Significance of Tathagata
Synonyms: Buddha, Enlightened one, Siddhartha gautama
In Dutch: Tathagata; In German: Tathagata; In Finnish: Tathagata; In Spanish: Tathagata; In Swedish: Tathagata; In Malay: Tathagata; In French: Tathagata; In Portugese: Tathagata; In Italian: Tathagata; In Polish: Tathagata
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tathagata'
Tathagata in Buddhism signifies the Buddha or enlightened beings who embody ultimate truth and enlightenment, marked by profound understanding and purity in body, speech, and mind, reflecting their mastery of reality and guidance for others.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The Tathagatas of the ten directions gained transcendence through a single door, which is the samadhi called the King of the Foremost Shurangama, according to the sutra.[1] (2) The treasury of the Tathagata is mentioned as being similar to emptiness, belonging to oneself and representing a fundamental aspect of one's nature that remains unchanged.[2] (3) Tathagatas are described as speaking truthfully, meaning they do not utter false statements, highlighting their role as reliable and trustworthy sources of wisdom and guidance.[3] (4) It provides a response, engaging in a dialogue within the narrative. The description mentions a transformation and association with light, suggesting a significant spiritual presence.[4] (5) The Tathagata enters nirvana, signaling the beginning of the Dharma-ending Age, during which teachings must be relied upon.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Tathagata is a title for a Buddha, specifically Ratnakara, who is inquiring about the well-being of another Buddha, Shakyamuni, in the text.[6] (2) The Tathagata, even when appearing or not appearing, recognizes and fully understands dependent origination, enunciates it, makes it known, establishes it, analyzes it, reveals it, preaches it, teaches and illuminates it.[7] (3) The Tathagata is a term used to refer to the Buddha, often used in a respectful manner, indicating the one who has attained enlightenment and teaches the path.[8] (4) The Tathagata is mentioned in the context of the Bodhisattva's birth, and this is a title for the Buddha.[9] (5) These are described as non-existent in the past, present, and future, being like magic and a mirage, without coming or going, according to the text.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A title used to address the Buddha when the Brahmacarin asks to be admitted into the Order.[11] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus come' or 'one who has thus gone,' representing enlightenment.[12] (3) A term referring to the historical Buddha, who has fully realized the truths of existence.[13] (4) A term for the Buddha, often used in the text to denote his teachings and the wisdom he imparts.[14] (5) A title for the Buddha meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come.'[15]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A being against whom Bodhisattvas do not harbor evil thoughts, showing respect and reverence.[16] (2) These take a long time to be born, indicating the rarity and significance of their appearance in the world.[17] (3) Great-hearted beings who would be expected to appear if one man of vision were not equal to the conditions of Buddhahood.[18] (4) A title of the Exalted One in his proper guise, indicating perfection. The Exalted One told the monks to live the brahma-life under the Tathagata.[19] (5) This is one of the titles of the Exalted One, signifying his enlightenment and the path he teaches, which Yashoda followed, and lived the brahma-life.[20]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A being that appeared in the world, endowed with science and conduct.[21] (2) He leads all beings to complete Nirvana by means of his own complete Nirvana.[22] (3) The Tathagata is the master of the law, the king, lord, and master of all laws, and he is the one who preaches the law and shows the real course of life.[23] (4) This refers to the Lord, the one who is preaching the law, and who is the father of the disciples, who are his sons, and who is the one that the disciples are to be heirs to.[24] (5) An honorific title used for enlightened beings who have attained ultimate wisdom and liberation.[25]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The Buddhas, whose meditation the bodhisattvas must fulfil.[26] (2) The body of the Tathagatas is what the bodhisattva aims to attain, and it is described as an adamantine, uncrushable, firm body, distinct from the world.[27] (3) The Tathagata is a term for the Buddha, and the text describes the qualities of the Tathagatas, including their teachings, the world-spheres they inhabit, and the praises and conversations surrounding them.[28] (4) The Tathagata is the body whose joy and delight are caused by it and whose skill lies in searching for his ornaments, comprising the primary characteristics and secondary marks of beauty.[29] (5) A term used to refer to one who has attained enlightenment, synonymous with Buddha.[30]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The enlightened ones, or Buddha, who see all living beings as having the nature of liberation.[31] (2) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment.[32] (3) A term used to refer to a Buddha, representing a person who has attained enlightenment and ultimate reality.[33] (4) Refers to the Buddha, characterized as a saint and the perfectly accomplished being, admired by the disciples for his enlightenment and teachings.[34] (5) A title for a Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come,' signifying someone who has attained enlightenment.[35]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The text states that their cause has been told by the Tathagata.[36] (2) A title used for a Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' and connoting enlightenment.[37] (3) An epithet for the Buddha, meaning 'thus gone' or 'one who has thus come' and referring to an enlightened being who has overcome suffering.[38] (4) A term meaning 'thus gone' or 'thus come', used to refer to a Buddha.[39] (5) A term for the Buddha, signifying 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has attained enlightenment,' representing ultimate wisdom and insight.