Abstract: The connotation of Tathagatagarbha can be, corresponding to the three phases of Indian TathagataGarbha theory, divided into three different, interrelated parts, that is, Buddhist nature, immaterial nature and intelligent nature, among which, Tathagatagarbha of intelligent nature is closely related to Vij?ānamātra studies. The theory of Tathagatagarbha does not at all possess the tendency to the socalled substantialization. And the chief difference between it and vij?ānamātra studies lies in the different principle and perspective of interpretation. Just based on this difference, Tathagatagarbha of intelligent nature and vijānamātra develop into two different kinds of theoretical systems, although both of them depend on the eighth vijnana in the same way. Meanwhile, just because they are different from interpretation and methodology, two different systems in appearance imply a constructive relation of supplementing each other.

Key words: Tathagatagarbha, shunyata, alayavijnana, vijānamātra