Significance of Buddhahood
Synonyms: Enlightenment, Awakening, Nirvana, Spiritual liberation, Realization, Transcendent state, Buddhahood attainment, Satori, Liberation
In Dutch: Boeddhaschap; In Finnish: Buddhalaisuus; In Spanish: Budeidad; In German: Buddhaschaft; In Portugese: Estado de Buda; In Italian: Buddità; In Polish: Stan Buddy
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Buddhahood'
Buddhahood in Buddhism represents the ultimate state of enlightenment, characterized by complete wisdom, liberation from suffering, and unconditional compassion, achieved through dedicated spiritual practices, marking the highest aspiration for practitioners on the path to awakening.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Buddhahood is realized by the Bodhisattva seated on the seat of enlightenment, and this is proclaimed by the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, devas, and manushyas.[1] (2) The text mentions that the bodhisattva, thanks to the qualities contained within samadhi and wisdom, can effect the crossing and arrive at buddhahood, highlighting the ultimate goal.[2] (3) Giving with the view of attaining this and for the welfare of beings is the generosity of a bodhisattva.[3] (4) The ultimate goal of the Buddhist path that is achieved through the cultivation of superior morality.[4] (5) The ultimate state of enlightenment and spiritual realization, which Sagaranagarajaduhita was close to achieving.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Buddha-hood is what everyone is potentially, but one has to cultivate in order to realize Buddha-hood, and it cannot be attained in a single thought.[6] (2) Realization of this is like traveling to New York, it requires effort and determination. Every living being has the Buddha-nature and can realize this. The wisdom realizes this.[7] (3) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing enlightenment and the state of being a Buddha, which is achievable even for the worst individuals or beings despite their past actions.[8] (4) The ultimate state of enlightenment and awakening that one aims to achieve through following the Buddha-Way.[9] (5) The realization of one's true nature and the state of total understanding and liberation from ignorance, achieved through the removal of false perceptions.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) This term represents a future state that individuals will achieve, allowing them to impart spiritual lessons in the specific language.[11] (2) The state of enlightenment and the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice.[12] (3) Buddhahood represents the ultimate state of enlightenment where one fully realizes the nature of reality and achieves liberation from suffering.[13] (4) The state of complete enlightenment characterized by boundless qualities and devoid of all defects, the ultimate goal for each sentient being.[14] (5) The ultimate state of awakening and realization of truth in Buddhism that can only be attained through the cultivation of bodhicitta.[15]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) It is a state that the Brahmin will attain in the Bhadrakalpa, having aspired to unsurpassed Bodhichitta in the past.[16] (2) A state attained in the days to come where beings of all Buddha-Lands unite in peace and preach Dharma.[17] (3) Buddhahood is the state of being that the Buddha attained, but it was manifested in Jambudvipa to accord with the way of the world.[18] (4) The state of having attained full Enlightenment, becoming a Buddha, marked by wisdom and an unwavering resolve to help all beings.[19]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) Buddhahood is the state one can reach by realizing their own Essence of Mind, and it is the ultimate goal that the speaker asked for when paying respect to the Fifth Patriarch.[20] (2) The state of enlightenment reached by a Buddha, characterized by complete wisdom and compassion.[21] (3) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, achieving complete enlightenment and liberation from the cycles of birth and death.[22] (4) The ultimate goal of spiritual training, represented as the realization of one's true nature.[23]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The Buddhist teachings unfold themselves around the conception of Buddhahood, and when this is adequately grasped, Buddhist philosophy becomes luminous.[24] (2) The state of enlightenment attained by fully understanding the nature of reality and overcoming all suffering.[25] (3) The state of enlightenment attained by a Buddha, characterized by profound wisdom, compassion, and the realization of the nature of phenomena.[26] (4) The ultimate state of enlightenment achieved by a Bodhisattva, characterized by profound wisdom and compassion.[27]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Buddhahood is a state that Ajita is expected to achieve, marking the end of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's entrusted task to deliver and liberate all sentient beings in the six realms of samsara.[28] (2) The ultimate spiritual attainment in Buddhism, where an individual reaches enlightenment and is liberated from the cycle of suffering.[29] (3) The state of being an enlightened one, having achieved complete awakening and the ability to help others attain the same realization.[30]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The state of enlightenment attained by Gautama Buddha, signifying the culmination of his spiritual journey.[31] (2) The state of achieving enlightenment and the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, realized by fully understanding the nature of reality.[32]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Buddhahood is a state that the bodhisattva does not take a stand upon, and is considered one of the fruits, and the text indicates that those who attain Buddhahood, along with Arhat or Nirvana, learn that these are mere illusions, influencing the actions of a wise bodhisattva.[33] (2) The ultimate state of enlightenment and freedom from all attachments and illusions.[34]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The state of being a Buddha, characterized by full enlightenment, compassion, wisdom, and the ability to guide others to liberation.[35] (2) A state of enlightenment and ultimate realization in Buddhism, achieved through personal cultivation and virtuous actions.[36]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The attainment of full enlightenment and the realization of one's true nature.[37]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) The state of awakening and enlightenment that all living beings can aspire to, transcending false thinking and attachments.