What Is the Wisdom of Equality?

The wisdom of equality is the nature attained after the transformation of the seventh consciousness upon eliminating its afflicted and defiled aspects, turning from mere consciousness into wisdom. The equality inherent in the seventh consciousness is based on the essence of the tathagatagarbha. From the perspective of the tathagatagarbha, all sentient beings are seen as possessing the equal suchness, without distinguishing between yours, mine, or theirs; it treats all sentient beings with uniform equality. Therefore, when giving alms, one does not select recipients based on preference. One does not give alms only to one’s own family but rather to those most in need. One regards others as oneself, treating even those unrelated to oneself as oneself, showing even greater kindness to outsiders than to one’s own family. Only then is it true alms-giving characterized by selflessness and equality.