How to Break Through the Realm of the Aggregate of Form?

Only when one truly breaks through the domain of the aggregate of form can one be free from the influence and obstruction of the physical body. One can break through the domain of the aggregate of form solely by cultivating meditative concentration (dhyāna); meditative concentration must be cultivated to the fourth dhyāna before one can be without obstruction, just like the old Master Xuyun. Theory needs to be accompanied by meditative concentration; without meditative concentration, one is merely playing with words, having thoughts but no power of action. Those theories we study need to be put into actual contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) and investigation within meditative concentration before they can be realized. Only afterward does one have some power of action; without realization, the manas cannot change anything, and one will remain as before. No matter how much your mind believes that the world is like a dream or an illusion, without realization, saying is saying and doing is doing, and nothing can be changed in the slightest. Change is made by the manas, and action is decided by the manas; only when the manas realizes it can it be achieved.