How to Comprehend the Equality Between Sentient Beings and Buddha

In the true suchness, sentient beings and Buddhas are equal; what is unequal are the illusory phenomena manifested by the true suchness within the five-aggregate world. Illusory phenomena remain illusory after all; what one should focus on is the true reality, which is neither born nor extinguished. However, to view the true reality equally rather than the illusory phenomena, one must first realize that the illusory phenomena are indeed empty and devoid of self, then realize the true reality, and further observe how the illusory phenomena are illusory and how the true reality is true, until this is clearly understood in the mind. Only then, upon encountering sentient beings, can one perceive their true reality, see through the illusory phenomena, and ultimately become unattached to all phenomena, thereby attaining an equal mind and acquiring the wisdom of equality.

After realizing the emptiness and selflessness of illusory phenomena, one begins to subdue afflictions, and at a certain stage, is able to eradicate them. Upon realizing the true reality, one similarly subdues afflictions, gradually eradicating them as self-attachment and dharma-attachment are progressively eliminated. The mind becomes increasingly pure and equal, until finally, the four wisdoms become perfectly clear, and one accomplishes the Buddha Way. Thus, sentient beings and Buddhas are not only equal in the true reality but also in the illusory phenomena of the five-aggregate world. This is complete and genuine equality.