Only When Both the Sixth and Seventh Consciousnesses Realize Tathāgatagarbha Is It True Enlightenment

Realizing the Tathāgatagarbha necessarily involves consciousness attaining realization, yet realization by consciousness alone does not constitute true realization. It is essential that the manas (mental faculty) simultaneously attains realization as well. If only consciousness attains realization, it is merely intellectual understanding. If realization were possible through consciousness alone, then simply hearing someone explain what the Tathāgatagarbha is, where it resides, and what its functions are would constitute enlightenment. If this counted as enlightenment, we could simply inform all sentient beings which is the Tathāgatagarbha, and then there would be no need for beings to study the Mahayana teachings or engage in Chan meditation—all sentient beings would directly awaken and become bodhisattvas. Then, by directly revealing to all beings the hidden meanings at each critical point and every level, all sentient beings would immediately attain realization. How swiftly Buddhahood would then be achieved! Why did the World-Honored One not adopt this method?

All dharmas are first understood and realized by consciousness, after which the manas can then understand and realize them. This is because the wisdom of manas is insufficient; it must rely on the thinking capacity of consciousness. Many dharmas are known to consciousness, yet manas remains unaware of them. Manas is not easily able to comprehend or realize them.

The consciousness of modern people is excessively astute; they grasp principles very easily. If they become complacent with the present state, problems will arise, and Buddhism may rapidly decline as a result. Before the emergence of The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, Buddhists engaged in genuine practice, cultivating concentration and investigating Chan—they never indulged in idle talk about Chan. After the appearance of The Platform Sutra, the direction shifted. When the public gathered, it was all empty talk about Chan, for having read the contents of that sutra, everyone felt they already understood and that there was nothing left to cultivate. Thus, they engaged in eloquent discussions devoid of actual cultivation. People today are even more like this.