Page 169 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

which is the Truth of Cause; to practise at all times the Bodhi-

sattva Way, which is the Truth of the Truth of the Cause, thereby

extinguishing all kinds of sufferings — the Truth of Extinction.

For those who sought to be Sravakas the Buddha taught the Law

of the Four Noble Truths for the overcoming of birth, old age,

disease and death, and finally leading to Nirvana. A Sravaka is

one who listened to the preaching of the Buddha and whose goal

is to become an Arahant.

For those who sought to be Pretyekabuddhas, the Buddha

preached the Law of the Twelve Causes or Dependent Origina-

tions. A Pratyekabuddha is one who is self-enlightened, and hav-

ing done so, does not give teaching to others.

For the Bodhisattvas the Buddha preached the Six Paramitas or

Perfections, to cause them to attain Perfect Enlightenment and to

attain Wisdom. A Bodhisattva is one wishing to live for the bene-

fit of all living beings and therefore strives for Buddhahood so

that upon attainment, will assist others towards the same goal.

he oble ightfold ath

is Path that leads to the cessation of sorrow may be explained

thus:

R U means the knowledge of the Four Noble

Truths so that one is able to understand things as they really are.

 