Selected Lectures from The Sutra of the Gathering of Father and Son: Part 5

Original: Great King, if at that time a woman, within her mind, as she thinks of that male being, and that male being also develops affection and delight, through the union of the two, a kalala is produced. Furthermore, if one thinks that birth arises from a union that is merely imagined, this is impossible. If it were two women, it is impossible. If it were two male beings, it is also impossible. If birth were to arise merely from thinking of this or that, it is also impossible. The self-nature lacks reality, because it is not in accordance with conditions.

Explanation: Great King, if a woman thinks of another person (a man) in her mind, and that man also feels affection and delight for this woman, then the union of these two together will produce a kalala (fertilized ovum) within seven days. If the two are not together, residing in different places, and merely imagine in their minds that they can unite, without physical contact, it is impossible for a kalala to be born. Because without the contact of actual entities, the Tathagatagarbha cannot spontaneously project the seeds of the earth element and the five elements to sustain a non-existent kalala; thus, the birth of a living being does not occur.

If two women unite, it is impossible for a kalala to be born. If two men unite, it is likewise impossible for a kalala to be born. If any two people merely think of each other without actual union, it is even more impossible for a kalala to be born. Because without an actual physical body, without the four great elements, a kalala cannot be born, as the necessary conditions are not present.