The Suchness Nature of the Eighth Consciousness

The meaning of suchness (tathatā) refers to the original appearance of the dharmadhātu, the true existence and unchanging nature of the dharmadhātu, the genuine reality of the dharmadhātu, and the original nature of the dharmadhātu. The dharmadhātu refers to the boundaries of all dharmas, the limits of all dharmas, the definition of all dharmas. In essence, all dharmas are unified as the eighth consciousness; they are all the nature of the eighth consciousness.

Why are all dharmas the nature of the eighth consciousness? Because all dharmas are generated and manifested by the eighth consciousness. It is the eighth consciousness that perfectly presents all dharmas, manifesting them in accordance with karmic seeds, exactly as they are, without violating the laws and operating principles of the dharmadhātu. In the course of its operation, the mind is not moved by any dharmas; it maintains the purity and undefiled nature of the original mind, maintains its original true and unchanging nature, and maintains its suchness, immovable (tathatā-acalita).

Although each dharma has its own worldly dharma-mark, in essence it is still the mark of the eighth consciousness, that is, the mark and nature of suchness. Therefore, all dharmas are collectively called the one true dharmadhātu. On the surface, all dharmas seem to be arising, ceasing, and changing; they seem to be moving, but in reality none of them moves—neither increasing nor decreasing, unchanging and not different. No matter how noisy and turbulent the worldly realm may be, the dharmadhātu in its original state remains quiet and still, motionless. So what are we making a fuss about? What are we seeking? What are we grasping for? If we settle the mind, live each day in accordance with conditions, and do not even conceive of "living out the days," we will accord with the nature of suchness and attain tranquil liberation.