The Relationship Between Rūpa-Kāya and Tathāgatagarbha

The relationship between the material body and Tathagatagarbha is like that of bread and flour: Tathagatagarbha is like flour, while the five aggregates are like bread. Bread is entirely made from flour, and the five aggregates are all functions of Tathagatagarbha. It is like footprints in snow: Tathagatagarbha is like snow, while the five aggregates are like footprints. Footprints are entirely snow, and the five aggregates are entirely Tathagatagarbha. It is like gold and gold ornaments: Tathagatagarbha is like gold, while the five aggregates are like gold ornaments. Gold ornaments are entirely gold, and the five aggregates are entirely Tathagatagarbha.

If I say that all dharmas are Tathagatagarbha, that is correct. But if others say this, it is likely to be wrong. Because I can perceive this principle as it truly is, whatever I say makes sense. Those who have not perceived it are merely imagining. When one realizes this truth, one can say it this way or that way without any distortion. Without realization, when one speculates or imagines, one is unable to grasp the underlying principle.