All Dharmas and Tathāgatagarbha: Neither Identical Nor Different

All phenomena return to the One, and this One is the One True Dharma Realm. All phenomena should be viewed as the Tathagatagarbha. Prior to enlightenment, this viewing is a superficial understanding, akin to conjecture and imagination, because without directly perceiving the Tathagatagarbha and the functioning of its Buddha-nature, one cannot truly know or observe it. Regarding all phenomena, one can only discuss whether they are one with or separate from the Tathagatagarbha; "one" and "two" refer to the concepts of identity and difference. All phenomena are neither identical to nor separate from the Tathagatagarbha. I have explained this principle countless times.

If one asks whether two phenomena within the phenomenal world are one or two, phenomenally they are certainly distinct—they are two separate phenomena. Yet in essence, they are one, belonging to the Tathagatagarbha; both are of the nature of Tathagatagarbha.

Vimalakirti manifested by remaining silent, precisely expressing the various "non-" characteristics of the Tathagatagarbha's nature. However, this is not the Tathagatagarbha's fundamental essence itself. The fundamental essence of Tathagatagarbha never directly reveals itself; it can only be encountered by sentient beings through its accompanying manifestations and assistants. Even the Buddha does not receive it directly; it refuses to be received—such is its supreme dignity.