How to Understand the Equality of Sentient Beings and the Buddha?

On the level of true suchness (tathatā), sentient beings and Buddhas are equal; what is unequal are the illusory appearances of the five-aggregate world that true suchness manifests and conjures forth. Illusory appearances are, in the end, illusory appearances; what one should truly focus on is the truth of non-arising and non-ceasing. However, in order to regard the truth as equal rather than the illusory appearances, one must first realize that the illusory appearances are indeed empty and selfless, then realize the truth, and then contemplate how false the illusory appearances are and how real the truth is, with complete clarity in the mind. Only from then on can one, upon seeing sentient beings, contemplate their true nature, see through the illusory appearances, and finally cling to no marks whatsoever; the mind-ground then becomes equal, and one attains the wisdom of equality (samatā-jñāna).

After realizing that the illusory appearances are empty and selfless, one begins to subdue afflictions, and at a certain point one can eradicate them. When one realizes the truth, one likewise subdues afflictions and gradually eradicates them; the grasping at self and the grasping at dharmas are gradually eliminated, and the mind-ground becomes ever purer and ever more equal, until finally the four wisdoms are perfectly luminous and Buddhahood is accomplished. In this way, sentient beings and Buddhas are equal not only in the truth but also in the illusory appearances of the five-aggregate world—this is complete and genuine equality.