Significance of Tathagata
Tathagata is a key term in Buddhism that designates the Buddha, signifying his profound state of enlightenment and ultimate realization. It emphasizes attributes of the Buddha, including his role as a teacher of essential truths and his compassionate nature. Tathagata translates to "One who has thus gone" or "One who has attained enlightenment," reflecting the Buddha's journey and knowledge gained through meditation. This term highlights the characteristics of enlightened beings in Buddhist teachings and their contribution to guiding others towards spiritual understanding.
Synonyms: Buddha, The awakened one, The enlightened one, The guide, The teacher, Enlightened one, Siddhartha gautama
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 "one who has thus gone" or attained enlightenment, referring to Buddhas embodying ultimate truth, wisdom, and compassion, serving as revered guides imparting profound teachings for the liberation of all beings.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) Another title for the Buddha, often used to refer to him in a way that emphasizes his ultimate realization and teaching.[1] (2) A title used for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and embodies truth.[2] (3) A term used to refer to an enlightened being, or Buddha, representing the ultimate realization in Buddhist philosophy.[3] (4) A title representing the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and thus transcended worldly existence.[4] (5) The Buddhas or enlightened beings who have achieved complete understanding and realization.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus come' or 'one who has thus gone,' representing enlightenment.[6] (2) A title for the Buddha meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come.'[7] (3) Another title for the Buddha, often indicating his enlightened state and the ultimate truth he represents.[8] (4) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'Thus Gone One', highlighting his enlightenment and transcendence.[9] (5) Another name for the Buddha, representing an enlightened being who has awakened to ultimate truth.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term referring to a fully enlightened being, often used to describe the historical Buddha and other Buddhas.[11] (2) A term for the Buddha that indicates one who has attained enlightenment; questioned in relation to the aggregates.[12] (3) An enlightened being, specifically the Buddha, who epitomizes the ultimate knowledge and realization.[13] (4) A title meaning 'thus come', referring to the Buddha and his attainment of enlightenment.[14] (5) Another term used for Buddhas, embodying completeness and enlightenment.[15]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Another name for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' referring to his journey of enlightenment.[16] (2) Another name for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come'.[17] (3) A term used to refer to the Buddha, indicating the one who has thus gone or is thus gone.[18] (4) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'Thus Gone One,' reflecting his realization of the ultimate truth.[19] (5) A title often given to the Buddha, denoting a person who has attained enlightenment.[20]
From: The Lotus Sutra
(1) A title for a buddha that signifies one who has attained enlightenment and thus embodies the ultimate truth.[21] (2) A title for the Buddha, referring to his status as one who has attained enlightenment.[22] (3) A title used to refer to the Buddha, implying one who has thus come and experienced reality as it truly is.[23] (4) A title for a Buddha, referring to one who has attained enlightenment and has the ability to teach others the path to liberation.[24] (5) Buddhas who have attained complete enlightenment and are emphasized as the ultimate teachers and sources of wisdom in Buddhism.[25]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) An honorific title used for enlightened beings who have attained ultimate wisdom and liberation.[26] (2) A title used for the Buddha, denoting one who has attained enlightenment and thus has the knowledge and authority to teach others.[27] (3) Enlightened beings or Buddhas whose number is compared to the sands of the Ganges, and who hold great authority and significance in Buddhism.[28] (4) An enlightened one or Buddha, exemplified by figures like Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna who share wisdom in the narrative.[29] (5) Individuals who have achieved supreme enlightenment and are capable of guiding others in their understanding of the law.[30]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) An epithet of the Buddha, meaning one who has gone to and come from suchness.[31] (2) Another term for the Buddha which emphasizes his enlightened state and role as a teacher.[32] (3) A title used to refer to the Buddha, emphasizing his enlightened status and role as a teacher.[33] (4) A term often used for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus come' or 'one who has thus gone,' indicating his transcendent nature.[34] (5) A title referring to the Buddha, indicating an enlightened being who has attained full awakening.[35]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Enlightened beings who have attained nirvana; often referred to as 'Buddhas' in Buddhist texts.[36] (2) An enlightened being, specifically referring to the Buddha or a fully awakened individual in Mahayana.[37] (3) Buddhas who have achieved enlightenment and are revered within the Buddhist tradition; compared to the Dharmabhanaka.[38] (4) An honorific title for a Buddha, used to refer to those who have achieved awakening.[39] (5) A term often used to refer to the Buddha; it signifies someone who has attained enlightenment and embodies the ultimate truth.[40]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The enlightened ones, or Buddha, who see all living beings as having the nature of liberation.[41] (2) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment.