Which Eye Can Perceive the Manifestation of Tathāgatagarbha?

The Tathāgatagarbha is formless and shapeless, invisible to the physical eye, yet visible to the mind's eye, the eye of wisdom, the eye of Dharma, and the Buddha eye. Among these, the eye of wisdom, the eye of Dharma, and the Buddha eye are collectively referred to as the mind's eye. Due to differences in wisdom, what these three eyes perceive varies greatly. How can the formless, shapeless essence of the Tathāgatagarbha be seen? Although the essence of the Tathāgatagarbha itself is invisible, it possesses numerous manifestations of activity and functional roles. The manifestations of the Tathāgatagarbha's activity are also called mental activities and mental factors (caitasika dharmas). Its functional role is to accomplish all dharmas, to display the appearances of all phenomena, and to endow all dharmas with their corresponding functions and roles. The wisdom of the eye of wisdom is shallower and more obscured than that of the eye of Dharma and the Buddha eye; thus, the manifestations of the Tathāgatagarbha it perceives are shallow, few, and coarse. The eye of Dharma perceives the manifestations of the Tathāgatagarbha extensively and with profound subtlety. The Buddha eye is perfect and unobstructed; it perceives all manifestations of the Tathāgatagarbha in their entirety, so subtle that not a single dharma escapes its knowledge or understanding. It illuminates the universe as clearly as the bright sun, discerning the finest details. The manifestations of the Tathāgatagarbha's activity can be directly observed. Those who have not realized enlightenment cannot observe them; they can only infer the functions performed by the Tathāgatagarbha, unable to directly observe its manifestations and functions. From this point alone, one can fully determine whether a person has attained realization or not, and whether it is genuine or false realization. The functional roles of the Tathāgatagarbha can be understood and imagined through Buddhist scriptures and the teachings of patriarchs and great masters. Through reasoning, one can also deduce its general functions, but it is difficult to deduce even slightly detailed aspects. Detailed knowledge cannot be obtained merely by hearing; it must be acquired through one's own direct observation. Therefore, every practitioner who wishes to attain genuine great wisdom, possessing the eye of wisdom and the eye of Dharma, must diligently cultivate precepts, meditation, and wisdom, exerting great effort in genuine practice and realization. Only then can one attain the merit and benefit of true liberation.