An appearance can only exist if there is a mind that beholds it. The 'beholding' of that appearance is nothing other than experience; that is what actually takes place. All the elements are vividly distinguished as long as the mind fixates on them. Yet they are nothing but a mere presence, an appearance. When the mind doesn't apprehend, hold, or fixate on what is experienced, 'reality' loses its solid, obstructing quality.

-- Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche