The Nature and Form: Neither Identical Nor Different

The Self-nature manifests through the five aggregates, eighteen realms, and all phenomena. Without the five aggregates, it cannot manifest and is termed "concealed." This means that apart from the five aggregates and eighteen realms, no one can find the Self-nature Tathāgatagarbha—not even the Buddhas. This is the state of Arhats' Nirvana without residue: utterly devoid of anything, being nothing whatsoever. In that state, there is no pleasure and no meaning.

Though the Self-nature is formless and without characteristics, it is not merely a nominal designation or a conceptual label. It possesses a real, substantial existence, hence it is called True Reality. Thus, the Self-nature may be described as manifesting when conditions are present and remaining concealed when conditions are absent.

The nature (essence) and the phenomenal appearances are neither identical nor separate. If they were identical, when phenomena cease, the Self-nature would cease as well; yet in reality, though phenomena cease, the Self-nature does not cease. If they were separate, the two would bear no relation to each other. Therefore, the relationship between nature and phenomena is one of neither identity nor difference.