The Essence of Dharma

Buddha Dharma encompasses two meanings: first, it refers to all the methods taught by the Buddha that enable one to attain Buddhahood and liberation; second, it specifically denotes the Dharma of Tathagatagarbha. The former is broad in scope, while the latter is specific. Most Buddhist scriptures discuss Buddha Dharma in the sense of the Dharma of Tathagatagarbha. The Buddha is the Tathagata; the Buddha-mind is the Tathagatagarbha; thus, Buddha Dharma is the Dharma of Tathagatagarbha. Since all dharmas are manifested by the Tathagatagarbha and all dharmas are established because of the Tathagatagarbha, Buddha Dharma is indeed the Dharma of Tathagatagarbha.

Could it be that the dharmas of non-Buddhist paths are also manifested by the Tathagatagarbha? Certainly, they are. Without the Tathagatagarbha, there would be no non-Buddhist paths, nor would there be dharmas of non-Buddhist paths. Apart from the Tathagatagarbha, there are no good people nor evil people, no wholesome dharmas nor unwholesome dharmas. All dharmas apart from the Tathagatagarbha are false. Nevertheless, false dharmas have their functions, particularly the wholesome dharmas, which can counteract unwholesome dharmas. One should merely avoid becoming attached to wholesome dharmas; subsequently, even better wholesome dharmas will emerge.