Illusory and Deceptive Appearances Both Serve Deceptive Purposes

True emptiness refers to the Tathagatagarbha, which is real yet intrinsically empty. Within its essential mind, not a single dharma truly exists, yet it can manifest all dharmas. Wondrous existence refers to the phenomena of the five aggregates and the eighteen elements of perception. While they appear to exist, their essence is non-existent, being illusory dharmas manifested by the Tathagatagarbha. Although illusory, these dharmas cannot be said to be entirely non-existent, because sentient beings rely on them every moment—using the five aggregates to eat, dress, walk, and live their lives. Sentient beings dwell within the illusory eighteen elements, seeing false forms, hearing false sounds, smelling false fragrances, tasting false flavors, feeling false tactile sensations, and cognizing false dharmas. Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and cognizing are all functions of the five aggregates; thus, one cannot deny the apparent existence of the five aggregates on the surface level.

Although the five aggregates are not truly existent, they still possess this mode of illusory existence. While sentient beings clearly use the five aggregates every day, they still claim the five aggregates do not exist. When the mind can genuinely recognize that the five aggregates are indeed illusory, that constitutes the eradication of the view of self. May all sentient beings attain this realization. If one denies even the illusory appearance of the five aggregates, one cannot eradicate the view of self, because without observing and examining the five aggregates and the eighteen elements, one cannot perceive their illusory and insubstantial nature. Thus, one cannot eliminate the view of self, and all afflictions arising from ignorance remain unresolved.