What Is Required to Attain Enlightenment

Question: Since everything about me is transformed from the Tathagatagarbha, how can I perceive the Tathagatagarbha? For example, when I meditate, I perceive mental objects, knowing they are illusory manifestations of the Tathagatagarbha. I know there is the function of the manas (intentional mind), I know it is the consciousness (vijnana) that understands, and I know the Tathagatagarbha is present in all dharmas. Yet, I still cannot perceive its true form. In the direct perceptual state, I see the mental objects, and then there is a knowing discrimination; I cannot perceive anything else. Those explanations about illusory manifestations are also just heard. How can I truly perceive the Tathagatagarbha?

Answer: Firstly, all this knowledge of yours stems from theoretical understanding. It is all learned by the consciousness from elsewhere, and some of it belongs to the reasoning, speculation, conjecture, and intellectual interpretation of the consciousness. It is not realized through direct experience; none of it can be taken as truly known. Therefore, knowing these things will not have any substantial impact on your own mind's manas. If the cognition of the manas does not transform, the body-mind world will not change. In fact, this knowledge is equivalent to ignorance, for hearing is illusory, seeing is real. Theoretical knowledge learned is still far from actual realization; one remains utterly confused about the functioning of the various consciousnesses. When encountering adverse conditions, doubts will increase, and one might negate previous understandings; one's view might even become the opposite.

To truly perceive the Tathagatagarbha, one must diligently apply effort to realize it directly, not rely on theoretical reasoning or parrot-like learning. Realizing the Tathagatagarbha requires many causes, conditions, and prerequisites. First, karmic obstacles must be eliminated; merit and virtue must be increased; meditative concentration must be perfected; faith must be complete; precepts must be strictly upheld; the practice of patience must be strong; and one must diligently cultivate all these dharmas. Finally, prajna wisdom must also be perfected. In short, realizing the Tathagatagarbha means transforming the mind-nature of an ordinary being into that of a Bodhisattva. Every aspect of body, speech, and mind conduct must correspond to that of a Bodhisattva. One's precepts, concentration, and wisdom must be like those of a Bodhisattva; afflictions and obstructions must be diminished; one must possess the great merit and great wisdom of a Bodhisattva; the mind's capacity must be as vast as that of a Bodhisattva; one must constantly accord with sentient beings and generate the great resolve to benefit and bring happiness to them.

This is like being reborn with a new body; the body-mind world must undergo corresponding transformations, showing a clear difference and great progress from the stage of an ordinary being. In summary, one must perfect the Bodhisattva's Six Paramitas and all practices. If one lacks this, one cannot attain the Path and become a true Bodhisattva. From now on, one must have a plan and steps to comprehensively improve and perfect oneself, awaiting the maturation of causes, conditions, and the right time. Do not have an impatient mind, do not be anxious about gains and losses, do not have utilitarian motives. Generate a vast resolve, exert effort on the causes, and be unattached to the results.