All Dharmas Are Tathāgatagarbha

Observe the fingernail and contemplate why it is hard. The reason is that it contains a large proportion of the earth element. Why are bones hard? Because they contain a large proportion of the earth element. To prevent bones from becoming soft and brittle, calcium must be supplemented. Why supplement calcium? Because calcium contains a large proportion of the earth element. Thus, the food we consume is all composed of earth, water, fire, and wind; it is all consuming the Tathāgatagarbha. Eating, wearing, residing, and using—all involve earth, water, fire, and wind; all are utilizing the Tathāgatagarbha. We dwell within the palace of the Tathāgatagarbha, enjoying everything provided by it.

What we see is the Tathāgatagarbha, what we hear is the Tathāgatagarbha, what we smell is the Tathāgatagarbha, what we taste is the Tathāgatagarbha, what we touch is the Tathāgatagarbha, and what we think is the Tathāgatagarbha. We see using the Tathāgatagarbha, hear using the Tathāgatagarbha, smell using the Tathāgatagarbha, taste using the Tathāgatagarbha, touch using the Tathāgatagarbha, and think using the Tathāgatagarbha. Even the intermediary of the six sense faculties is still the Tathāgatagarbha—the Tathāgatagarbha is everywhere. Both inside and outside, it is all the Tathāgatagarbha. Within this transparent entity of the five aggregates, there is no "person" within or without.