How Does the Sixth Consciousness Realize Tathāgatagarbha? (Part 4)

We know that the Tathagatagarbha operates continuously without even a moment's pause; it pervades all times, aggregates, sense bases, elements, and realms, and permeates all dharmas. However, the "continuous" mentioned here is not the eternal continuity without beginning or end, but rather a continuity within a specific period. Therefore, realizing the operation of the Tathagatagarbha in a single event represents very shallow wisdom. One must then investigate further, expanding one's wisdom, not only to realize the Tathagatagarbha's more extensive operations but also to perceive its deeper and subtler functions.

Upon further observation, one discovers that the Tathagatagarbha is beginningless and endless, pervading all dharmas. On the five aggregates of form, on all phenomena, on all appearances, on the six sense faculties, the twelve sense fields, and the eighteen elements, it operates in this way without ever ceasing, functioning thus every moment, every instant. At this level, the realized wisdom may begin to form a surface or an expanse, which can be further divided into small, medium, and large areas.

The extent of the area formed corresponds to the scope of the Tathagatagarbha's operation that one has realized; the size of this area indicates the depth of one's wisdom. This serves as a measure to judge each individual's level of wisdom. When the wisdom gained through contemplation deepens and forms a large expanse, one may reach the firm barrier, or even pass through it, potentially attaining the first bhumi. The initial realization of the Tathagatagarbha's operation is only at a single point, a single location, which then forms a line; this corresponds only to the seventh abiding stage of a Bodhisattva, where wisdom is still not deep, yet even this is already quite an achievement.

The sixth consciousness finding and realizing the Tathagatagarbha means apprehending the functions manifested by the Tathagatagarbha. The initial wisdom realized is extremely shallow, perhaps capturing how the Tathagatagarbha functions in a single instant. Then, as the area of apprehension expands slightly and the scope broadens somewhat, one gains some continuity in realizing the Tathagatagarbha's functions. Finally, the depth of realization may increase, enabling one to observe the operation of the Tathagatagarbha from all aspects, at which point the distinctive wisdom of this individual arises.