Observation of the Perceiving Aspect of Tathagatagarbha Requires Attainment of the Wisdom of the Path of Cultivation

Question: Regarding the seeing aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha, based on scriptural authority and logical reasoning, since the Tathāgatagarbha is consciousness, it possesses the function of discernment. However, the direct perception of the seeing aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha should be attainable during the stages of the wisdom of universal characteristics and the wisdom of particular characteristics after realizing the mind. For instance, observing how it operates in conjunction with the seven evolving consciousnesses to manifest all dharmas—can one thereby directly perceive its ability to discern the mental activities of the seven evolving consciousnesses? This is what the Vimalakīrti Sūtra means by: "Knowing is bodhi, because it comprehends the mental activities of sentient beings."

Answer: To comprehend the seeing aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha, one must possess the wisdom of particular characteristics and the wisdom of the path-seed attained after enlightenment. Only by observing the subtler operations of the Tathāgatagarbha can one realize its specific discerning nature. Merely having the wisdom of universal characteristics gained from initial awakening is still insufficient to know the discerning nature of the Tathāgatagarbha. Such so-called understanding is merely conceptualized based on scriptural authority and is not experiential realization. To realize the seeing aspect of the Tathāgatagarbha and to observe it, one must possess the wisdom of the path-seed.