How Does the Sixth Consciousness Attain Realization of Tathāgatagarbha? (Part III)

Although after attaining the stage of enlightenment, one may perceive that the essence of the five aggregates is none other than the tathagatagarbha, at the initial stage of realization, it is impossible to fully verify this point. One can only strictly distinguish between the functions of the five aggregates and those arising from the tathagatagarbha, avoiding any confusion. Otherwise, that would constitute a mistaken realization. The tathagatagarbha is formless and without characteristics, like the wind—how can one find it? By observing all phenomena produced by the tathagatagarbha, these phenomena are the results of its functioning. Upon these phenomena, one can observe the operation of the tathagatagarbha and thereby verify its existence, which follows the same principle as perceiving the function of the wind.

When one initially verifies and apprehends the tathagatagarbha, it is possible to capture a momentary function of the tathagatagarbha—an occasional instant. This is but a minor, sporadic function of the tathagatagarbha; its functions are not connected into a continuous line, nor do they form a cohesive expanse. One discovers that its manifestation occurs only at a single point, in a single moment. This level of realization is extremely shallow—a momentary, fragmented comprehension. The functioning of the tathagatagarbha appears disconnected, neither forming a continuous line nor merging into a surface or expanse. Strictly speaking, this does not constitute true realization. Genuine realization requires at least verifying that the functions of the tathagatagarbha are connected into a line; ideally, they merge into a continuous expanse. Those who attain profound, thorough realization perceive it as a vast, unified expanse.

Therefore, the criteria for verifying whether someone has attained realization vary. If standards are relaxed even slightly, it may ruin that person's subsequent development of great wisdom, making the path ahead exceedingly difficult and fraught with obstacles. This not only hinders the individual's progress but could potentially affect the stable development of the Buddhist cause. When one realizes the momentary functioning of the tathagatagarbha, one should press the advantage and continue investigating, thoroughly clarifying the matter, expanding wisdom further, connecting the tathagatagarbha from isolated points into a line. One must penetrate the entirety of a single matter with realization, then extend from the line to an expanse.

Initially, one discovers the tathagatagarbha functioning at a specific point. Through deeper contemplation and investigation, one comes to understand that here is a function arising from the tathagatagarbha, there is also a function arising from the tathagatagarbha, and over there is yet another function arising from the tathagatagarbha. These points remain scattered and disconnected, not yet forming a line. Gradually, one connects them into a line. Thus, initially, one might discover the tathagatagarbha in the eye faculty, in the perception of form, but not by finding the color or shape of the tathagatagarbha itself. Rather, consciousness discovers how the tathagatagarbha operates.

Initially discovering the operation of the tathagatagarbha in the eye faculty, one then begins to perceive its operation in the other sense faculties as well, realizing that it functions identically across all six faculties. In this way, one observes the operational characteristics of the tathagatagarbha across all six sense faculties. However, some may only verify the momentary functioning of the tathagatagarbha without understanding how it operates continuously. Gradually, through observation and investigation, as wisdom unfolds, one becomes able to connect the functioning of the tathagatagarbha into a continuous line and then into an expansive surface.