90. Paramita of Wisdom I — The Eight Similes of Illusory Appearances

The Beginning

Take refuge and arouse bodhicitta.

The Main Part

Reflect on the eight similes:

1. Dreams: Objects lack true existence but appear real due to delusion.
2. Illusions: Things appear through magic or interrelationships.
3. Hallucinations: Purely visual aberrations.
4. Mirages: Apparent but unreal forms.
5. Echoes: Perceived but non-existent.
6. City of Gandharvas: Cloud-castles with no place to dwell.
7. Reflections: Variety with no reality.
8. Magical Cities: Unceasing appearances without intrinsic existence.

In short, exactly when appearances manifest themselves, they are merely empty forms and have no intrinsic existence.

The Ending

Dedicate the merit of your practice to all sentient beings.