The Manifestations of Tathāgatagarbha Can Be Observed

Question: Regarding the phenomenal aspect of the Tathagatagarbha, the Diamond Sutra states: "All phenomena are illusory." The statement that the Tathagatagarbha is formless is spoken from the perspective of those who have not yet realized the mind. For those who have awakened and realized the mind, the Tathagatagarbha is neither with form nor without form. The conscious awareness mind of an awakened Bodhisattva perceives the functional manifestations of the Tathagatagarbha mind, yet this perception is still attained through the observation and practice focused on the aggregates and sense spheres. What is referred to as "seeing" is the vision perceived by the wisdom eye after awakening. For example, it is like seeing footprints in the snow and knowing that someone has walked by, yet without actually seeing the person; what is seen is still the snow. Therefore, the functional manifestations of the Tathagatagarbha are still formless, and this does not contradict what is taught in the Diamond Sutra. Is this understanding correct?

Answer: When the Diamond Sutra states that "all phenomena are illusory," it refers to worldly phenomena that can be cognized by ordinary people; it does not include the true suchness mind-essence. The true suchness mind-essence itself is formless. Although it has no shape or form, it can function in harmony with the five aggregates and the seven consciousnesses within the five aggregates. Since it can function, functional manifestations exist. These manifestations are not worldly phenomenal appearances; therefore, they are also formless. For awakened Bodhisattvas, their wisdom eye and Dharma eye can still observe these functional manifestations, thereby attaining the great wisdom of the true reality of the Dharma realm. The metaphor of footprints in the snow is excellent, but another metaphor can also be used: The Tathagatagarbha is like the snow, the five aggregates are like the imprints in the snow; the imprints are entirely made of snow, just as the five aggregates are the Tathagatagarbha.