The Dragon's Song from the Withered Tree

"The dragon hums within the withered tree." When one's practice reaches a certain level and the power of meditative concentration (samādhi) is very good, one day one will feel that the five-aggregate body is indeed just like a withered piece of wood, an empty shell, without any substantial function or operation. The apparent functions of the five aggregates on the surface seem to exist, but in reality it is like a robot being manipulated, merely moving passively. It is like a puppet that only produces martial scenes and acrobatic performances when someone pulls its strings—essentially there is no real meaning in it. It is like a powerful ghost possessing a body: all the bodily, verbal, and mental actions are the deeds of that powerful ghost. We only need to find this powerful ghost, find the one pulling the strings, find the robot's switch button, and then the endless mysteries will all be unveiled. As long as the dragon is within the withered tree, the withered tree will meet the spring, sprouting, blossoming, and bearing fruit. As long as the dragon is there, even the iron tree will bloom; everything will be renewed in myriad forms, flourishing and thriving, full of vibrant vitality.