The Awakening of the Buddha Flashcards
AO3: Why may some say the awakening is difficult to express?
It is beyond neither perception or non perception and cannot be related to anything.
AO3: What Mahayana text best explains enlightenment?
The Vimilakirti Nirdesa - known as the ‘Thunderous silence of Vimilakirti’.
AO3: What does the Vimilakirti Nirdesa say?
Vimilakirti was a wealthy patron and disciple of the Buddha - Outlines to him silence is the best way to articulate enlightenment.
AO3: What Mahayana principle supports Nirvana to have no substance to be identified or described?
The principle of Sunyata.
AO3: What debate is there between Mahayana and Therevada Buddhists?
The differences between enlightenment in this world and after death (Parinibbana).
AO3: What does scholar David Kalupahana state?
It is futile to attempt to articulate enlightenment beyond death.
AO3: What verbal comparisons have been made for enlightenment?
Deathless, blissfulness, tranquility and highest happiness.
AO3: What does Walpola Rahula say the easiest way to describe enlightenment is?
It is easiest to say what enlightenment is not.
AO3: What similes did King Milinda use?
‘Lotus unwetted by water’ - therefore it can be articulated using language.
AO3: Why is asking what enlightenment would be for ‘me’ or ‘I’ be invalid?
As ‘me’ and ‘my’ are foreign concepts to the experience - meant to leave ideas of substantial self behind.
AO3: What is a final possible solution to articulating enlightenment?
Attempts to articulate it should be abandoned - instead remain as a simple focus for aspiration.
AO3: Why could enlightenment be seen as the most significant part of Buddhism?
It is the focus of every Buddhist aspiration.
AO3: What did enlightenment allow the Buddha to do which shows its significance?
He reached the highest form of Buddhahood - sammasambudhha - which allowed him to rediscover the Dhamma.
AO3: What about the three jewels suggests it to be the most important?
The first of the three jewels is the Buddha - underlining the achievement of enlightenment.
AO3: Why can enlightenment be seen as significant in regards to its effect on other people?
Allowed others to reach enlightenment and escape the cycle of suffering.
AO3: Why does enlightenment not merit worship of the Buddha himself?
It is a symbol of human potential and encouragement towards own goals not of the Buddha as an ultimate deity.
AO3: Why can a focus on the Buddha’s enlightenment be limiting?
It is a personal spiritual quest of following the Dhamma and a focus of the Buddha’s enlightenment can sidetrack us from our own goal.
AO3: Why may the significance of enlightenment differ?
Some may not aim to achieve it in this lifetime. ie. Some Therevada buddhists simply aim for a better rebirth.
How did he take action to find out why suffering exists?
Left his wife and son one night and joined a group of Sramanas.
AO3: Who may enlightenment have far more significance for?
An arhat.
The Sramanas were ascetics, what did this mean?
They gave up all material possessions to concentrate on developing their understanding of religious ideas and pursuing spiritual goals.
AO3: What does Mahayana believe about enlightenment?
All people have the potential for enlightenment and it can be achieved immediately.
= Varying significance.
Did mastering ‘the sphere of nothingness’ meditation help him with his journey of finding the cause of suffering?
No, so he left the group even though he was offered leadership.
AO3: How may some argue that even within Mahayana the importance varies?
It is still difficult to achieve.
