Can We Control the Tathāgatagarbha?

If we could directly control the tathāgatagarbha, having Him help us lose weight and gain weight, help us beautify ourselves, and change the constitution of our physical body, so as to be healthier and more adorned with major and minor marks (lakṣaṇa-vyañjana-sampad), then we would need the wisdom of the varieties of paths, and we would have to thoroughly understand the principles of how the tathāgatagarbha operates in gaining and losing weight—such wisdom would then be very deep and sharp. If we had this wisdom, in a future life we could have the tathāgatagarbha give birth to a physical body for us that is neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin—wouldn't it be wonderful to be born with an adorned physical body?

In fact, you do not need to understand the principles by which the tathāgatagarbha operates all dharmas, nor do you need to control the tathāgatagarbha; you only need to be able to control your own sixth and seventh consciousnesses. Especially if you can control the manas well, then all dharmas, including the physical body, will follow your every wish. We do not need to tell the tathāgatagarbha anything—there is nothing He does not know, and He is not someone whom anyone can dominate or control. As long as we store the seeds of wholesome karma, He will naturally manifest the seeds of wholesome karma and fulfill our wishes.