The Manifestation Aspect of Tathāgatagarbha

The appearance of dust realms is the manifestation aspect. Any dharmas apart from the Tathagatagarbha's essence are all manifestations of Tathagatagarbha, all perceived by Tathagatagarbha. Only afterward are they perceived by the manas (seventh consciousness), and then subsequently perceived by the six consciousnesses. However, Tathagatagarbha also possesses self-verifying awareness and can perceive and reflect upon its own operations, which are also its own manifestations. The dust-realm manifestations perceived by the eighth consciousness, seventh consciousness, and sixth consciousness become progressively more illusory and less real.

All dharmas are manifestations of Tathagatagarbha, including the minds of the seven consciousnesses and mental factors. Tathagatagarbha is also a manifestation perceived by the manas and the mental consciousness (sixth consciousness), including the mental factors of Tathagatagarbha. Seeds are manifestations of Tathagatagarbha; after attaining Buddhahood, they may also be manifestations of the seven consciousnesses.