Cattāri Brahmavihārā

What essence, monks, could there be in a magic show? Even so, monks, whatever consciousness – be it past, future or present, in oneself or external, gross or subtle, inferior or superior, far or near – a monk sees it, ponders over it and reflects on it radically. He would find it empty, hollow, void of essence. What essence, monks, could there be in a consciousness? Form is like a mass of foam and feeling but an airy bubble. Perception is like a mirage and formations like a plantain tree. Consciousness is a magic show, a juggler’s trick entire.

— Lord Buddha ( excerpted from the Kalakarama Sutta)