[40]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) In the Mahavastu, he is called 'Dipankara' (from dipa, meaning 'lamp').[41] (2) A title for a Buddha; signifies one who has gone to a state of enlightenment.[42] (3) A title for the Buddha, reflecting the enlightened state, accompanied by figures like Vajrapani in religious narratives.[43] (4) A title for Buddhas that reflects their attainment of enlightenment.[44]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) A term referring to the Buddha, conveying his enlightened state and nature.[45]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and shows the way to attain it.[46]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and understands the true nature of reality.[47]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) A title used for the Buddha that signifies one who has attained enlightenment and realized the ultimate truth.[48]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) He explained the benefits of bodhicitta, emphasizing its unfathomable qualities.[49]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) It refers to the one whose coming prompted the women to don yellow robes in anticipation of meeting him.[50] (2) The Tathagata is mentioned as having gone about for the world’s good before, implying a history of benevolent actions associated with this title.[51] (3) The Tathagata was injured, prompting Jivaka to heal his foot, as observed by the Brethren.[52] (4) He is described as being full of wisdom, even when his knowledge was immature.[53] (5) This is a title used in the narrative to refer to the Blessed One, and the text mentions that a Brother approached this person to announce the views of both sides involved in the conflict.[54]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) This individual, in respect to the truths, is characterized by not withholding information, and is the subject of discussion regarding answering questions and providing explanations.[55] (2) This refers to the individual who made declarations about the nature of things, the rules to be observed, and the matter of eating, who has attained perfection.[56] (3) Another name for the Buddha, emphasizing his role as the enlightened teacher in the scenario.[57] (4) Another name for the Buddha, symbolizing the one who has attained enlightenment.[58] (5) A term commonly used in Buddhist texts to refer to the Buddha, characterized as the one who has thus gone.[59]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) It is a title used for the Teacher, referring to one who has attained enlightenment, and whose imminent Parinibbana causes distress.[60] (2) An individual whose natural color becomes exceedingly clear and whose complexion becomes exceedingly bright on the night of Supreme Perfect Self-Enlightenment and the night of Parinibbana.[61] (3) An incomparable quality that excels all worldly treasures, by which truth all beings may be well and happy, both here and in the hereafter.[62] (4) The Tathagata will realize Parinibbana in three months.[63] (5) This is the term used to refer to the Buddha, who has dwelt in the eight abhibhayatana-jhanas and has no fear or dread.[64]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) This individual has explained the cause of all objects which proceed from a cause, and also explained their cessation, according to the doctrine of the great Samana.[65] (2) Another term used for the Buddhas, who exhibit an understanding of when to ask questions and to whom, often related to teaching or rules of conduct.[66] (3) Another title for the Buddha, often used to refer to his enlightened state.[67] (4) A title used by the Blessed One, meaning 'the one who has thus gone' or 'the one who has attained the truth.'[68] (5) An honorific term for the Buddhas or enlightened ones, indicating their understanding and wisdom in their actions.[69]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The Dhamma and Vinaya proclaimed by this person, that women were given admission to.[70] (2) This is a term used to refer to a specific figure, and it represents the teachings and practices that should be followed.[71] (3) A term often used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment.[72] (4) A title for the Buddha, referring to his realization and enlightenment, indicating his unique state of existence.[73] (5) An honorific title for the Buddha, implying one who has attained enlightenment and thereby possesses wisdom regarding conduct.[74]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The Tathagata received the Bodhi-branch and gave it to the king Abhaya to plant, highlighting the Buddha's role in the propagation of Buddhism.[75] (2) A title often used in Buddhism, referring to the enlightened one or the Buddha.[76] (3) A reference to the Buddha at the time of Vijaya's arrival in Lanka.[77] (4) A term used to refer to the Buddha, symbolizing one who has attained the highest state of enlightenment and virtue.[78]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A title for the Buddha, denoting one who has thus gone or is enlightened.[79] (2) A title often used to refer to the Buddha, indicating an individual who has attained enlightenment.[80] (3) A title used to refer to the Buddha, who laid down the rule of training for the benefit of the Order.[81]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A title often used for the Buddha, emphasizing his role as a teacher and enlightener.[82] (2) A term best left untranslated due to its ambiguous meaning, sometimes interpreted as 'the one thus-gone' or 'the truth-finder,' connected with the concepts of Dhamma.[83]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This is a term used to refer to the Buddha, the one who realizes, understands, and teaches the true nature of reality and the cessation of suffering.[84] (2) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained the ultimate truth and enlightenment.[85]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A term used to denote a Buddha, characterized by correct speech and actions.[86] (2) A term for a fully Enlightened Buddha, recognized for bringing welfare and happiness to all beings.[87]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) This is a title for the Buddha, whose followers are described as being inherently content and content in the manner of those who are.