Tathagatagarbha: Neither Avidya Nor the Cessation of Avidya

The phrase "neither ignorance nor the end of ignorance" in the Heart Sutra means that the Tathagatagarbha has no ignorance, and therefore it also has no end of ignorance. It does not need to eradicate ignorance, eliminate afflictions, engage in practice, attain liberation, or become a Buddha. The seven consciousnesses and five aggregates, however, are not like this. They possess immeasurable ignorance, and thus require cultivation to eradicate ignorance. Only when ignorance is completely eradicated can they achieve ultimate purity and attain great freedom and great liberation. During the process of eradicating ignorance, one must practice, uphold precepts, cultivate meditative concentration, study prajna wisdom, engage in Chan meditation to realize the truth, eliminate afflictions, attain enlightenment, and become a Buddha. After attaining Buddhahood, the seven consciousnesses and five aggregates will be free from ignorance and will no longer need to practice to eradicate ignorance.