[42] (3) A term used to refer to a Buddha, representing a person who has attained enlightenment and ultimate reality.[43] (4) Refers to the Buddha, characterized as a saint and the perfectly accomplished being, admired by the disciples for his enlightenment and teachings.[44] (5) A title for a Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come,' signifying someone who has attained enlightenment.[45]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) A title for the Buddha, denoting one who has attained enlightenment and turned the wheel of the Dharma.[46] (2) A respectful title for the Buddha, signifying his ultimate status and qualities, which are revered by his followers.[47] (3) A term used to refer to the Buddha, highlighting his enlightened nature and profound insights.[48] (4) A title for a buddha, signifying one who has attained perfect enlightenment and is revered in Buddhist teachings.[49]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A title used for a Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' and connoting enlightenment.[50] (2) An epithet for the Buddha, meaning 'thus gone' or 'one who has thus come' and referring to an enlightened being who has overcome suffering.[51] (3) An epithet for Buddha, emphasizing his attainment of enlightenment and the ability to guide others towards it.[52] (4) A term meaning 'thus gone' or 'thus come', used to refer to a Buddha.[53]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) An epithet for a buddha, meaning one who has gone to and come from suchness, i.e., the embodiment of the truth of suchness.[54] (2) Another term for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and is able to teach the path to others.[55] (3) A term used to refer to a Buddha, embodying the ultimate truth and enlightenment.[56]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A title for a Buddha; signifies one who has gone to a state of enlightenment.[57] (2) A title for the Buddha, reflecting the enlightened state, accompanied by figures like Vajrapani in religious narratives.[58] (3) A title for Buddhas that reflects their attainment of enlightenment.[59]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) A term referring to the Buddha, conveying his enlightened state and nature.[60]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and shows the way to attain it.[61]
From: Sūtra of the Great Vow of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva
(1) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and understands the true nature of reality.[62]
From: Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
(1) A title for a Buddha, which represents the concept of enlightenment and the realization of emptiness.[63]
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.[64]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to the Master, who is not filled with sinful thoughts or malice towards Devadatta.[65] (2) A title used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and is skilled in various ways.[66] (3) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'the enlightened one.'[67] (4) A title used for the Buddha, who recounts and concludes the tale with insights about the actions of the characters.[68] (5) A title attributed to the Buddha, to whom Elder Moggallana told the story of the she-goat.[69]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and possesses complete wisdom.[70] (2) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and embodies the ultimate truth.[71] (3) A term referring to the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come,' indicating an enlightened being.[72] (4) Another title for the Buddha, indicating his enlightened state and his role as a teacher.[73] (5) A term used for the Buddha, emphasizing his awakening and realization of ultimate truth.[74]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Tathagata refers to the Buddha, who has attained enlightenment and dwells in a state of understanding beyond fear, particularly regarding the concept of Release.[75] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'the thus-gone one,' referring to his enlightenment and teaching, emphasizing his role as a teacher in the world.[76] (3) A title for the Buddha, referring to his state of enlightenment and the respect due to him.[77] (4) A title for the Buddha, representing the ultimate teacher who embodies the truth and enlightenment.[78] (5) A term used to refer to the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus come' or 'the one who has attained the truth'.[79]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) 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.[80] (2) Another title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment.[81] (3) A title used by the Blessed One, meaning 'the one who has thus gone' or 'the one who has attained the truth.'[82] (4) An honorific term for the Buddhas or enlightened ones, indicating their understanding and wisdom in their actions.[83] (5) A term used in Buddhism to refer to one who has attained enlightenment, often associated with the historical Buddha.[84]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A title for the Buddha, emphasizing his enlightened nature and ultimate resolve towards death.[85] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come.'[86] (3) An honorific title for the Buddha, implying one who has attained enlightenment and thereby possesses wisdom regarding conduct.[87] (4) Refers to the Buddha, whose teachings are a central point of authority in arguments about Dhamma and Vinaya.[88] (5) A term used by the Buddha to refer to himself, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come'.[89]
