Karmic Conditions Are the Contributory Causes for the Arising of Dharma

Question: When attempting a high jump aiming for one meter but only managing several dozen centimeters, is it the manas that decides to jump only several dozen centimeters, or is it that the Tathagatagarbha, in accordance with karmic seeds and conditions, can only facilitate a jump of several dozen centimeters?

Answer: The manas has the aspiration to jump over one meter. However, if the karmic conditions are insufficient—such as the physical body's condition and capability falling short of the goal, or if it is not destined in one's karma to attain such recognition—the Tathagatagarbha can only accord with the prevailing conditions and cannot fulfill the wish of the manas. This is analogous to someone wishing to attain Buddhahood immediately: if the karmic conditions are insufficient, merit is lacking, and there are no corresponding wholesome karmic seeds, the Tathagatagarbha remains powerless. After all, even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice.