Understanding Cannot Replace Realization

All phenomena of the five aggregates and eighteen elements are the nature of Tathāgatagarbha. This principle requires realization of Tathāgatagarbha first, followed by contemplative practice, to gradually attain thorough comprehension. If one merely imagines with the conscious mind that there exists a Tathāgatagarbha performing certain functions or roles, it becomes impossible to directly observe the operation of Tathāgatagarbha or to perceive the Tathāgatagarbha nature within the five aggregates and eighteen elements. Understanding remains understanding, and imagination remains imagination; neither can substitute for genuine realization.

How Tathāgatagarbha records and stores seeds, and how it actualizes cause and effect—all these pertain to the domain of Vijñapti-mātra and Jñāna (Consciousness-Only and Wisdom of Specific Knowledges). Only Bodhisattvas on the Bhūmis (Grounds) possess the capacity to directly observe these phenomena. The functional role of Tathāgatagarbha's seeds, its function of manifesting all worldly phenomena, and the functional roles of all seeds within Tathāgatagarbha—all belong to the domain of Vijñapti-mātra and Jñāna. Only Bodhisattvas on the Bhūmis can directly observe them. Bodhisattvas below the Bhūmis, due to heavy afflictions and insufficient meditative concentration, lack sufficient wisdom. Their sixth and seventh consciousnesses have not yet transformed into wisdom; thus, they lack the power to observe these extremely profound and subtle Dharma principles. Therefore, mere intellectual understanding cannot replace direct observation.