An Analytical Study of the Tathāgatagarbha as true self in Mahayana Tradition

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the Tathāgatagarbha as true self; 2) to study the Tathāgatagarbha as true self in Mahayana tradition; 3) to analyze the Tathāgatagarbha as true self in Mahayana tradition. This study was carried out utilizing documentary research by studying primary data from all eight relevant Mahayana Sutras, including the Tathāgatagarbha Sutta, etc.; secondary data from academic documents and related research. The obtained data were analyzed by using the inductive descriptive method.
The research results were as follows:
1. The Tathāgatagarbha is the location or birth of the young bud of the Tathagata or the enlightened state within the mind of beings. The embryo of the Tathagata of beings is a Buddha nature that is the purity of mind and develops into enlightenment with wisdom.
2. The Tathāgatagarbha is Buddhahood, Ālayaviññāṇa, Dhammakāya, Suññatā, and the purity of the mind associated with the development of wisdom to eliminate ignorance or Avijjā. There is a pure state that leads to liberation from Saṁsāra.
3. The Tathāgatagarbha is the real Buddha, divided into two aspects: the Dhammakāya and the Sambhogakāya. The Dhammakāya is pure, immortal, imperishable, always present, eternal, and independent of time. Dhammakāya created Sambhogakāya. Sambhogakāya has an infinite aura and light that spreads infinitely, not in the form of a person. It depends on what form the Dhammakāya creates. Sambhogakāya appears to the Bodhisattvas in the higher realm and only the angels have seen.