What Is Called the Equality Nature Wisdom (Samatā-jñāna)

The equality wisdom (samatā-jñāna) arises when the seventh consciousness eliminates its afflicted, defiled nature and is transformed from the nature of consciousness into the nature of wisdom—the nature after consciousness has been transformed into wisdom. The equality of the seventh consciousness is based on the nature of the tathāgatagarbha: from the perspective of the tathāgatagarbha, all sentient beings are seen as equal in their tathatā nature; it makes no distinction between yours, mine, or his, and treats all sentient beings with perfect equality. Therefore, when practicing generosity (dāna), one does not select recipients; one does not give only to one's own family members, but gives to those most in need—regarding others as oneself, regarding even those with no kinship to oneself as oneself, treating outsiders even better than one's own family. Only such giving is the true generosity of the selfless and equal nature.