All Dharmas Except Tathagatagarbha Are Unreliable

The physical body composed of the four great elements—inanimate like wood—becomes a sentient being with life characteristics upon the addition of the Tathāgatagarbha and the seventh consciousness. With the further addition of the six consciousnesses, the life form manifests the activities of the five aggregates, including seeing, hearing, feeling, and knowing, making the sentient being lively and animated.

When the six consciousnesses vanish, the activities of the five aggregates cease. The sentient being retains only the signs of life. The seventh consciousness determines to depart from the body and withdraws together with the Tathāgatagarbha. The sentient being then becomes inanimate wood, devoid of sensation and awareness.

Thus, it is evident that the seeing, hearing, feeling, and knowing activities of sentient beings are impermanent, subject to birth and cessation, neither real nor reliable. Apart from the Tathāgatagarbha, all dharmas are unreliable. While leaning on a tree, the tree may fall; while leaning on a mountain, the mountain may collapse; while leaning on water, the water may dry up—everything is unreliable. Disciples of the Buddha should diligently cultivate with effort, seeking nothing from worldly dharmas. Seek the Dharma only from the Tathāgatagarbha, cling firmly to the Tathāgatagarbha, so that in the future, great liberation may be attained.

Deeply implant the concept of impermanence within your heart. Do not wait until impermanence arrives and find yourself at a loss. Do not assume you can grasp what you possess or control everything around you. When impermanence comes, all will be beyond your control.