How to Realize the Tathāgatagarbha

To discover the functioning of the tathāgatagarbha, the more specific the better. The most specific and most evident functioning is the functional operation of the five aggregates—feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness—of the six consciousnesses that it gives birth to. The operation of the tathāgatagarbha outputting the four great seeds within the physical body is something no one can observe—perhaps no one except the Buddha. On insentient objects, the operation of numerous tathāgatagarbhas outputting the four great seeds is even more impossible to observe. So how is one to realize one's own tathāgatagarbha, or to realize the tathāgatagarbha of a single sentient being?

The tathāgatagarbha has a perceiving-aspect and can see all dharmas. If it could not see all dharmas, He would not be able to manifest, uphold, and transform all dharmas. We only need to engage in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) to examine what differences there are between His perceiving-aspect and that of the seventh consciousness, what differences there are with the sixth consciousness, and what differences there are with the five consciousnesses. Starting our contemplative practice and reflection from here is the only way out, the way to find the answer we seek. Since the tathāgatagarbha can discern the faculties, the body, and the material world, all of which belong to material sense-objects, and it also includes sounds, smells, tastes, tangibles, and dharmas—discerning all eighteen realms—then what content does He discern, and how does He discern it? This is the fundamental point of entry. All dharmas are manifested by the tathāgatagarbha; before manifesting them, He must first see and discern them in order to manifest them. It is impossible for Him to blindly manifest some dharma. What, then, is the manner and content of His seeing, and how does it operate? This is the key and the focal point.