The Relationship Between Manas and Tathāgatagarbha

The main function of the manas is its role as the master — it has the final say, and no one can do anything about that. The function of the tathāgatagarbha is simply such as it is by nature (dharmatā): only when there are seeds and resources can it transform, create, and sustain all dharmas. Whatever ideas the manas has, the tathāgatagarbha does its utmost to accommodate them — this is precisely what demonstrates the manas's powerful self-nature and mastery, as well as the tathāgatagarbha's accord with conditions and its selflessness. The manas and the tathāgatagarbha are inseparable, like a shadow following its form. Study more of the Consciousness-Only dharma, so that in the future, when you attain enlightenment, your awakening can be very deep and very thorough, reaching down to the very root. If the dharma you study is shallow, your awakening will be shallow. If you possess the meditative concentration of the first dhyāna, then perhaps when you awaken, you might even reach the stage of the Ten Practices or the Ten Dedications.