Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
Chapter 1 - Sutra 18-19
39
What is this? It is the same common knowledge that clearly understands the preliminary word. After that, special knowledge begins in order. Just as, after a while of water droplets falling, the dry wood gradually becomes wet and water starts to be visible in it, in the same way, due to the sound phenomena of words persistently residing for some time, a person hears them as they fill the ears of a sleeping person, and thereafter understands the characteristics of the words. However, this sequence also applies to an awakened person like the one who is in deep sleep, yet it occurs so quickly that it remains difficult for ordinary people to perceive. Thus, the similarity of the sound with the trickle is demonstrated.
The example of a mirror is appropriate for the sequential knowledge stream. When something comes in front of a mirror, its reflection immediately appears in it and is seen. For this, the direct presence of the reflected object with the mirror is not necessary, just as direct engagement with the sound is essential for hearing. Only the reflective mirror and the object being reflected need to be present in that particular location; as soon as such presence occurs, the reflection emerges and is seen immediately. In this way, when something colored comes before the eyes, it is immediately seen in a general form. For this, the conjunction of the eye and that object is not required, just as the conjunction of the ear and sound is essential. Only the reflection is needed.