Clinging to Illusory Dharmas: Illusion within Illusion; Dream Speaks of Dream within Dream

The reflections of the six dusts are like images in a mirror. Everything we see, hear, smell, taste, touch, think, and do—all these are merely reflections in a mirror. When we observe the reflections in the mirror, no matter what feelings or thoughts we have about them, no matter how we wish to manipulate them, the reflections remain just reflections—they are not real. We discriminate among these reflections, labeling this one good and that one evil, continuously grasping and clinging. Yet, no matter how much we grasp, we never truly grasp anything substantial, for they are all reflections, devoid of true function. Both the outcome and the process are ultimately empty. It is like the reflection of a tree in a river—no matter how much we admire or cling to it, it is ultimately unreal. Similarly, the moon reflected in the river—no matter how desperately a monkey tries to scoop it up, it will never capture even a trace, for there is no real moon in the river.

All the realms we encounter are likewise. It seems as though we derive some enjoyment from them, yet in truth, we gain nothing. We are merely interacting with reflections. The mental faculty directs the six consciousnesses to continuously engage in mental formation, contact, sensation, perception, and grasping. In reality, nothing substantial is grasped; it is all an interaction with reflections. Moreover, we ourselves are but one of these reflections—illusory phenomena interacting with illusory phenomena. What reality is there to speak of? Yet, we are unable to free ourselves from these illusions, unable to perceive the truth of these facts, due to our meager merit and ignorance.

Out of compassion for sentient beings, the Buddhas employ various teachings and parables to instruct them in cultivating precepts, meditation, and wisdom, thereby removing obscurations and recognizing the truth: that in this world, not a single dharma can truly be obtained. When the mind is pacified and delusions are eliminated, the true nature is revealed. Only by following the Buddha’s words and genuinely practicing can sentient beings see through the reflections, return to their intrinsic nature, and attain liberation.