Different Realizations, Different Views

Question: As I understand the meaning in the Surangama Sutra, when the auditory-nature is attributed to the Tathagatagarbha, it is unborn and undying; whereas from the perspective of the Hinayana sravaka path to liberation, it is of a arising-and-ceasing nature, correct?

Answer: From the realization level of the bodhisattva on the bhumi stages regarding consciousness-only and all-knowing wisdom, observing all dharmas within the three realms, they are all born from the Tathagatagarbha using the seven great seeds, all being the Tathagatagarbha. From the perspective of one who has realized the enlightened mind but lacks consciousness-only and all-knowing wisdom, the dharmas of the three realms and the Tathagatagarbha are neither identical nor different. The auditory-nature of the Tathagatagarbha is unborn and undying; the auditory-nature of the ear consciousness is arising and ceasing. According to the Consciousness-Only school, the auditory-nature of the ear consciousness is also the auditory-nature of the Tathagatagarbha. From the perspective of Prajnaparamita, the auditory-nature of the ear consciousness and the auditory-nature of the Tathagatagarbha are neither identical nor different.