Tathāgatagarbha and the Seven Consciousnesses: Differential Content and Modes of Cognition

The Tathāgatagarbha and the seven consciousnesses both possess the faculty of discernment, yet the content and manner of their discernment are fundamentally distinct. The Tathāgatagarbha cannot discern the specific content of the six dusts (sensory objects) like the seven consciousnesses do; it does not know what the six dusts are. However, it is aware of the current state of the six dusts and their developmental trends. The Tathāgatagarbha can discern all dharmas (phenomena), but it does not know their specific content or realms; this is what the seven consciousnesses discern.

For example, both a human and a washing machine can discern clothing, yet the content of their discernment is entirely different. Even after operating the washing machine to clean countless garments, it remains unaware of what it has done or that there is a "self" involved—it is completely devoid of mind. The Tathāgatagarbha possesses similar qualities of knowing and not knowing.

A washing machine operates strictly according to pre-designed programs, making no autonomous choices. Similarly, the Tathāgatagarbha functions according to inherent patterns and rules, yet it does not know what these rules specifically entail—just as the washing machine does not know the details of its own operating programs and rules. Nevertheless, both can perform their essential duties punctually, accomplishing tasks without awareness of what they have done. They experience no joy, sorrow, or fatigue, and thus harbor no afflictions such as greed, hatred, or delusion. This is the state of selflessness and absence of mind.