The Essence of Dharma

The Dharma encompasses two aspects: Firstly, it refers to all methods taught by the Buddha that enable one to attain Buddhahood and liberation. Secondly, it specifically denotes the Dharma of the Tathagatagarbha. These two meanings represent a broad and a narrow scope respectively. Most of the Buddha's teachings in the sutras refer to the Dharma of the Tathagatagarbha. The Buddha is the Tathagata, the Buddha-mind is the Tathagatagarbha, and the Buddha Dharma is the Dharma of the Tathagatagarbha. Because all dharmas are manifested from the Tathagatagarbha, and all dharmas are established due to the Tathagatagarbha, the Buddha Dharma is indeed the Dharma of the Tathagatagarbha.

So, are the teachings of heterodox paths also manifested from the Tathagatagarbha? Of course they are. Without the Tathagatagarbha, there would be no heterodox paths nor their teachings; apart from the Tathagatagarbha, there are no good or evil people, no wholesome dharmas nor unwholesome dharmas. All dharmas apart from the Tathagatagarbha are illusory. However, illusory dharmas serve their functions, especially the function of wholesome dharmas which can counteract unwholesome dharmas. One must simply not cling to wholesome dharmas, and subsequently, even better wholesome dharmas will arise.