[38]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The state of being a Buddha, characterized by perfect wisdom and compassion.[39]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The state of a Buddha, which is a difficult task achieved by heroic men.[40]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The sectarians claimed that they also attained Buddhahood, and people should make offerings to them as well.[41] (2) It is the attainment of the fruit of the paramis, involving the acquisition of a physical body and a Dhamma body with various attributes and powers.[42] (3) The text says that after He had attained Buddhahood, Buddha Narada spent forty-nine days in the neighbourhood of the Bodhi tree.[43] (4) The effort rightly directed as Bodhisatta is prepared to traverse an ocean to attain this.[44] (5) Attaining the state after moving from one birth to another, fulfilling perfections and overcoming the fivefold Mara.[45]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Buddhahood is the ultimate goal for which King Vessantara gave away his possessions and family, indicating his dedication to achieving enlightenment and becoming a Buddha.[46] (2) The enlightened state achieved by the Bodisat, reflecting complete freedom from the cycle of re-existence.[47] (3) The state of having attained enlightenment and full understanding of reality, marking the ultimate goal in Buddhism.[48] (4) The state of ultimate enlightenment and awakening, achieved by following the right spiritual path.[49] (5) The state of enlightenment attained by the Buddha, marked by a profound understanding of existence and the cessation of suffering.[50]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The ultimate spiritual attainment in Buddhism, representing enlightenment and the end of suffering.[51] (2) The state of enlightenment that Siddhattha aimed to attain, believed by his father to prevent his son's death.[52]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ultimate state of enlightenment and awakening that all individuals are potentially able to achieve, according to Buddhist teachings.[53] (2) The state of attaining complete enlightenment and wisdom, becoming a Buddha.[54]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal achieved by an Enlightened One, representing complete enlightenment.[55] (2) The state of enlightenment and perfect understanding achieved by a Buddha, which the Bodhisatta aims for through self-development and moral principles.[56]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The state of awakening characterized by exhaustive knowledge of all dhammas, both conditioned and unconditioned.[57] (2) The ultimate spiritual goal of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Buddhist tradition.[58]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) The ultimate spiritual accomplishment attained through persistent effort and the culmination of moral actions.[59]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The state of enlightenment one may achieve through consistent cultivation of panná carita (wisdom).[60]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, referring to the state of enlightenment and liberation from cycle of rebirth.[61] (2) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing the state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[62] (3) The ultimate spiritual goal that Dharmasvamin nam mkha' dpal bzang po aspired to achieve through his practices.[63]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) 'Buddha-hood' is the state of Perfect Enlightenment, lying beyond the Bodhisattva-Stage and the Ten Stages, representing the ultimate goal of spiritual development.[64] (2) The state of being a Buddha, characterized by possessing perfect knowledge and understanding of the true nature of reality.[65]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) Attained by the advanced beings in Bardo, it can be reached by the holding of the Light of Death, as stated in the text.[66]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) According to the text, all dharmas are the single mandala of buddhahood, and supplicating with this knowledge allows for recitation, offerings, and praises within a state of spontaneous presence, which is the nature of one's own mind.[67] (2) The ultimate state of enlightenment representing complete realization and liberation from suffering.[68] (3) The final state of enlightenment reached by individuals who follow the path of Buddhism.[69] (4) The ultimate state of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.[70] (5) The ultimate state of enlightenment that is intrinsic within the mind and can be realized through proper practice.[71]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The ultimate spiritual attainment visualized by the king after his renunciation.[72] (2) The state of enlightenment and perfect knowledge achieved by the Bodhisatta, culminating in his ultimate role as a teacher.[73] (3) The state of enlightenment achieved by the king, reflecting his spiritual growth and understanding after leaving his kingdom.[74] (4) The state of enlightenment that the king visualized after developing his spiritual insight.[75] (5) The ultimate spiritual state visualized by the king as he reflects on his life and the nature of existence while lying in the royal bed.[76]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This term placed someone in a state where they were not alive or dead, existing between worlds and unaffected by them, according to the provided text.[77]
The concept of Buddhahood in local and regional sources
Buddhahood embodies the ultimate enlightenment in Buddhism, marked by the union of clear light, characterized by perfection, wisdom, and compassion, serving as the ultimate goal for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The state of being a Buddha, characterized by perfection and infinity, as well as great wisdom and great compassion.[78]
The concept of Buddhahood in scientific sources
Based on the text, Buddhahood relates to the idea that practitioners should adopt three methodologies represented by specific figures, according to regional sources.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Buddhahood is the state of enlightenment and liberation from suffering, and the text discusses how Pure Land Buddhism offers a path to attaining Buddhahood.[79] (2) Buddhahood is a theory vigorously expounded by Daosheng, advocating that everyone has Buddha nature and all living beings can become Buddhas.[80] (3) Buddhahood is the ultimate transformation sought within the Buddhist worldview, representing a state beyond samsaric sufferings.[81] (4) Bodhisattva means one who is ready to become a buddha, who has come close to it.[82] (5) Practitioners should always take three methodologies represented by certain figures.[83]