法界次第初門 3.62

3.62

First, like an illusion. 'Like an illusion' means that, just as an illusionist magically creates elephants, horses, and various objects, though their substance lacks reality, there are still illusory forms to be seen and illusory sounds to be heard; they confront the senses without confusion, yet the unwise do not comprehend this and declare them to be real. All dharmas are also like this: they are all magically created by ignorance; though empty, they can be seen and heard without mutual confusion, but the deluded mind fails to comprehend and falsely clings to them as real. If one who cultivates the contemplation of emptiness knows that all dharmas are identical to illusory characteristics, the mind has nothing to attain, suddenly opens into understanding, and awakens to the fact that all dharmas are completely empty and tranquil; therefore, it is said to be like an illusion.