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

Question: Regarding the perceiving-aspect (darśana-bhāga) of the tathāgatagarbha, inferred from the authority of the sacred teachings (āgama) and from theory: since the tathāgatagarbha is consciousness, it possesses the function of discernment. But the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha should be able to be directly realized at the stage of general-characteristic wisdom and specific-characteristic wisdom after seeing the mind. For example, from the fact that He works together with the seven transforming consciousnesses to operate all dharmas, can one thereby 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 specific-characteristic wisdom and the wisdom of the varieties of paths after enlightenment, and be able to observe the more subtle and profound operations of the tathāgatagarbha, before one can realize the concrete discerning nature of the tathāgatagarbha. With only the general-characteristic wisdom attained at enlightenment, one still cannot know the discerning nature of the tathāgatagarbha; such so-called knowing is merely imagined on the basis of the authority of the sacred teachings, not realized through actual practice. And to realize the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha and to observe the perceiving-aspect of the tathāgatagarbha, one must possess the wisdom of the varieties of paths.