create the unwholesome karmic actions born of ignorance, such as greed, hatred, and delusion.

How are sensations empty and illusory? Where do sensations come from? Sensations primarily arise from the six consciousnesses. In truth, the sensations of the manas (the seventh consciousness) are also crucial. If the manas did not experience sensations, it would not impel the six consciousnesses to create karmic actions tainted by greed, nor would it seek liberation or diligently cultivate the Dharma. The sensations of the six consciousnesses, on one hand, originate from the manas and are influenced and directed by it. On the other hand, when the six consciousnesses themselves cognize the objects of the six dusts (sensory fields), they are affected by these objects. They develop attraction or aversion toward the objects, and when the mental factor of feeling arises, sensations of pleasure or pain are produced.

How do the sensations of the six consciousnesses arise? The Tathagatagarbha (Buddha-nature) outputs the seeds of consciousness, forming the six consciousnesses. Once generated, the six consciousnesses begin to function, and the five universal mental factors along with the five object-specific mental factors arise. They then discriminate and grasp the objects of the six dusts, giving rise to sensations. Afterward, they mistake these sensations as real and as the self, developing greed toward favorable conditions and aversion toward adverse ones. This leads to the creation of karmic actions rooted in ignorance—greed, hatred, and delusion—resulting in the unceasing cycle of birth, death, and karmic retribution. Therefore, contemplating the emptiness of sensations is crucial for subduing the minds of greed and hatred. Realizing that the five aggregates are without self and that sensations are also not the self is of utmost importance.