How to Understand the Six Sense Bases as Empty and Selfless

The six sense faculties are all characterized by arising and ceasing. Among them, the five sense faculties are produced by the eighth consciousness based on karmic seeds, the condition of parents, and the grasping of the mental faculty. When the conditions disperse, they cease; they are not autonomous and lack self-mastery. The mental faculty is born from the eighth consciousness transmitting consciousness-seeds, forming an illusory appearance of consciousness through the continuity of momentary arising and ceasing. Upon entering the state of Nirvana without residue, it too can cease; thus, it is also illusory, non-autonomous, and phantom-like, not the true self.

During contemplation practice, one must contemplate slowly, with profound and meticulous thought. Only then can the mind be inwardly stirred, leading to genuine recognition that the six sense faculties and the five aggregates are not real, not the true self. It is essential to cultivate meditative concentration and engage in contemplative practice supported by the power of samadhi. After thoroughly contemplating one dharma, proceed to contemplate another. Deeply suspend the contemplated content within the mind—deeply, slowly, and meticulously. The mind should not be restless; instead, the contemplated dharma should be deeply suspended, with the inner state almost motionless, actually moving very slowly, deeply, and subtly. Such contemplation is the correct method of practice.