All Existing Dharmas Are the Manifestation Aspect of Tathāgatagarbha

The manifestation aspect of the sixth consciousness is extremely broad and complex, encompassing not only the six dusts, but also the mind consciousness and mental dharmas, as well as dharmas that are neither form nor mind. The manifestation aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha is the physical body and the material world, along with the activities of the seven consciousnesses. In truth, all dharmas produced by the Tathāgatagarbha are its manifestation aspect, and the Tathāgatagarbha can cognize them all. If it were unable to cognize them, the Tathāgatagarbha could not sustain them, and the dharmas would necessarily perish and cease to exist. Any dharma that the Tathāgatagarbha cannot cognize is a non-existent dharma. Therefore, all existing dharmas are the manifestation aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha.

However, the Tathāgatagarbha's mode of cognition is not like the mundane cognition of the seven consciousnesses. It is a unique form of cognition, akin to a washing machine running its washing program—unaware, unknowing, without distinguishing between good and bad, right and wrong, and without generating mental activity or thoughts due to cognition. In contrast, the cognition of the seven consciousnesses is mindful; it involves awareness during cognition, enabling it to discern the meaning of the cognized dharmas, to know right and wrong, good and evil. Consequently, this gives rise to joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, producing various sensations and feelings, and thus possesses very strong mental power.