Significance of Pratyeka Buddha
Pratyeka Buddha is described in two contexts. In South Asia, it refers to a solitary Buddha who achieved Nirvana atop a mountain. In Mahayana Buddhism, Pratyeka Buddha denotes individuals who achieve enlightenment on their own, deserving of offerings, and who live in solitude. Additionally, this type of Buddha is recognized as respecting and revered among virtuous beings. Thus, Pratyeka Buddha symbolizes independent enlightenment and the respect it garners within the Buddhist tradition.
Synonyms: Solitary buddha, Individual buddha, Self-enlightened buddha
In Dutch: Pratyeka Buddha; In German: Pratyeka Buddha; In Finnish: Pratyeka Buddha; In Spanish: Buda pratyeka
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pratyeka Buddha'
Pratyeka Buddha in Buddhism signifies individuals who achieve enlightenment independently, living in solitude, and are deserving of respect and offerings from others, highlighting their unique spiritual journey and status among enlightened beings.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Individuals who attain enlightenment through their own efforts, distinct from bodhisattvas who work for the enlightenment of others.[1] (2) Solitary Buddhas who attain enlightenment independently and realize a higher level of riddhi except for the ability of manojava.[2] (3) Buddhas who gain enlightenment independently but lack the full practices and knowledge of the paths.[3] (4) Refers to solitary Buddhas who attain enlightenment independently and not through the teachings of a teacher.[4] (5) Solitary enlightened beings who attain awakening independently but do not teach others.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Solitary Buddhas who achieve enlightenment through their own efforts but do not teach the Dharma to others.[6] (2) Enlightened beings who were independent and recited verses before passing away.[7] (3) A solitary enlightened being who, unlike a Buddha, does not teach others after achieving enlightenment.[8] (4) Individuals who attain enlightenment independently and are worthy of offerings, living in solitude.[9] (5) A title for an individual who has attained enlightenment independently, without the help of a teacher.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A solitary Buddha who achieves enlightenment independently but may lack the broader understanding realized through theTathagata's teachings.[11] (2) Solitary Buddhas who attain enlightenment independently, often without guidance, and who understand the truths of existence deeply but do not teach others.[12] (3) An individual enlightenment attained without the guidance of a teacher, often referred to as a solitary Buddha.[13] (4) A solitary enlightened being who achieves awakening independently, without a teacher or communal support.[14] (5) An individual who, having attained enlightenment independently, does not teach the Dharma.[15]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Buddhas who achieve enlightenment independently and in isolation, as mentioned alongside Bodhisattvas.[16] (2) A self-enlightened being who understands the truths of the universe but does not teach others.[17] (3) Individuals who achieve enlightenment independently; they are part of a specific vehicle within Buddhist teachings focusing on conditions as sources of enlightenment.[18] (4) Individuals who attain enlightenment independently, part of the small vehicle.[19]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Solitary buddhas who realize the truth independently but do not generate the precious bodhicitta.[20] (2) A pratyekabuddha is someone who attains enlightenment independently without the guidance of a Buddha and remains secluded, never teaching others.[21]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Individuals who attain enlightenment independently and do not teach, contrasting with bodhisattvas who train for the benefit of all beings.[22] (2) A Pratyekabuddha is an individual who attains enlightenment independently, without a teacher or without sharing their knowledge with others.[23]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A class of enlightened beings who achieve Awakening independently and do not teach to others.[24]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) A type of enlightened being in Buddhism who realizes the truth independently but does not teach it to others.[25]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Enlightened beings who achieve insight independently without guidance from others, focusing on their own enlightenment.[26]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Individuals who achieve enlightenment independently and do not teach others, distinguished from the Bodhisattvas.[27]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A category of enlightened beings who attain enlightenment independently, mentioned alongside shravakas and craftsmen.[28] (2) A class of beings who attain enlightenment independently without the teachings of a Buddha.[29]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A Buddhist term referring to an individual who achieves enlightenment but does not teach.[30]
Jain concept of 'Pratyeka Buddha'
In Jainism, Pratyekabuddha signifies saints who achieve the pinnacle of knowledge independently, relying on personal effort and insight rather than conventional teachings, reflecting a unique path to enlightenment.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Saints who attain the highest stage of knowledge through personal effort rather than through traditional teaching.[31]
The concept of Pratyeka Buddha in local and regional sources
Pratyeka Buddha denotes a solitary figure who attains Nirvana independently, often symbolized by their ascent to enlightenment on a mountain precipice, emphasizing the individual's spiritual journey and realization separate from communal teachings.
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The type of Buddha associated with the place where he ate and died, which is marked by unusual ground features.[32] (2) A solitary Buddha who attained enlightenment independently and once occupied the garden where the deer park is located.[33]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A solitary Buddha mentioned as having reached Nirvana at the top of a mountain precipice.[34]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term referring to an individual practitioner in Buddhism who seeks enlightenment and Nirvana independently, often considered appealing only to advanced practitioners.[35]