How to Understand the Equality Between Sentient Beings and Buddhas

Sentient beings and Buddhas are equal only in the suchness of Buddha-nature; as long as they possess Buddha-nature, all sentient beings will ultimately attain Buddhahood. What makes sentient beings and Buddhas unequal are the illusory phenomena of the five aggregates in the mundane world, which are derived and transformed from suchness. Illusions remain illusions after all; what one should instead focus on is the truth that neither arises nor ceases. However, to regard truth equally rather than illusion, one must first realize that illusory phenomena are indeed empty and devoid of self, then realize the truth, and further observe how illusory phenomena are illusory and how the truth is true, achieving clear understanding in the mind. Only then can one, upon seeing sentient beings, perceive their true nature, see through the illusory appearances, and ultimately become free from all phenomena, thereby attaining an equal mind and acquiring the wisdom of equality.

After realizing that illusory phenomena are empty and devoid of self, one begins to subdue afflictions, and at a certain point, will be able to eradicate them completely. When realizing the truth, one will similarly subdue and eradicate afflictions, gradually eliminating self-attachment and attachment to dharmas, causing the mind to become increasingly pure and equal. Ultimately, the four wisdoms become perfectly clear, and one accomplishes the Buddha Way. Thus, sentient beings and Buddhas become equal not only in truth but also in the illusory phenomena of the five aggregates in the mundane world. This is complete and true equality.