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

Sentient beings and the Buddha are equal only in terms of true suchness and buddha-nature; as long as one possesses the buddha-nature, all sentient beings will ultimately attain buddhahood. What is unequal between sentient beings and the Buddha are the illusory appearances of the five-aggregate world conjured and manifested by true suchness. Illusory appearances are, after all, illusory; what should truly be focused upon is the truth that neither arises nor ceases. However, in order to regard the truth with equanimity rather than the illusions, 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 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; then the mind-ground becomes equal, and one attains the wisdom of equality (samatā-jñāna).

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