The Aspects of the Eight Consciousnesses Can All Be Observed Through Direct Perception

After attaining enlightenment, especially with the wisdom of the path-seed, one can directly observe the functioning aspects of the Tathagatagarbha, clearly distinguishing them from the functioning aspects of the seven consciousnesses, without falling into the five aggregates of the seven consciousnesses. For example, when red beans and green beans are mixed together, they can be immediately distinguished, completely distinct and unambiguous. Within the body of the five aggregates, regardless of which phenomenon’s operation is observed, one can immediately perceive how the Tathagatagarbha functions, how the six consciousnesses function, and although observing the functioning of the seventh consciousness is more difficult, it should become observable at a certain stage. During the direct observation of the functioning aspects of the eight consciousnesses, the aspects of the sixth and seventh consciousnesses might not be clearly separable and can easily become confused, but the functioning aspect of the Tathagatagarbha should be quickly discernible, preventing it from being muddled with the sixth and seventh consciousnesses, thus avoiding confusion between the true and the false.

Therefore, the Tathagatagarbha can be directly realized. Although its essence is invisible, its functioning aspects and functional roles can be directly observed. Through the aspects and functions of the Tathagatagarbha, one can realize its invisible essence. The essence of the Tathagatagarbha is fundamentally different from the essence of worldly phenomena. The essence of worldly phenomena—the six dust realms—can be seen and discerned by the five consciousnesses and is even more easily distinguished by the mental consciousness. The Tathagatagarbha, however, is not like this. Thus, the functioning aspects of the Tathagatagarbha are extremely subtle. When prajna wisdom is insufficient, it is utterly impossible to see or observe, which is why so many people claim that the Tathagatagarbha is merely a name, that its essence is empty and non-existent. The misunderstanding in this view is profound and creates significant obstacles to one’s own bodhisattva path, delaying the attainment of Buddhahood indefinitely.