The Sustaining of Embryos, Sentient Bodies, and the Material Realm by Tathāgatagarbha (Part 1)

The embryos of all sentient beings, as well as their physical bodies and material realms, are all sustained by the Tathagatagarbha, which enables their existence and functioning. The Tathagatagarbha is the fundamental cause for the emergence and functioning of these dharmas. Relying on corresponding conditions, it gives birth to embryos, physical bodies, and material realms, and subsequently enables these dharmas to operate and function continuously.

For example, when a hen lays an egg, the apparent phenomenon is that the egg is produced by the hen. In reality, it is manifested and produced by the Tathagatagarbha. Then, when conditions mature, the egg hatches into a chick. Superficially, it seems the hen produces the egg, but within this process lies the operation of the Tathagatagarbha. Without the Tathagatagarbha, the hen could not lay eggs; indeed, the hen itself would not exist. Within this lie many profound mysteries of the Tathagatagarbha dharma, awaiting our realization and revelation.

For instance, when sentient beings engage in sexual union, both sperm and egg are sustained by their respective Tathagatagarbhas. The Tathagatagarbha of one sentient being sustains the sperm, while the Tathagatagarbha of another sentient being sustains the egg. Only the Tathagatagarbhas of these two sentient beings enable the sperm and egg to combine. Then, the Tathagatagarbha of the sentient being awaiting rebirth takes hold of this combined substance, forming a fertilized egg, thus creating an embryo. It continues to sustain and shape the embryo, constantly infusing the seeds of the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind) so that the embryo gradually grows. Finally, when the embryo matures, the life form of the sentient being is born.

If the Tathagatagarbha does not sustain it, the phenomenon of conception cannot occur, and no embryo forms. If the Tathagatagarbha does not sustain the sperm or the egg, they lack vitality. Even if combined, they cannot become a fertilized egg or give rise to an embryo. It is only due to the operation of the Tathagatagarbha within this process that the corresponding functions of life arise. Without the Tathagatagarbha, those two substances would lack vitality, unable to produce sentient beings, form a life form, or bring about the advent of a life form. Even in artificial insemination, the sperm and egg are each sustained by the Tathagatagarbhas of two sentient beings. When combined, the Tathagatagarbha of the sentient being destined for rebirth enters this combined substance, thereby forming an embryo.

Regardless of whether sperm and egg are inside or outside the body of a sentient being, they are sustained by the Tathagatagarbha. If they remain outside the body for an extended period, the Tathagatagarbha ceases to sustain them directly, rendering the sperm and egg inactive and lifeless. As long as sperm and egg remain outside the body within a certain time limit, they are each sustained by their respective Tathagatagarbhas. Therefore, when combined, they can form an embryo. However, if sperm and egg remain outside the body for too long, the Tathagatagarbha no longer sustains them directly, rendering them ineffective and incapable of producing life.