why choose bodhisattva/buddha path?

sinweiy SG

seldom encounter this, but i just encounter this very good question in other forum.
this is the post abt:

I would like to know from you if you think that theres any reason that makes one a Buddhisattva? By this I am asking; what draws one to focus themselves on such a task?? I know, ask myself that same question right? Well, that is all well, and good, but I would only be answering the questions from my prespective. Sure, so would you be giving your opinion, but is there something out there (writing that is) that would describe the over all reasons for choosing such a path?

An Eternal Now SG

Are you saying why choose Buddha over Arhant?

But I believe this question inevitably leads to the differences in understand between the various traditions Confused

sinweiy SG

Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
Are you saying why choose Buddha over Arhant?

But I believe this question inevitably leads to the differences in understand between the various traditions Confused

ya hor...but can we anwser without slandering the other traditions?
like we just reply to "why choose bodhisattva/buddha path?" instead of "why choose Buddha over Arhant?"...? nomally we think that Buddha path is harder. so since it's so hard, why choose it per se?

/\

Cenarious SG

because people are different?

sinweiy SG

i replied saying:
have seldom encounter such a good question.
for once, it depend on the capacity of one's mind( xing1 liang4).
i think after thoroughly understanding the path of Bodhisattva/Buddha, it's a misconception that bodhisattva/buddha path is a much difficult path. if one can really extend the capacity of one's mind, bodhisattva/buddha path can become easy.
moreover, mahayana aim to understand selflessness of phenomena which when understood, selflessness of person is also accomplished. that's to say having understood selflessness of person might not accomplish selflessness of phenomena.

[QUOTE]egolessness or selflessness of person (Skt. pudgalanairatmya) This doctrine asserts that when one examines or looks for the person, one finds that it is empty. The person does not possess a self (Skt. atman, Tib. bdag-nyid) as an independent or substantial self. This position is held by most Buddhist schools.

egolesseness or selflessness of phenomena (Skt. dharma-nairatmya) This doctrine aserts than not only is there selflessness of person, but when one examines out phenomena, one finds that this external phenomena is also empty, i. e. it does not have an independent or substantial nature. This position is not held by the hinayana schools, but is put forth by the mahayana schools, particularly the Chittamatra school.
http://www.rinpoche.com/glossary.htm[/QUOTE]

/\

An Eternal Now SG

Actually the very simple is this.... 'I wish that all sentient beings are liberated', with such thoughts, great compassion arise and leads one towards Buddhahood.

sinweiy SG

Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
Actually the very simple is this.... 'I wish that all sentient beings are liberated', with such thoughts, great compassion arise and leads one towards Buddhahood.

yes, it's generating of bodhicitta and extending one's capacity of mind( xing1 liang4).

/\

justdoit77 SG

Is he asking why to follow the bodhisatva path from his own perspective and not other sentient beings?
If so...personally I think if one think about himself alone, then he is not practising bodhisatva way, even if he follow the mahayana tradition, read mahayana translated sutras, the furthest he can reach is arhant.

Some highly-respected theravada monk although following theravada tradition, but their compassion, bodhichitta to sentient beings and the effort they put in to spread the dharma is even more "bodhisatva" than many mahayanas.
Their intention is to save the sentient beings, but naturally it also benefit themselves, it clears away their bad karma, it opens up the path towards bodhistava and eventually the ultimate enlightenment buddha.
Isn't it good enough a reason to practise as a bodhistava?

sinweiy SG

Originally posted by justdoit77:
[b]Is he asking why to follow the bodhisatva path from his own perspective and not other sentient beings?
If so...personally I think if one think about himself alone, then he is not practising bodhisatva way, even if he follow the mahayana tradition, read mahayana translated sutras, the furthest he can reach is arhant.

agree. i think he was asking in generally.

Some highly-respected theravada monk although following theravada tradition, but their compassion, bodhichitta to sentient beings and the effort they put in to spread the dharma is even more "bodhisatva" than many mahayanas.
Their intention is to save the sentient beings, but naturally it also benefit themselves, it clears away their bad karma, it opens up the path towards bodhistava and eventually the ultimate enlightenment buddha.
Isn't it good enough a reason to practise as a bodhistava?

agreed, however there's still a consideration of whether if it's long or short term. so it still lead to capacity of one's mind.

---

from mahayanism pov, esp Tientai or Hua Yen school (Completed Teaching), we can actually skip the stream entry of 7 rebirth.
one who attain 1st faith bodhisattva stage will not enter the evil realms. and one who reached 7th faith bodhisattva stage will have escaped the 6 realms. and you don't need 7 rebirth. 1-2 rebirth will do to reach from 1 to 7 faith bodhisattva stage.
10th faith bodhisattva stage would have escape the 10 realms! ie escape even the 4 noble realms!

note : commonly used of 10 ground/station/bhumi is different from the 10 faith of Completed Teaching. 10 faith is lower. it's high in wisdom/insight but still have habitual karmic afflictions not severed yet. Completed Teaching/Yuan Jiao also have 10 ground though.

/\

Isis SG

i just checked.. there are actually four level of arhants..

check out this website: http://www.angelfire.com/indie/anna_jones1/arhat.html#N15

May i ask when one realise selflessness does it automatically mean one will become full of compassion for others? mm but they will definitely gain wisdom.

From the above weblink:

Difference between an Arahat and the Buddha

The Arahat needs the Teachings (Dharma) set forth by the Buddha, whereas the Buddha discovered the Dharma.
The Arahat puts the Teachings into practice, whereas the Buddha established the practice.
The Arahat has put an end to the causes of suffering, but is not necessarily capable of transmitting this experience to others; whereas the Buddha necessarily shares his experience with others.
The Arahat has a passive knowledge (jhana) of the Teaching, but lacks Wisdom (prajña); whereas the Buddha has (is) active Wisdom.
The Arahat misses compassion (karuna); whereas the Buddha has (is) Great Compassion (maha-karuna).

From my personal observation, the Bodhisattva make these strong vows to help other sentient beings. Therefore, their resolution to liberate and save all sentient beings are stronger and their sphere of activity such as manifesting in helping other is more active than an arhant. For example, Guan yin, the bodhisattva of compassion- could manifest in all realms; as and in many ways to save and liberate others from suffering.

While the arhant focus more on self-liberation, they could extend their compassion to help and liberate others too... but they usually stay physically in the human realm.