What Exactly Are Conditioned Phenomena?

All conditioned phenomena are illusory appearances conjured by the Tathāgatagarbha. To facilitate thorough communication and expression, humans assign corresponding names to these phenomenal appearances. Differentiation is possible even without names; however, in such cases, communication through language between sentient beings becomes inconvenient, and their respective references cannot be clearly understood. Animals never assign names to conditioned phenomena yet still differentiate, but they cannot communicate or convey meaning to each other; it can only be sensed but not conveyed.

Through studying the Dharma and cultivating practice, by contemplating and observing names and forms according to principle, one attains the wisdom of reality (yathābhūta-jñāna). One then accurately differentiates and understands the essential meaning of appearances and names, deeply realizing the illusory and insubstantial nature of conditioned phenomena. The mind no longer stirs or is moved by conditioned phenomena but remains unmoving like Suchness (Tathatā). Thus, the seven consciousnesses gradually draw nearer to Suchness, becoming increasingly like Suchness. Ultimately, the mind becomes as pure as Suchness itself, and the cultivation is complete.

The three thousand great thousand worlds manifested by all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are conditioned phenomena. What exactly are they? Or are they nothing at all? These conditioned phenomena are all generated from the formless, signless seeds within the Tathāgatagarbha. They are empty and illusory; no substantial dharma exists. Therefore, one cannot say what these conditioned phenomena are. Yet, one also cannot say that they are nothing at all, because these conditioned phenomena still exist in appearance and possess their corresponding illusory functions within conventional truth. Although these functions are also conjured illusions and are, in reality, entirely the functions of the Tathāgatagarbha, these functions genuinely have effects. This is precisely why they are called conditioned phenomena (saṃskṛta-dharma); otherwise, they would be unconditioned phenomena (asaṃskṛta-dharma).

The reason conditioned phenomena are called "conditioned" is precisely because they possess phenomenal appearances and functions within the conventional realm. Therefore, these conditioned phenomenal appearances are given names like "such-and-such" to facilitate differentiation and grasping. The wise clearly understand the true nature of these conditioned phenomena in their minds. Although they still need to use these conditioned phenomena, they do so without obstruction or dissonance. Their minds are at ease, free from greed and hatred, and without bias. All their actions neither contradict the ultimate truth (paramārtha-satya) nor the conventional truth (saṃvṛti-satya). With great wisdom, they undertake the Bodhisattva's work of benefiting sentient beings.