Tathagatagarbha is a concept in Mahayana Buddhism that refers to the inherent potential for enlightenment present in all sentient beings. It suggests that every individual possesses a "Buddha-nature," which is the essence that can lead to awakening and liberation from suffering. This idea emphasizes the possibility of transformation and spiritual growth. The term literally translates to "womb of the Tathagata," where "Tathagata" is a title for the Buddha. This concept encourages practitioners to recognize their inner qualities and strive towards realizing their true nature, ultimately aiming to attain the same enlightenment as Buddha Shakyamuni.