Lakṣaṇa, Nāma, Svabhāva, Samyagjñāna, and Tathatā

All conditioned phenomena are illusory appearances manifested by the Tathagatagarbha. To facilitate thorough communication and expression, humans assign corresponding names to these phenomena. Differentiation can occur even without names; however, without verbal communication, sentient beings cannot clearly understand each other's references. Animals never assign names to conditioned phenomena yet still differentiate, but they cannot communicate with each other, as understanding remains implicit and cannot be articulated.

Through studying the Dharma and practicing, by contemplating and observing phenomena according to the truth regarding appearances and names, one attains wisdom of thusness. This enables genuine discernment of the essential meaning of appearances and names, revealing the illusory and unreal nature of conditioned phenomena. The mind then ceases to be stirred by conditioned phenomena, remaining as unmoving as Suchness. Thus, the seven consciousnesses draw increasingly closer to Suchness, becoming ever more akin to it. Ultimately, when the mind becomes as pure as Suchness, Buddhahood is attained, and the practice is complete.