Anūnatvāpurnatvanirdeśa

A Buddhist sutra belonging to the Tathagatagarbha class of sutras. It is noteworthy for its teaching (delivered by the Buddha in this text to Sariputra) that Nirvana is not cessation or utter vacuity, but is the realm of the Tathagatagarbha, the unfabricated and everlasting essence of beings. The Buddha links the Tathagatagarbha to the spotless purity of the Dharmakaya (ultimate true nature of the Buddha) and Dharmadhatu (all-pervading realm of Dharma) and states: "First, the Tathagatagarbha is intrinsically conjoined with pure qualities from time without beginning; secondly, the Tathagatagarbha is intrinsically not conjoined with impure qualities from time without beginning; and thirdly, the Tathagatagarbha is unchanging sameness throughout the future ... it is veridical and not delusive, a pure reality that is without separation and exclusion from "jnana" [Knowingness, Awareness], an inconceivable "dharma" (entity) that is the Dharmadhatu." This sutra is notable for its doctrinal closeness, regarding the Tathagatagarbha, to the "Srimaladevisimhanada Sutra". See also the "Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra" for related doctrines.