How to Contemplate the Unreality of the Perception Aggregate

Thought itself is subject to arising and ceasing; it is fundamentally impossible to sustain continuous thinking. Similarly, one cannot maintain an unchanging thought, fixating on a single matter without alteration. No matter how the consciousness thinks, once the manas deems a matter unimportant and prioritizes more critical tasks, the consciousness shifts its focus elsewhere, leaving no mental space for the initial thought. When thoughts keep one awake at night, it is because the manas cannot let go of matters, compelling the consciousness to ruminate incessantly. Yet, once the manas achieves mental emptiness and releases its grasp, the consciousness ceases immediately, leading to sleep.

Thought, characterized by arising, ceasing, and transformation, comes from nowhere and departs to nowhere. It arrives without a trace and leaves without a shadow. Where can thought be found as "I"? When thoughts proliferate like myriad threads, tracing them yields no discernible origin. Even in the very act of thinking, the thought itself is empty. What is a thought? What is thinking? Where do the people and events held in mind reside? Where do the principles pondered exist? What is the conscious mind engaged in thinking? It cannot be grasped; nothing is attained — utterly empty. This impermanent dharma of arising and ceasing defies clear explanation. Clinging proves impossible, and looking back to find it reveals no trace.

Last night, withered branches assailed by wind and rain;
This morning, mist and dew under the slanting sun's gaze.
In past lives, constant thoughts of old acquaintances held sway;
This present life, forgotten, we pass as strangers by.