Question: If the mind ceases to be, what will become of its continuity? If there is continuity of mind, how can you explain its final cessation?
Answer: What we speak of as “cessation” is the cessation of the
marks of [the deluded] mind only and not the cessation of its essence.
It is like the case of the wind which, following the surface of the
water, leaves the marks of its movement. If the water should cease
to be, then the marks of the wind would be nullified and the wind
would have no support [on which to display its movement]. But
since the water does not cease to be, the marks of the wind may
continue. Because only the wind ceases, the marks of its movement
cease accordingly. This is not the cessation of water. So it is with
ignorance; on the ground of the essence of Mind there is movement.
If the essence of Mind were to cease, then people would be nullified
and they would have no support. But since the essence does not
cease to be, the mind may continue. Because only stupidity ceases
to be, the marks of the [stupidity of the] mind cease accordingly.
It is not that the wisdom (i.e., the essence) of Mind ceases.