Significance of Supreme Enlightenment
Synonyms: Ultimate awareness, Highest knowledge, Complete illumination, Absolute wisdom, Comprehensive understanding, Ultimate wisdom, Perfect insight
In Dutch: Opperste Verlichting; In Finnish: Korkein valaistuminen; In Spanish: Iluminación suprema; In German: Höchste Erleuchtung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Supreme Enlightenment'
Supreme Enlightenment in Buddhism is the ultimate state of understanding and realization. It signifies complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth, attained through virtuous practices. This state, also known as Buddhahood, encompasses wisdom, compassion, and the complete awakening to the nature of reality, which Bodhisattvas strive to achieve.
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhahood, where one attains complete awakening and liberation.[1] (2) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing the state of complete awakening and realization of the truth.[2] (3) The ultimate realization of truth and liberation from the cycles of birth and death that all beings aspire to achieve.[3] (4) The highest state of understanding and realization in Buddhism, often referred to as Buddhahood.[4] (5) The ultimate realization and understanding of the true nature of reality and a key objective in Buddhist practice.[5]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The Lord is said to have brought many to maturity for this state.[6] (2) A state of perfect understanding and awakening that the Lord demonstrates, leading to becoming adepts in the laws.[7] (3) This refers to the preaching that will be delivered by the Gina Samantaprabhasa.[8] (4) The Bodhisattvas strive after supreme enlightenment, continuing to increase in growth like trees, seeking the highest form of understanding and awareness.[9] (5) This is the state that the disciples will proclaim everywhere, revealing the word of enlightenment, by which they are formidable disciples.[10]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ultimate state of knowledge and realization that the Bodhisattva seeks to achieve, also termed as Buddha-hood.[11] (2) The ultimate spiritual goal sought by Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, representing complete awakening.[12] (3) The ultimate understanding and realization of truth attained by the Buddha.[13] (4) The ultimate spiritual state attained by the Buddha, characterized by complete liberation from suffering and ignorance.[14] (5) The ultimate state of awakening and realization attained by the Buddha, characterized by the absence of suffering and ignorance.[15]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) A goal that is attainable when faith is contained in wisdom, going beyond the two levels of discipleship.[16] (2) Supreme enlightenment is the highest state of wisdom and understanding that can be achieved, beyond the states of Trances, leading to the ultimate realization and fulfillment.[17] (3) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice in Buddhism, signifying complete understanding and liberation from suffering.[18] (4) The ultimate state of enlightenment that is achieved when the qualities of a Buddha are fully developed, beginning with the first thought.[19] (5) The ultimate state of understanding and awareness in Buddhism, characterized by the realization of the true nature of reality as a Buddha.[20]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ultimate stage of awakening that a bodhisattva aspires to achieve, representing complete Buddhahood.[21] (2) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the highest level of understanding and realization of truth.[22]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Supreme enlightenment is attained by a buddha, endowing them with inconceivable wisdom, compassion, and powers, signifying a state of freedom from delusion, error, and all defects.[23] (2) The highest level of spiritual realization, sought after by individuals on the Mahayana path.[24]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The highest state of spiritual fulfillment and understanding, beyond conventional wisdom.[25] (2) The ultimate state of awakening and understanding that encompasses all wisdom and compassion.[26]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ultimate realization and awakening achieved by fully understanding the teachings of the Buddha and transcending worldly concerns.[27]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The ultimate state of understanding and realization of the Buddha Way.[28]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The ultimate state of realization where one fully understands both their own nature and the nature of all phenomena as essence of mind.[29]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The highest state of awakening that a Tathagata, or enlightened being, can attain.[30]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) He did not, however, enter the world as a Buddha but as a Bodhisattva, nor did he reach the stage of Buddhahood until the moment when he attained Supreme Enlightenment.[31]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Supreme Enlightenment was attained by the Buddha-to-be after he renounced the world, marking a pivotal moment in his journey and his mission to bring welfare to the world.[32] (2) This phrase signifies the moment when the Buddha gained supreme understanding, and is a significant point in the narrative.[33] (3) Full realization and attainment of Buddhahood, culminating in the ultimate understanding of reality.[34] (4) The ultimate realization achieved by the Buddha on the Throne of Victory after meditating on Dependent Origination.[35] (5) The state attained by the Buddha, representing complete realization and understanding of true nature.[36]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Although vinnana and nama rupa are interdependent, the former is the determining factor and, hence, it is described as the cause of nama rupa. It is a fact discovered by all bodhisattas before they attained this.[37] (2) The highest level of understanding and awareness attained by the Buddha, marking his freedom from past influences.[38] (3) Supreme Enlightenment is the ultimate state of awakening and realization achieved by the bodhisatta, marking the full understanding of the nature of reality.[39] (4) The ultimate awakening achieved by the Buddha resulting from extensive personal development and realization of life’s truths.[40]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The highest state of realization and understanding one can attain through following the Buddha's teachings.[41] (2) The ultimate goal of spiritual attainment claimed by the Buddha and compared to other teachers by King Pasenadi.[42] (3) The state attained by the Buddha at the Bodhi Tree, marking his complete awakening to the nature of reality.[43]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ultimate state of wisdom and understanding that the Buddha attained and promoted as achievable for all practitioners.[44] (2) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, referred to as samma sambodhi, requiring the cultivation of numerous virtues.[45]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) The highest state of understanding achieved by the Buddha, leading to liberation from suffering.[46] (2) The ultimate state of awakening achieved by the Buddha, characterized by complete understanding and freedom from suffering.[47]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The state attained by the Buddha Gotama on the full-moon day, representing the highest level of understanding and liberation from suffering.[48]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Mettá and karuna became fully matured at the time of Supreme Enlightenment.[49]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The ultimate goal of a Bodhisattava, characterized by the attainment of full Buddhahood and insight.[50]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The text mentions that from now to supreme enlightenment, pure conduct should be performed and evil deeds and desire abandoned.[51] (2) The text indicates that those who have aroused the mind of supreme enlightenment will be successful in all undertakings of body, speech and mind, showing a path to higher understanding.[52] (3) This is part of the secret offerings.[53] (4) Uncontrolled people are far from this.[54] (5) It is the goal towards which bodhicitta, the attitude, is directed.[55]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The highest state of awakening attained by Dipankara, making him an omniscient Buddha.[56] (2) This is what the son of king Suddhodana attained by becoming Buddha.[57]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The ultimate realization attained by Buddha, marking a key point in the narrative conveyed by the various texts.[58]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A state attained by all the Buddhas of the Blessed Kalpa, which allows them to manifest as Bodhisattvas.[59]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) This is what one hopes for the sake of sentient beings, and practices the Yoga of this Tutelary Buddha—Vajrasattva.[60]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme Enlightenment'
In Hinduism, Supreme Enlightenment signifies profound understanding beyond normal knowledge. It's a spiritual achievement, similar to the Buddha's attainment, and is a core idea within Buddhism. This state involves heightened awareness and transcends the limitations of everyday perception.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is a state of spiritual attainment that the Buddha reached, and it is a central concept in Buddhism, as the text describes.[61]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state of ultimate understanding and awareness that transcends ordinary knowledge.[62]