The Pariniṣpanna Nature of Tathāgatagarbha

Nature refers to the characteristic nature of phenomena and principles; without the word "nature," it denotes the phenomena and principles themselves. The pariniṣpanna nature (perfectly accomplished nature) of the tathāgatagarbha means that the tathāgatagarbha possesses the meritorious characteristic of being able to perfectly accomplish all dharmas, capable of perfectly accomplishing all dharmas, causing all dharmas to manifest as they truly are, existing in their original manner. This functional characteristic of the tathāgatagarbha cannot be brought about by the five aggregates and the seven consciousnesses; the tathāgatagarbha inherently possesses this nature by itself, and it need not be accomplished through later cultivation. All dharmas other than the tathāgatagarbha are perfectly accomplished and brought forth by the tathāgatagarbha using the seeds within itself; they all carry the attributes of the tathāgatagarbha, and all are manifested by the pariniṣpanna nature of the tathāgatagarbha.

The beings of the three evil destinies also all possess the pariniṣpanna nature of the tathāgatagarbha; all are accomplished and manifested by the pariniṣpanna nature of the tathāgatagarbha. If it were not so, there would be no three evil destinies, and there would be no sentient beings either. The six consciousnesses and the five sense faculties and six sense objects possess the paratantra nature (dependent nature), arising in dependence upon other dharmas; they do not exist autonomously, nor can they exist independently. The seventh consciousness, the manas, possesses the parikalpita nature (imputed nature); it perceives dharmas and grasps at dharmas, being a consciousness of imputation and grasping.