Buddha Nature: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Buddha Nature means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Buddha nature (in Tibetan: bde gshegs snying po/de gshegs snying po; Sanskrit: tathāgatagarbha/sugatagarbha) — The capacity for enlightenment inherent in all beings according to Mahayana Buddhism. Debates about the negative or positive characterization of buddha nature form the basis of the debate in Tibet between proponents of extrinsic emptiness and intrinsic emptiness
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Buddha Nature i.e. the potential for attaining Buddhahood, or enlightenment. In the absolute sense, it is unproduced and immortal. Every sentient being possesses the Buddha Nature, but it requires to be cultivated in order to be revealed.Buddha nature is a doctrine important for many schools of Mahayana Buddhism. The Buddha Nature or Buddha Principle (Buddha dhatu) is taught to be a truly real, but internally hidden immortal potency or element within the purest depths of the mind, present in all sentient beings, for awakening and becoming a Buddha. There are conflicting interpretations of the idea in Mahayana thought. The idea may be traced to Abhidharmic thought, and ultimately to statements of the Buddha in the Nikayas. Other terms for the Buddha nature are Tathagatagarbha and Sugatagarbha.
Mahayana idea that all sentient beings have within them pure nature similar to that of the Buddhas. This is one idea that separates Mahayana from Hinayana form of Buddhism.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches (+0): Nature, Buddha.
Full-text (+328): Yin chu fu xing, San fu xing, Li fu xing, Fu xing, Fu xing jie, Er fu xing, Yuan yin fu xing, Zi xing zhu fu xing, Zhi de guo fu xing, Fu xing zhen ru, Ren ren ben ju, Fu xing chang zhu, San yin fu xing, Yuan zheng, Jian xing, Le yin fu xing, Buddhata, Shi fa shen, Guo fu xing, San shen fu xing.
Relevant text
Search found 41 books and stories containing Buddha Nature; (plurals include: Buddha Natures). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Buddha-nature (as Depicted in the Lankavatara-sutra) (by Nguyen Dac Sy)
The Individuality of the Buddha-nature < [Introduction]
4.1. Origin and Development of the Dharmakāya < [Chapter 4 - The Thought of Buddha-Nature in the Laṅkāvatārasūtra]
1. Early period (b): The Śrīmālā-sūtra < [Chapter 2 - The Buddha-Nature in the Tathāgatagarbha Literature]
Early Chinese Madhyamaka Ethics < [Volume 16, Issue 4 (2025)]
Is Emptiness Non-Empty? Jizang’s Conception of Buddha-Nature < [Volume 16, Issue 2 (2025)]
Redefinition and Interpretation of “Religiosity” Based on the... < [Volume 15, Issue 3 (2024)]
The role of Animals in Buddhism (by Nguyen Thi Kieu Diem)
1. The Concept of Buddha-nature < [Chapter 4 - Animals, Buddha-nature and Jatakas]
2. Equality of Human Beings and Animals in Terms of the Buddha-nature < [Chapter 4 - Animals, Buddha-nature and Jatakas]
7c. Benefits of Vegetarian Eating < [Chapter 2 - Animals versus Humans: a Buddhist perspective]
Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
Chapter XXXIII - On Bodhisattva Lion's Roar (a) < [Section Seven]
Chapter XXXIX - On Bodhisattva Lion's Roar (g) < [Section Seven]
Chapter XXXIV - On Bodhisattva Lion's Roar (b) < [Section Seven]
Bodhisattvacharyavatara (by Andreas Kretschmar)
Introduction By Tsoknyi Rinpoche < [Introduction Text]
Introduction By Dzogchen Khenpo Chöga < [Introduction Text]
Text Section 207 < [Khenpo Chöga’s Oral Explanations]
The Scientific Outlook Of Buddhism (by Wang Chi Biu)