Buddhism for Beginners by Thubten Chodron

Author:Thubten Chodron [Chodron, Thubten]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 2000-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

STEPS ALONG THE PATH

What is an arhat (arahat)? What is nirvana (nibbana)?

An arhat is someone who has eliminated ignorance, disturbing attitudes, and negative emotions (anger, attachment, jealousy, pride, etc.) from his or her mind forever. In addition, he or she has purified all karma that could cause rebirth in cyclic existence (samsara). An arhat abides in a state of peace, which is called nirvana or liberation and is beyond all unsatisfactory experiences and confusion.

What is bodhi, or enlightenment?

In addition to eliminating ignorance, disturbing attitudes, and contaminated actions (karma) from their minds, Buddhas have also eliminated the subtle stains of these defilements and have fully developed the altruistic intention that cherishes others more than self. Thus Buddhas have attained full enlightenment, the state in which all defilements have been purified and all good qualities developed.

What is a bodhisattva?

A bodhisattva is someone who spontaneously and continuously has the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of sentient beings. By practicing the path, such a person will attain the state of Buddhahood.

Different levels of bodhisattvas exist, according to their level of realization. Some are not yet free from cyclic existence, while others are. The latter can then voluntarily continue to take birth in the world by the power of their compassion to help others. Buddhas can do this as well.

Do bodhisattvas give up attaining enlightenment and stay in this world to help others?

Some scriptures say that bodhisattvas vow to stay in cyclic existence and not attain enlightenment until all beings have been liberated from cyclic existence. This means that bodhisattvas’ compassion for sentient beings is so strong that if it were beneficial, they would happily sacrifice their own liberation for that of others. However, bodhisattvas are also practical and realize that to help others most effectively, they need to become Buddhas themselves because only Buddhas have the full compassion, wisdom, and skill needed to fully benefit others. Thus bodhisattvas seek to attain full enlightenment, but when they do, they don’t remain in a solitary blissful state and forget about others. They manifest in forms to guide others skillfully.

What is an arya, a superior, or noble one?

This is a person who has direct realization of emptiness. Such a realization occurs before one becomes an arhat or Buddha. With an arya’s wisdom realizing emptiness, one eliminates ignorance, disturbing attitudes, contaminated karma, and their stains, thereby attaining liberation and enlightenment.

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