Like Lightning and Illusion

All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, like illusions, like bubbles, like shadows, like dew, like flashes of lightning. Every Bodhisattva should perceive all conditioned phenomena in this manner and regard them as such.

Since all phenomena are illusory and unreal, Bodhisattvas need not cling to them, grasp at them, or be moved by them. Just as in a dream, no matter how much we grasp at the people, objects, and principles within it, how much we are stirred or troubled, or how many karmic actions we create, in the end, nothing is attained—not even the slightest thing can be grasped. No one has ever gained anything from a dream. So why toil in vain? What benefit is there in it?

All conditioned phenomena are manifestations conjured by the Tathagatagarbha according to conditions. Like a magician who conjures all manner of people, objects, and events to suddenly appear in empty space, the magician can also withdraw his intent, causing everything to vanish into nothingness. Why grasp at them? Why exhaust the mind in vain? What benefit is there in it?

All conditioned phenomena are like bubbles born from the great sea of Tathagatagarbha, emerging and vanishing within that sea. All people, objects, and principles within the Three Realms are like bubbles in the sea—arising and ceasing, ceasing and arising, with all arising and ceasing returning to the great sea. Why cling to the bubbles in vain, failing to see the sea?

All conditioned phenomena are like the moon’s reflection, cast upon countless rivers and seas—seeming to exist yet not, appearing real but ungraspable. Only foolish beings, like deluded monkeys, reach out to grasp them, finding nothing but emptiness. Wise Bodhisattvas, with their eyes of wisdom, perceive them as mere reflections—what is there to grasp? All conditioned phenomena are like morning dew—vanishing the moment the sun rises, arising and ceasing swiftly. What is there to cling to? All conditioned phenomena are also like flashes of lightning in a storm, streaking across the sky in an instant, vanishing without a trace. However startled or terrified you may be, they have already disappeared, leaving no shadow or trail.

The World-Honored One teaches Bodhisattvas that, after awakening, they should always contemplate thus. Then their minds will become pure, free from clinging and grasping, unstained by a single speck of dust, unattached to a single phenomenon. In this way, they will align with the true suchness of their original mind and accord with true suchness, thereby attaining unsurpassed bodhi. With this mind free from clinging and grasping, they may expound the Diamond Sutra for sentient beings, liberating them all, enabling them to transcend the illusory dust together, extinguish the illusory shadows together, enter the great ocean of all Buddhas’ wisdom together, and perfect the all-encompassing wisdom of all Buddhas together.

To uphold, recite, and expound the Diamond Sutra and the Dharma of Tathagatagarbha in this way—the merit and wisdom thus gained—who among sentient beings in the world could compare? Who could surpass it? To benefit oneself and others in this way—how wonderful! How joyful!