Only When the Eye of the Path Is Clear and Penetrating Can One Distinguish the True from the False.

The tathāgatagarbha's essential substance is formless and without marks; no one can see it—not even a Buddha can see it. However, when the essential substance gives rise to function, the tathāgatagarbha can manifest. After enlightenment, one can see the function of the tathāgatagarbha and also come to understand its marks. In fact, all dharmas are the marks of the tathāgatagarbha, and they are also its function. Moreover, the seeing nature of the tathāgatagarbha is precisely the five universal mental factors (pañca-sarvatraga-caitasika); bodhisattvas who have attained the bhūmis and Buddhas can observe it. After enlightenment, one can see the functions and operational trajectory of the tathāgatagarbha, distinguishing them from the seven consciousnesses. In the process of the operation of all dharmas, the eight consciousnesses work together in harmony, inseparable from one another, in order to complete the operation of the dharmas—it is truly like fish eyes mixed with pearls, dragons mingled with snakes. Only when the eye of the Path is clear and penetrating can one distinguish fish eyes from precious pearls, and distinguish dragons from snakes.