of a being--the "true self", or Buddha-nature--can become manifest once the temporary and superficial contaminants (klesas) have been eradicated from its presence.

In the Srimaladevi Simhanada Sutra, there are two primary states of the Tathagatagarbha. One is when it is covered with defilements and known as the "embryo of the Tathagata" (Tathagatagarbha). The other is when it becomes free from defilements,