The Tathāgatagarbha Is the Sovereign of All Dharmas

The Tathāgatagarbha corresponds to and discerns more dharmas than the manas (意根) does. The dharmas to which the manas corresponds and discerns far exceed those of the mental consciousness (意识). This demonstrates that the Tathāgatagarbha gives rise to all dharmas, encompassing everything without exception. It also demonstrates the governing role of the manas over the mental consciousness, showing that the manas is the master and representative of deluded dharmas. Furthermore, it reveals the dependent arising and lack of autonomy inherent in the mental consciousness.

Outwardly, it appears that the mental consciousness processes all dharmas. In reality, however, it is the manas that directs and handles them from behind. In essence, all are processed by the Tathāgatagarbha using the seven fundamental elements (七大种子). The Tathāgatagarbha alone is the true master of all dharmas. As for processing speed, the Tathāgatagarbha operates without speed (无速), being instantly present and never separated from dharmas even for an instant. The processing of dharmas by the Tathāgatagarbha follows two principles: first, according to karmic seeds (业种); second, based on the demands and choices regarding dharmas made by the manas.

Regarding the aspects it can clearly discern, the manas processes them extremely swiftly, often completing the task without the mental consciousness being aware. The mental consciousness lags behind, being slow to perceive. For instance, when minor changes occur in the physical body, the manas can immediately process them, occasionally enlisting the mental consciousness for assistance. For dharmas that the manas cannot clearly discern, it must rely on the discernment of the mental consciousness, and its processing likewise depends on the mental consciousness. In such cases, its processing speed is slower than that of the mental consciousness. The mental consciousness alone cannot process anything independently; it always operates in coordination with the manas, either assisting it or attempting to coerce it. If the manas does not consent, the mental consciousness can accomplish nothing. It cannot be ruled out that the manas may sometimes be deceived or compelled by the mental consciousness.