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5. 28
The reason for a non-sensory aggregate becoming sensory is that a physical transformation occurs, resulting in some new particles joining that aggregate. Not only do particles join, but some also separate from the aggregate. The emergence of physicality does not solely occur from the combination of particles (composition) nor from their separation (distinction). Beyond the physical (heavy) transformation, no aggregate becomes sensory. Therefore, it is stated here that a sensory aggregate is formed from both distinction and composition.
The term 'distinction' has two meanings—1. the breaking apart of the aggregate, meaning the separation of particles from it, and 2. the emergence of another consequence upon the cessation of the previous consequence. The first meaning has been addressed in the earlier commentary. According to the second meaning, the interpretation of the aphorism is as follows: when a subtle aggregate attains a visual sensory result (physical transformation) and hence becomes sensory instead of remaining non-sensory, a physical result is required, which is relative to a specific infinite number of particles (composition). The mere cessation of the previous subtle form does not cause the new physical result to become sensory, nor does the specific infinite number alone cause sensory transformation; rather, both the consequence (distinction) and the mentioned number (composition) are the causes of the aggregate becoming sensory.
Although the term 'sensory' in the aphorism applies specifically to the aggregates perceivable by the senses, the reference here to 'senses' intends to imply all sensory organs. Accordingly, the meaning of the aphorism is that the transformation of all extra-sensory aggregates into sensory ones requires both distinction and composition. Due to the unrestricted peculiarity of material results, just as earlier extra-sensory aggregates also later become sensory through the causes of distinction and composition, subtle aggregates also become physical. Furthermore, due to the peculiarities of transformation, aggregates perceivable by more senses can become perceivable by fewer senses. For instance, substances like salt and cumin can be perceived by all four senses: sight, touch, taste, and smell; however, when dissolved in water, they can only be perceived by the senses of taste and smell.
Question – Two causes of the aggregate becoming sensory have been stated, but why were the causes of the non-sensory aggregate's emergence not mentioned?
Answer – In aphorism 26, three general causes for the emergence of an aggregate as such are stated. Here only the emergence of a specific aggregate, that is, from the non-sensory to