Why Is Tathāgatagarbha Anātman While Manas Has Ātman?

The Tathagatagarbha is inherently selfless. Why is it selfless? Analyzing this question clearly is greatly beneficial for severing the view of self. The reason for using the term "analyze" is that without realizing the Tathagatagarbha, one cannot directly observe its functioning or perceive its mind-nature and awareness within the operation of all phenomena. However, the selflessness of the Tathagatagarbha’s mind-nature must have its cause, just as the selfhood of the seventh consciousness has its cause. The cause is that the seventh consciousness, upon encountering any phenomenon, immediately falls into worldly appearances, perceiving only the functions and preferences of worldly phenomena—this is ignorance. The Tathagatagarbha, being free from ignorance, perceives all phenomena without seeing their worldly appearances or merits and faults, thus being selfless and without desire. So, how should the seventh consciousness sever the view of self?

The methods of practice are all laid out plainly; it is simply that individuals lack the necessary conditions and circumstances to apply them effectively, hence they cannot proceed and feel there is no starting point. For instance, I always think about focusing more on self-cultivation to improve myself, but thinking about it for two years has been useless, and even another two years would not make it happen—conditions are insufficient. I cannot set aside the work of propagating the Dharma, as there are many concerns occupying my mind. Unlike before, when one person being full meant the whole family was satisfied, and I could do whatever I wished, now it is impossible—there are too many burdens. Others face similar difficulties, each with their own struggles; matters cannot be set aside, making it impossible to concentrate wholeheartedly on continuous practice. Like lukewarm water that never boils, progress remains elusive. Insufficient conditions ultimately stem from inadequate merit, preventing the enhancement of precepts, concentration, and wisdom. Therefore, cultivating merit remains crucial. Merit is one’s provisions and sustenance on the path. Just as provisions must precede the movement of troops, many lack sufficient provisions or even have none at all—how then can they exert effort?