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.[90] (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.[91] (3) Buddhas who have attained enlightenment and provide teachings to guide others towards awakening.[92] (4) A title for the Buddha, often used to denote one who has attained enlightenment and is free from worldly attachments.[93]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A title often used in Buddhism, referring to the enlightened one or the Buddha.[94] (2) A reference to the Buddha at the time of Vijaya's arrival in Lanka.[95] (3) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and stands as an exemplar of virtue.[96]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A title for the Buddha, denoting one who has thus gone or is enlightened.[97] (2) A title often used to refer to the Buddha, indicating an individual who has attained enlightenment.[98] (3) A title used to refer to the Buddha, who laid down the rule of training for the benefit of the Order.[99]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A term used to denote a Buddha, characterized by correct speech and actions.[100] (2) A term for a fully Enlightened Buddha, recognized for bringing welfare and happiness to all beings.[101]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) A title for Buddha, indicating his enlightened state and his role in teaching the Dharma.[102] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come' indicating his enlightened state.[103]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained the ultimate truth and enlightenment.[104]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A title used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained the ultimate truth.[105]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A title for the Buddha, referring to one who has attained enlightenment and recognizes the true nature of reality.[106] (2) The Tathagatas are enlightened beings in Buddhist tradition, often referred to in context of their teachings and the joy derived from offerings.[107] (3) A term for the Buddha, indicating one who has reached enlightenment.[108] (4) A term referring to one who has attained enlightenment, representing the identity of body, speech, and mind of all enlightened beings.[109] (5) A title used for a person who has attained enlightenment and is recognized as such in Buddhist contexts.[110]
From: The 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.[111] (2) A title often used in Buddhism to refer to an enlightened one, specifically the Buddha.[112] (3) A term often used to refer to the Buddha, denoting a being who has attained enlightenment and understands the true nature of reality.[113]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A title used for the Buddha, implying the way he has attained enlightenment and the teachings he imparted.[114]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Tathagatas are awakened beings or Buddhas who embody the ultimate qualities achieved through deep meditation on compassion and wisdom.[115] (2) A title for the Buddha, referring to one's ultimate realization and teaching of the nature of reality.[116] (3) A title honored in Buddhism referring to one who has attained enlightenment, embodying the ultimate understanding of reality.[117] (4) A title used for the Buddha, representing him as one who has attained ultimate truth and delivers teachings that benefit beings.[118] (5) Those who have attained enlightenment and possess wisdom foundational to the teachings represented by bodhisattvas.[119]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Another name for Buddha, referring to his state of enlightenment and realization.[120] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'One who has thus gone' or 'One who has attained enlightenment.'[121] (3) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'the one who has thus gone' or 'one who has attained enlightenment.'[122] (4) A term used for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and teaches profound truths.[123] (5) A title for the fully enlightened one, signifying the ultimate realization and state of the Bodhisattva.[124]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Another title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and teaches others.[125] (2) A title for the Buddha that emphasizes his enlightenment and the profound qualities he embodies as a spiritual teacher.[126] (3) A term for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'thus come', indicating His enlightened state.[127] (4) Another title for the Buddha, meaning 'thus gone' or 'thus come'.[128] (5) A term referring to the Buddha, meaning 'the one who has thus gone.'[129]
Hindu concept of 'Tathagata'
In Hinduism, "Tathagata" signifies both the Buddha and enlightened beings, emphasizing their supreme knowledge and compassionate teachings, particularly in health and medical practices, reflecting their wisdom and care for humanity.
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.[130]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A term used to refer to the Buddha and enlightened beings who have attained supreme knowledge.[131]
Jain concept of 'Tathagata'
In Jainism, Tathagata signifies enlightened beings who attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, embodying advanced understanding of existence without a true past or future, highlighting their wisdom and enlightenment.
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.[132]
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.[133]
The concept of 'Tathagata' in local and regional sources
Tathagata is an honorific term for the Buddha, symbolizing his enlightened state and roles in teaching, preaching, and spreading Buddhist law, particularly in specific regions and contexts throughout his historical interactions and teachings.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A title often used for the Buddha, referred to in the text regarding his historical experiences as a Rishi.[134] (2) A title for Buddha used in the context of his teachings and relics, emphasizing his role as the enlightened one.[135] (3) An honorific title for the Buddha, noted for having preached in this location for six years.[136] (4) A title for the Buddha, signifying his role in teaching and spreading the Buddhist law.[137] (5) A revered figure in Buddhism known for preaching the law and converting people, influential in the region's history.[138]