The Immutability of Tathāgatagarbha

The Tathagatagarbha remains unmoved by thoughts and mental activities; its mind does not shift or turn with the coming and going of external conditions. Yet, while the mind remains unmoved, it gives birth to all dharmas instant by instant. All phenomena arise from it, and though its functions are vast, it does not feel burdened or busy.

Regardless of what karmic actions the seven consciousnesses create, the Tathagatagarbha remains unperturbed and unmoved, devoid of any sensation. Whatever karmic seeds manifest, the Tathagatagarbha holds no emotion. It manifests phenomena according to karmic seeds, yet remains unrelated to all phenomena. Like Mount Sumeru standing firm against winds from all directions, it remains steadfast and serene. Unchanging yet accommodating, accommodating yet unchanging—it is undefiled, never losing its intrinsic nature to the flow, never merging with all phenomena, never keeping company with them. This is what describes the Tathagatagarbha.