Only when the eye of the Path is clear and luminous can one distinguish the true from the false

The essential substance of the tathāgatagarbha is formless and without marks; no one can see it—not even the Buddha can see it. However, when the essential substance functions, the tathāgatagarbha can manifest itself; after enlightenment, one can see the functioning of the tathāgatagarbha and also come to understand its characteristics. In fact, all dharmas are the characteristics of the tathāgatagarbha, and they are also its functioning. Moreover, the seeing nature of the tathāgatagarbha is precisely the five universally present mental factors (pañca-sarvatraga-caitasika), which bodhisattvas who have attained the bhūmis and Buddhas are able to observe. After enlightenment, one can perceive the functions and operational trajectory of the tathāgatagarbha, distinguishing them from the seven consciousnesses. In the operation of all dharmas, the eight consciousnesses work together in harmony, inseparable from one another, in order to complete the operation of the dharmas. It is truly like fish eyes mixed with pearls, dragons and snakes mingled together; only when the eye of the Path is fully opened and clear can one distinguish fish eyes from precious pearls, and dragons from snakes.