All Dharmas Interconnected, All Paths Converge

Q: Is there a correspondence between the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and the Five Aggregates of form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness? 

A: The two are precisely corresponding. The body in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness corresponds to the aggregate of form in the Five Aggregates. The feeling in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness corresponds to the aggregate of feeling in the Five Aggregates. The mind in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness corresponds to the aggregates of consciousness, mental formations, and perception in the Five Aggregates. The phenomena in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness refer to the practice methods of the Five Aggregates and the Eighteen Realms, namely the Thirty-seven Factors of Enlightenment. Therefore, by contemplating and practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, one can attain liberation through the Five Aggregates. 

All Buddhist teachings are interconnected and lead to the same destination; they express the same principle, merely from different perspectives. Although the angles of explanation differ, their result is identical: the eradication of self-view and the attainment of liberation. The specific entry points chosen by individuals during practice may vary, but the outcome does not differ. Entering from any single point can lead to the destination; as long as the method is correctly applied, one will certainly reach the ultimate summit of the mountain. Standing atop the high mountain and looking down at the surroundings, all paths lead to the summit. There is no need to circle the entire mountain; ascending along one path to the peak makes all paths clear at a glance. Thus, an enlightened person can answer any question asked. Beings on any path can be guided — whether Mahayana or Hinayana, worldly dharmas or non-Buddhist dharmas, precepts, meditation, or wisdom — all practices can serve as guides. Only then is one truly worthy of being called a wise advisor, possessing both virtue and wisdom.