Page 23 - EH62

20 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

In many Mahāyāna sutras, the role of Bodhisattvas Buddhas are fully enlightened and have entered nirvana
is more prominent that the arahants. What is the while Bodhisattvas are practicing Buddhas who are very
reason for this? close to full enlightenment. According to Mahāyāna

scriptures, it is also believed that Bodhisattvas are
“Bodhisattva” is a Sanskrit word with two parts. Bodhi deliberately retaining a little karmic force in their
means enlightenment, wisdom and the way. Sattva consciousness so that they will reincarnate back
means sentient being. Bodhisattvas are motivated into the human world to carry out their infinite
by great compassion towards all sentient beings and compassionate deeds in liberating people or they
are committed to liberating all beings from suffering. are actually Buddhas but manifest themselves to us
Concurrently, Bodhisattvas develop themselves in this sahā world as Bodhisattvas only. Billions of
spiritually to reach enlightenment through practices manifestation body of Buddhas and Bodhisattva are for
such as giving, following precepts, endurance, diligence, the needs of all sentient beings.
meditation, and wisdom. They may be regarded as
Buddhas in training. Arhats represent beings who What is Pure Land? Is it similar to Nirvāṇa (Pāli,
are followers of Buddhism who have eradicated all nibbāna) which is commonly spoken of by the
defilement and have reached the level of enlightenment historical Buddha in the Pāli scriptures?
to be beyond the samsara process of rebirth. They are
considered worthy of receiving offerings from people The Pure Land is a realm created through the power of
and celestial beings. However, they have not yet reached a Buddha’s vows to ease the suffering of living beings.
the full enlightenment worthy of to become a Buddha. All people would like to live in a place such as this.
Buddhists frequently mention Amitābha Buddha’s
Why are there so many cosmic Buddhas in Mahāyāna Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the West or the Medicine
Buddhism? How are they related to our historical Buddha’s Pure Land of Azure Radiance in the East.
Śākyamuni Buddha, and what is the reason they are Nevertheless, there are more Pure Lands than just
emphasised in the Mahāyāna scriptures? those in the east or west. Maitreya Bodhisattva, who
will become the next Buddha, resides in the Tusita
The Buddha manifest in billions of forms, many of Pure Land, and the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra mentions
which comprise that of aforementioned Buddhas and the Pure Land of the mind. Pure lands are everywhere
Bodhisattvas. For this reason, when in the presence of on earth. Pureland not be thought of as some place
a Guanyin Bodhisattva statue, I would be prostrating to to escape to after this lifetime, but rather as a state of
Sakyamuni Buddha. Before an Amitābha Buddha effigy, mind that we can open up to in this life. Buddha taught
I would be prostrating to Sakyamuni Buddha as well. that through our daily practice of purging our minds
In the same manner, when facing a Sakyamuni Buddha (including Pureland chanting) and through study, we
statue, I could also be prostrating to Amitābha Buddha can manifest in all our actions the Pureland that is
and the Medicine Buddha. Subsequent to the Buddhist already present for the benefit of all beings.
saying, “All Buddhas are on the same path, and all lights Nirvāṇa is the state of total liberation from suffering.
interpenetrate one another.” Each Buddha embodies Ven. Master Hsing Yun said “Nirvāṇa is like a mani
all other Buddhas, while all Buddha symbolizes the pearl. It can radiate a virtuous glow and bring joy to
one Buddha. All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are all sentient beings.” In Nirvāṇa, there is no arising
represented by the supreme one – Sakyamuni Buddha and consequently no ceasing, no impermanence, no
in this sahā world. attachment to the phenomenal self, without blemish
and is most wondrous and perfect. Nirvāṇa is not
Is Guan Yin or Avalokiteśvara considered a Buddha something that can only be experienced after death. The
or a Bodhisattva? Are enlightened Bodhisattvas the instant we extinguish the fires of delusion is the instant
same as Buddhas? we experience Nirvāṇa.