Only After Attaining the Wisdom of the Varieties of Paths Can One Observe the Perceiving-Aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha

Question: Regarding the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha, inferring from the authoritative teachings (āgama) and from theory, since the tathāgatagarbha is consciousness, it should possess the function of discernment. But the direct realization of the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha should be possible at the stages of knowledge of general characteristics and knowledge of specific characteristics after seeing one's true mind. For example, from the fact that He works in concert with the seven transforming consciousnesses to operate all dharmas, can one then directly realize that He can discern the mental activities of the seven transforming consciousnesses? This is what is taught in the Vimalakīrti Sūtra: "Knowing is bodhi, because it discerns the mental activities of sentient beings."

Answer: To know the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha, one must have the knowledge of specific characteristics and the wisdom of the varieties of paths attained after enlightenment, and be able to observe the more subtle workings of the tathāgatagarbha, in order to realize the concrete discerning nature of the tathāgatagarbha. With only the knowledge of general characteristics from enlightenment, one still cannot know the discerning nature of the tathāgatagarbha; such so-called knowing is merely imagined based on the authoritative teachings, not actual realization. And to realize the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha and to observe the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha, one must have the wisdom of the varieties of paths.