Aspects of Mahayana Buddhism and its Relation to Hinayana c7.s3.t27.4

c7.s3.t27.4

The combination of elements is the outcome of Karma (past deeds) and is happening every moment (kṣaṇika), implying that the disintegration of elements always precedes it. The elements in a combined state pass as an individual, and from time immemorial he labours under the misconception of a self and of things relating to a self. His vision being distorted or obscured by ignorance of the truth he cannot perceive the momentary combination and disintegration of elements. On the other hand, he is subject to an inclination for them. A perfect man with his vision cleared by the Buddhistic practices and culture realises the real state of things, viz., that an individual consists of the five elements and does not possess a permanent and unchanging entity called soul.