[88] (2) An honorific title for the Buddha, representing one who has attained enlightenment and embodies the ultimate truth of Dhamma.[89]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A title used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained the ultimate truth.[90]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A term used for someone who has reached enlightenment, typically referring to the Buddha, who is believed to have vast knowledge and the ability to respond to the inquiries of many individuals simultaneously.[91] (2) A title often used in Buddhism to refer to an enlightened one, specifically the Buddha.[92] (3) A term often used to refer to the Buddha, denoting a being who has attained enlightenment and understands the true nature of reality.[93]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A figure from whose time a period of 600 years is mentioned, related to Manjushri.[94] (2) A title used for the Buddha, implying the way he has attained enlightenment and the teachings he imparted.[95]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) From all of these, as the blessing of the great compassion, come the so-called insight beings, the six sages, from the body, speech, and mind vajras.[96] (2) The tathagatas are pleased by the attitude that accomplishes the benefit of both oneself and others, and this same attitude accomplishes our true benefit and removes the sufferings of the world.[97] (3) Tathagatas are awakened beings or Buddhas who embody the ultimate qualities achieved through deep meditation on compassion and wisdom.[98] (4) A title for the Buddha, referring to one's ultimate realization and teaching of the nature of reality.[99] (5) A title honored in Buddhism referring to one who has attained enlightenment, embodying the ultimate understanding of reality.[100]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A being whose diamond curtain can overwhelm inconstancy, offering a refuge for those not yet delivered from desire, fear, and dread.[101] (2) Another name for Buddha, referring to his state of enlightenment and realization.[102] (3) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'One who has thus gone' or 'One who has attained enlightenment.'[103] (4) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'the one who has thus gone' or 'one who has attained enlightenment.'[104] (5) A term used for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and teaches profound truths.[105]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) This is a title used to refer to the enlightened one, particularly when the king requests the thera to offer the prepared meal to this person.[106] (2) This phrase refers to the title of the Buddha, the brahmin offered the pair of garments to the Tathagata.[107] (3) Another title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and teaches others.[108] (4) A title for the Buddha that emphasizes his enlightenment and the profound qualities he embodies as a spiritual teacher.[109] (5) A term for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'thus come', indicating His enlightened state.[110]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is a title for the Buddha, and it is used in the context of texts and their shared features, as indicated in the text, and is a reverential term.[111]
Hindu concept of 'Tathagata'
In Hinduism, Tathagata signifies the Buddha, highlighting his compassion and teachings on health. It also suggests connections to the Rasa-hridaya author and denotes enlightened beings with supreme knowledge.
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A term used to refer to the Buddha and enlightened beings who have attained supreme knowledge.[112]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Tathagata (Buddha) is referenced in an expression, suggesting an association with the author of Rasa-hridaya and his possible Buddhistic persuasion.[113]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A term referring to the Buddha, used in the context of his compassionate actions and wise teachings on health and medical practices.[114]
Jain concept of 'Tathagata'
In Jainism, Tathagata denotes enlightened beings who have escaped the birth-death cycle and possess profound insights into existence, underscoring the concept that past and future are ultimately illusions.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A term referring to enlightened beings who have advanced understanding of existence, emphasizing that there is no true past or future.[115]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The wise or enlightened beings who have achieved a state that frees them from the cycle of birth and death.[116]
The concept of Tathagata in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Tathagata" refers to Buddha, signifying his enlightened state and revered role as a preacher of the law. It highlights his historical influence, spiritual authority, and teachings across various regions, especially noted in stupas.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Tathagata is a term used for Buddha, especially when referring to his actions and experiences, such as receiving offerings, subduing heretics, and preaching the law.[117] (2) Tathagata is associated with relics belonging to the body (flesh), of which Hiuen Tsiang brought back five hundred grains upon his return from his travels, and these relics are highly revered.[118] (3) Tathagata is said to have preached the law and exhibited miraculous powers in old days, converting endless people, leading to the construction of a memorial tower.[119] (4) Tathagata preached in old days, exhibiting the profit and delight of his doctrine, and opening the mind of his hearers, near an old sangharama.[120] (5) He died in a grove of shala trees, which is indicated by four trees of unusual height.[121]
The concept of Tathagata in scientific sources
Tathagata, in regional interpretations, signifies one who "goes to nowhere" due to suchness, yet doesn't seek Nirvana, as all dharmas inherently lead to it.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The disciplines obeyed by the people who live in the pure buddha fields.[122] (2) Goes to nowhere because of the suchness, and does not go to Nirvana because all dharmas go to Nirvana.[123]