Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
How does becoming enlightened in Mahayana work?
At glance, it seems there is some sort of delaying (although this apparently is a misconception) of enlightenment, to become boddhisatva. Meaning, deliberately prolonging the stay in samsara as boddhisatva to benefit all beings.
But then I hear that one can benefit all beings as boddhisatva from becoming enlightened or as a complete Buddha. That's where I get confused.
What is enlightenment really then? How does one get to it? Do we get to it or do we aim for the boddhisatva path? Is boddhisatva synonymous with enlightenment? What about Buddhahood?
Could you please share your thoughts on the steps or path to complete enlightenment?
Also, please recommend books that talk about this. Thanks.
At glance, it seems there is some sort of delaying (although this apparently is a misconception) of enlightenment, to become boddhisatva. Meaning, deliberately prolonging the stay in samsara as boddhisatva to benefit all beings.
But then I hear that one can benefit all beings as boddhisatva from becoming enlightened or as a complete Buddha. That's where I get confused.
What is enlightenment really then? How does one get to it? Do we get to it or do we aim for the boddhisatva path? Is boddhisatva synonymous with enlightenment? What about Buddhahood?
Could you please share your thoughts on the steps or path to complete enlightenment?
Also, please recommend books that talk about this. Thanks.
- PadmaVonSamba
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Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
“Enlightened” is a vague English language word, one word used to refer to a variety of Buddhist experiences, awakening, and levels of realization.
That’s why it’s confusing.
That’s why it’s confusing.
EMPTIFUL.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
You gather the two heaps of merit and wisdom over 3 incalculable eons.
With the motivation to benefit others, you remain in samsara and practice the six perfections. That is the path to Bodhi.
There are stages of enlightenment. People can progress from an ordinary person, into a bodhisattva, and eventually into a Buddha.
High level bodhisattvas have more capacity to help sentient beings. Buddhas have the highest capacity. There are various stages.
One gets to it by practicing the six perfections.
Virgo
- LastLegend
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- LastLegend
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Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
Also anyone can connect with Buddhas and feel that connection. It’s a matter of how. It becomes a secret when people don’t believe it that’s possible. It’s also called “Other Power.”
Last edited by LastLegend on Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
Sometimes it takes longer.
Virgo
- LastLegend
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Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
There is a whole sect that devotes to “Other Power” that’s called Pure Land…yes Amitabha!
Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
That's excellent, but it still takes that long.LastLegend wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:32 pm
There is a whole sect that devotes to “Other Power” that’s called Pure Land…yes Amitabha!
Virgo
- LastLegend
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Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
Come on man.Virgo wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:36 pmThat's excellent, but it still takes that long.LastLegend wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:32 pm
There is a whole sect that devotes to “Other Power” that’s called Pure Land…yes Amitabha!
Virgo
Wasn’t referring to different levels of practitioners who take rebirth in Pure Land or Pure Land itself. I am actually referring to the “Other Power” of Amitabha that one can experience.
Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
Indeed it is a common misconception albeit one which accurately reflects the depth of a bodhisattva's altruism.
Bodhisattvas are so compassionate they would willingly forgo enlightenment for themselves and remain in samsara if it was beneficial to do so but in reality they seek E as quickly as possible because only a Buddha can help sentient beings in the most effective way (Buddhas are omniscient, bodhisattvas aren't)
There's a progression. After generating uncontrived bodhicitta one becomes a bodhisattva and enters the mahayana path. Then E is achieved either by practicing the 6 perfections over many aeons (common mahayana) or in a much shorter period of time through the practice of tantra (uncommon mahayana)
It's usually said Buddha taught tantra for bodhisattvas whose compassion is especially strong and for whom the thought of taking aeons to complete the path is unbearable. They want to help as much as possible, in the best possible way, as soon as possible.
Possibly
Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
I am not sure I understand.LastLegend wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:45 pm
Wasn’t referring to different levels of practitioners who take rebirth in Pure Land or Pure Land itself. I am actually referring to the “Other Power” of Amitabha that one can experience.
Virgo
- LastLegend
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Re: Making sense of getting enlightened in Mahayana thought
The power of Amitabha permeates through us if we can establish the connection. It’s even a meditation too.Virgo wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:08 pmI am not sure I understand.LastLegend wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 8:45 pm
Wasn’t referring to different levels of practitioners who take rebirth in Pure Land or Pure Land itself. I am actually referring to the “Other Power” of Amitabha that one can experience.
Virgo