The Essence of Rūpa

The form-dust perceived by eye consciousness is all arising and perishing in an instant. What does this imply? It means that form-dust arises in one moment and perishes in the next, then arises again in another moment and perishes in the next, continuously composing countless intermittent patterns of form-dust. It is merely that these patterns are too numerous and connect too rapidly for eye consciousness to detect that form-dust is formed by the succession of infinite patterns. Each pattern is static, yet when connected consecutively, it appears dynamic, as if in constant evolution. In reality, it is discontinuous—much like film reels in a movie. When played, the reels rotate so swiftly that they form a continuous narrative, known as film or television.

Since it is called "electric shadow" (movie), it means shadows formed through electric projection, where all characters, scenery, and objects within are merely shadows—not tangible material forms that can be physically contacted. All form-dust seen by eye consciousness is as unreal as shadows, a semblance of reality that is illusory, static in essence yet perceived as dynamic. Therefore, we must not believe that any form perceived by the eyes possesses true substance or real function. After all, shadows remain shadows, not actual entities. Since it is called "television," it signifies that only when energized can those continuously appearing shadows be seen. Now, for form-dust to be "seen" by consciousness, it too requires being "energized." What, then, does this "electricity" refer to?