Significance of Buddha Nature
Buddha Nature, as defined in Mahayana Buddhism, encompasses the inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings. This potential includes qualities such as the Eternal, the Good, and the Pure, and is present in every sentient being. Buddha Nature signifies the capacity to attain Buddhahood and enlightenment, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their current state, has the ability to realize their true nature. Discussions around this concept highlight its universality and the opportunity for awakening through understanding and meditation.
Synonyms: Natural state, True nature, Original mind, Buddhahood, Enlightened nature, True self, Innate wisdom, Essential nature
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Buddha Nature'
Buddha Nature signifies the inherent potential for enlightenment within all sentient beings, emphasizing that everyone possesses the essential qualities necessary for attaining Buddhahood through genuine understanding, practice, and the realization of their true nature.
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings, suggesting that everyone has the capacity to achieve Buddhahood.[1] (2) The inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings, according to Buddhist teachings.[2] (3) The inherent potential for enlightenment present within all beings, which is often contradicted by worldly views of Self.[3] (4) The inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings, which Bodhisattvas recognize and work to unveil in themselves and others.[4] (5) The intrinsic nature of all beings that allows for the potential to attain enlightenment.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The inherent quality or potential for enlightenment present in all beings, distinguished from the ordinary nature of seeing.[6] (2) The inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings, emphasizing that anyone can become a Buddha through proper cultivation and understanding.[7] (3) The intrinsic quality within all beings that allows for the potential to attain enlightenment, likened to the concept of the soul.[8] (4) The inherent potential for enlightenment within all beings, which can be realized through cultivation.[9] (5) The realization of one's true nature, equating to the attainment of the Tathagata's Unsurpassed Bodhi and Great Nirvana.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The inherent qualities and potential for enlightenment that exist within all beings, coupled with the gradual clearing away of obscurations during a bodhisattva's path.[11] (2) This is the inherent quality of enlightenment possessed by all beings, yet the human body is identified as the perfect condition for its development.[12] (3) The intrinsic quality or essence of all beings, indicating that everyone has the potential for enlightenment and should be treated with respect.[13] (4) The inherent nature of all sentient beings, which is considered to be pure and wise; it holds the potential for enlightenment.[14] (5) The inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within all sentient beings, recognized through profound insight.[15]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The inherent potential for awakening that exists in all sentient beings, as a point of debate between Chang and the Patriarch.[16] (2) The intrinsic potential for Buddhahood within all beings, regardless of their current state of ignorance or enlightenment.[17] (3) The inherent potential for Buddhahood present in all sentient beings, which can be realized through understanding of the Essence of Mind.[18] (4) The inherent potential for Buddhahood present within all sentient beings, which can be realized through understanding and meditation.[19] (5) The innate nature of all beings that can lead to enlightenment, emphasized by the Patriarch in his teachings.[20]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) Refers to the inherent potential for enlightenment present in all living beings.[21] (2) The essence from which virtue flows forth, representing the inherent potential in all beings.[22] (3) The inherent potential within all beings to attain enlightenment, likened to a pure reflection of the full moon.[23] (4) The inherent quality present in all living beings that allows for the possibility of enlightenment.[24]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A fundamental quality inherent in all beings according to Mahayana Buddhism, indicating that everyone has the potential to attain Buddhahood.[25] (2) The inherent potential for enlightenment that all beings possess, according to Mahayana teachings.[26] (3) The potential within all beings to attain Buddhahood, a central belief in Mahayana Buddhism.[27]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The potentiality of becoming a buddha; the essential nature of a buddha inherent in all sentient beings.[28] (2) The potentiality of becoming a buddha; the essential nature of a buddha inherent in all sentient beings.[29]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The intrinsic potential for enlightenment present in all sentient beings.[30] (2) The inherent quality within all beings that can lead to enlightenment, often referenced in connection with the potential for awakening.[31]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings; symbolizes the ultimate capacity for realization and awakening.[32] (2) The intrinsic quality possessed by all beings that embodies the potential for enlightenment, realized when one understands egolessness and transcends dualistic thinking.[33]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings, often acknowledged in Mahayana teachings.[34]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) The inherent potential for all beings, regardless of gender, to achieve enlightenment as discussed by Mahayana Buddhists.[35]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings, symbolizing the possibility of awakening.[36]
The concept of Buddha Nature in local and regional sources
Buddha Nature, or Tathagathagrabha, symbolizes the inherent potential for enlightenment within all sentient beings, emphasizing the universal capability for spiritual awakening and transformation inherent in every individual.
From: Tibet (Myth, Religion and History)
(1) Buddha-Nature, or Tathagathagrabha, refers to the intrinsic potential for enlightenment present in all sentient beings.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The foundational idea in Buddhism that all beings have the potential for enlightenment.[38]