All Dharmas Are Illusory

The Tathagatagarbha manifests certain mental objects, known as the objectively non-existent mental images, and subsequently manifests consciousness, referred to as independent consciousness. This consciousness then gives rise to the function of discernment, thereby enabling the perception of these mental objects. Throughout this process, the mental objects do not arrive, nor does consciousness depart; yet the perception of the phenomenal realm occurs, demonstrating that all dharmas neither come nor go. The arising and ceasing of all dharmas are also illusory appearances; thus, all dharmas are neither born nor extinguished.

Understanding the illusory nature of the Tathagatagarbha fosters the growth of wisdom. The more wisdom one gains, the more one realizes the profound depth of one's past ignorance—how one has been unconsciously grasping at all phenomena without reason. Matters that seemed precious in the past now appear unworthy of mention; affairs that feel crucial in the present will seem insignificant when wisdom deepens in the future.