Can Self-Grasping Be Eliminated Without Realizing the Tathāgatagarbha?

Arhats have not realized the tathāgatagarbha—have they not already eliminated the self-grasping? Pratyekabuddhas are the same: without realizing the tathāgatagarbha, they can still eliminate grasping. In meditative concentration at the level of the first dhyāna and above, by thoroughly and completely contemplating the five aggregates and the eighteen realms, one eliminates all afflictions, and self-grasping is fully eliminated; with no lingering attachment to the three realms, one is guaranteed to depart at the end of life and never return.

As for the elimination of self-grasping by Mahāyāna bodhisattvas: only after realizing the tathāgatagarbha, then passing through the illusion-like contemplation and the mirage contemplation, passing through the three checkpoints of the Chan school, and passing through the dream-like contemplation, and entering the first bhūmi, does one gain the ability to eliminate self-grasping—but it cannot be completely eliminated, because if it were completely eliminated, one would enter nirvāṇa without remainder (anupadhiśeṣa-nirvāṇa).

Without the concentration of the first dhyāna, the mirage contemplation and the three checkpoints of the Chan school should not even be thought of. For some people, even the first checkpoint is not a genuine realization, yet they contemplate the dream-like contemplation every day without any meditative concentration; as they contemplate along, they come to feel that they have realized the dream-like contemplation—how enormous this misunderstanding is. Generally speaking, from the first enlightenment to the dream-like contemplation requires several great kalpas; it is impossible to cultivate to the dream-like contemplation within a single lifetime. Moreover, without cultivating meditative concentration, no contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) can gain entry at all.

After entering the bhūmis, one begins to eliminate grasping at dharmas. Grasping at dharmas is very subtle and profound; the wisdom of the Small Vehicle cannot eliminate grasping at dharmas—only the wisdom of bhūmi bodhisattvas who have realized the tathāgatagarbha has the ability to eliminate it. When one realizes that each and every subtle dharma is produced and sustained by the tathāgatagarbha, that none of them is real, and that all are without self, one strand of grasping at dharmas is eliminated.

Now, can everyone understand what is meant by genuine practice? What is "genuine," and what is "practice"? Everyone claims to be engaged in genuine practice, but if one departs from any one of precepts, meditative concentration (samādhi), and wisdom, it is neither genuine nor practice. That is just how it is—no matter who refuses to accept it, it makes no difference.