Can We Control the Tathāgatagarbha?

If we could directly control the tathāgatagarbha, having Him help us lose weight and gain weight, help us with our appearance, and change the constitution of our physical body so as to be healthier and more dignified in form, then we would need the wisdom of the varieties of paths—clarifying the principles of how the tathāgatagarbha operates to increase or decrease body weight—which would require very deep and sharp wisdom. If we had such wisdom, then in a future life we could have the tathāgatagarbha give birth to a physical body for us that is neither too tall nor too short, neither too fat nor too thin. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be born with a dignified and majestic physical body?

In fact, you do not need to understand the principles by which the tathāgatagarbha operates all dharmas, nor do you need to control the tathāgatagarbha. You only need to be able to control your own sixth and seventh consciousnesses—especially by bringing the manas well under control—and then all dharmas, including the physical body, will follow your wishes. We do not need to tell the tathāgatagarbha anything, for there is nothing He does not know. Nor can He be dominated or controlled by anyone. As long as we store the seeds of wholesome karma, He will naturally manifest those wholesome karmic seeds and fulfill our wishes.