Do you think Non-Buddhist can become enlightened?

[Red Faced Buddha]

This has bothered me slightly,that some Buddhist believe that only those who follow Buddhism can reach Nirvana.Before he became the Buddha,Siddhartha Gautama was not a Buddhist,so if he was not a Buddhist,how could he have achieved enlightenment.It just seems kind of Non-Buddhist thing to say,or even believe for that matter.What do you think?

[deepbluehum]

Buddha learned from previous Buddhas.

[Astus]

There is even a special term for those who are enlightened without following the teaching of a buddha and without starting a new era of teachings: pratyekabuddha.

Also, the Buddha only said that enlightenment requires following the noble eightfold path. He didn't say that people should follow him personally.

[Nosta]

Exactly! I believe one needs to follow Dharma: Noble Eitghfold Path, wich includes the understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the the 3 characteristics of impermanence. Real and final enlightenment cannot be achieved in other way. Its not being arrogant. Buddhism is not about arrogance. This is about understanding how things work.

When a Muslim, Jew, Christian, etc says that their path is the only one its not likely a Buddhist saying the same thing i think.

[greentara]

"When a Muslim, Jew, Christian, etc says that their path is the only one its not likely a Buddhist saying the same thing i think."
Your view is too narrow. Enlightenment is for everyone. How strong is the yearning for liberation and can you keep quiet?

[viniketa]

viewtopic.php?f=77&t=10012

[Nosta]

"When a Muslim, Jew, Christian, etc says that their path is the only one its not likely a Buddhist saying the same thing i think."
Your view is too narrow. Enlightenment is for everyone. How strong is the yearning for liberation and can you keep quiet?

I didnt say that they cant achieve liberation. I just think that they need to follow Dharma to achieve it, not their religions,.

[Jikan]

This has bothered me slightly,that some Buddhist believe that only those who follow Buddhism can reach Nirvana.Before he became the Buddha,Siddhartha Gautama was not a Buddhist,so if he was not a Buddhist,how could he have achieved enlightenment.It just seems kind of Non-Buddhist thing to say,or even believe for that matter.What do you think?

Define "enlightenment."

[Nothing]

And Define "liberation"

[gregkavarnos]

Do you think that we as Buddhists can become enlightened? Really! Do you truly feel that you will reach enlightenment? That's probably a more important question.

[pueraeternus]

Define "Buddhism"

[Red Faced Buddha]

"When a Muslim, Jew, Christian, etc says that their path is the only one its not likely a Buddhist saying the same thing i think."
Your view is too narrow. Enlightenment is for everyone. How strong is the yearning for liberation and can you keep quiet?

I didnt say that they cant achieve liberation. I just think that they need to follow Dharma to achieve it, not their religions,.

But before his liberation,Buddha was not a Buddhist.Buddha attained enlightenment by right views,meditation,and loving kindness,not by following any dogma.

[lobster]

Buddha attained enlightenment by right views,meditation,and loving kindness,not by following any dogma.

Is that your plan? Define Nothing.
Stick to the plan and everything will become clear.

[deepbluehum]

Anyone can become enlightened in a bazillion lifetimes.

[Nosta]

"When a Muslim, Jew, Christian, etc says that their path is the only one its not likely a Buddhist saying the same thing i think."
Your view is too narrow. Enlightenment is for everyone. How strong is the yearning for liberation and can you keep quiet?

I didnt say that they cant achieve liberation. I just think that they need to follow Dharma to achieve it, not their religions,.

But before his liberation,Buddha was not a Buddhist.Buddha attained enlightenment by right views,meditation,and loving kindness,not by following any dogma.

Good point!

Well, probably one can achieve liberation but must find Dharma first. Buddha, at some point, found Dharma. He found that there is suffering and suffering must be erased by the Noble EightFold Path. He also found, whem seeking the Truth, that the existence has 3 characteristics (suffering, impermanence, non self). So, in a certain way he found Dharma.

Other religious paths may lead to Liberation but must be in very specific conditions i suppose.

I dont see how a Christian, for instance, can achieve Liberation. Praying to a god is not enough.

Greg, answering to your question: no, i dont believe i can reach enlightenment in this life, but i hope that i can reach it in Pure Land

[greentara]

A rare one can become enlightened but it is not exclusively Buddhist. "If you can feel yourself one with the One that exists. The whole body becomes a mere power, a force current. Your life becomes a needle drawn to a huge mass of magnet and as you go deeper and deeper you become a mere center and not even that, for you become mere Consciousness. There are no thoughts and cares any longer. They are shattered at the threshold; it is an inundation. You are a mere straw. You are swallowed alive but it is most delightful, for you become the very thing that swallows you"

[ram peswani]

Enlightment is nothing great.

All religions, all human can get enlightened by putting up an effort.
Enlightment is knowing what line or God or Truth you are meant for and have developed advancement thro various earlier
births.
If one has been worshiping Christ earlier and advanced a lot in previous births, One can come to know this and this is enlightment.

Changing a path should have some logic reason and that can be decided after enlightment.
Enlightment can be achieved by one when one reaches a thougtless stage and mind stops for a period. In this state Wisdom comes like a thunder bolt and man knows his purpose of taking the birth.
If one has not followed any God or Guru or uncle or daddy in previous birth, even knowing this is enlightment.
Basically it is knowing who "I AM".

Stages of Arhat, Arihant, Nirvan, or Buddha come when one has selected a path and achieved something

Well, this is my view.