Before Attainment's Doorstep Lies Conjecture and Imagination

Question: Is it incorrect to say that the physical body is the Tathāgatagarbha? Should it only be said that the physical body possesses the nature of Tathāgatagarbha?

Answer: The relationship between the physical body and the Tathāgatagarbha is like that of bread and flour. If I say all dharmas are the Tathāgatagarbha, it is correct; if others say it, it is wrong. This is because I can observe and practice this truth directly and accurately, so whatever I say is reasonable. Those who have not realized it through observation and practice will speak incorrectly no matter what they say. When you have realized this truth, whether you explain it this way or that way, whatever you say will not be inverted. Without realization, it is merely speculation and imagination.

The operation of the Buddha-nature is present in all dharmas; all are the result of the Buddha-nature's operation. Therefore, in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra, the Buddha said: "All dharmas are the nature of Tathāgatagarbha."

Only after the Buddha-nature operates can the Tathāgatagarbha function. The Buddha-nature functions like the eyes, while the mental factors (caitasika-dharma) function like the hands and feet.