The Most Subtle Aspects of Dharma Are Realized Through Personal Attainment

To attain true liberating wisdom, one should not inquire into the specific division of responsibilities between the Tathāgatagarbha (Buddha-nature) and the manas (the seventh consciousness) in all dharmas. Attempting to clarify the division of labor between the true mind and the deluded mind, or to distinctly separate their functions, is equivalent to directly pointing out which is the Tathāgatagarbha and which is the manas. What would be the consequence of such an approach? Is it possible to achieve enlightenment so directly, conveniently, and effortlessly, without the need to diligently study, practice, or investigate anything?

Each practitioner reaps their own rewards; do not expect to effortlessly receive specific and detailed assistance from others. Tasks that belong to one must be done by that very one; no one can substitute for another, nor is substitution possible. If the Buddha could enable sentient beings to realize the truth and attain Buddhahood on their behalf, it would suffice to simply reveal to them all the esoteric meanings from the state of sentient beings to Buddhahood, describing the scenery of the Buddha-land. Once sentient beings fully comprehend and know this, they would immediately become Buddhas. How wonderful would that be? The Buddha would be relieved, sentient beings would be spared effort, and everyone would rejoice. But is such an approach feasible?

The functions that belong to the seven consciousnesses cannot be performed by the Tathāgatagarbha, and the functions that belong to the Tathāgatagarbha cannot be performed by the seven consciousnesses. Otherwise, the Tathāgatagarbha alone would suffice to resolve all problems, and the seven consciousnesses could do as they please—sleeping all day or perishing would be acceptable. In reality, this is not the case. Just as only the one who eats is the one who feels full.