Significance of Tathagata
Synonyms: Buddha, Enlightened one, Siddhartha gautama
In Dutch: Tathagata; In German: Tathagata; In Finnish: Tathagata; In Spanish: Tathagata; In Swedish: Tathagata; In Malay: Tathagata; In French: Tathagata
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tathagata'
Tathagata in Buddhism signifies an enlightened being, particularly the Buddha, who has achieved complete understanding and realization, embodying ultimate truth and serving as a guiding figure for those on the path to enlightenment.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Another title for the Buddha, often used to refer to him in a way that emphasizes his ultimate realization and teaching.[1] (2) A title used for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and embodies truth.[2] (3) A term used to refer to an enlightened being, or Buddha, representing the ultimate realization in Buddhist philosophy.[3] (4) A title representing the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and thus transcended worldly existence.[4] (5) The Buddhas or enlightened beings who have achieved complete understanding and realization.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus come' or 'one who has thus gone,' representing enlightenment.[6] (2) A term referring to the historical Buddha, who has fully realized the truths of existence.[7] (3) A term for the Buddha, often used in the text to denote his teachings and the wisdom he imparts.[8] (4) A title for the Buddha meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come.'[9] (5) Another title for the Buddha, often indicating his enlightened state and the ultimate truth he represents.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term referring to a fully enlightened being, often used to describe the historical Buddha and other Buddhas.[11] (2) A term for the Buddha that indicates one who has attained enlightenment; questioned in relation to the aggregates.[12] (3) An enlightened being, specifically the Buddha, who epitomizes the ultimate knowledge and realization.[13] (4) A title meaning 'thus come', referring to the Buddha and his attainment of enlightenment.[14] (5) Another term used for Buddhas, embodying completeness and enlightenment.[15]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Another name for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' referring to his journey of enlightenment.[16] (2) Another name for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come'.[17] (3) A term used to refer to the Buddha, indicating the one who has thus gone or is thus gone.[18] (4) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'Thus Gone One,' reflecting his realization of the ultimate truth.[19] (5) A title often given to the Buddha, denoting a person who has attained enlightenment.[20]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) An honorific title used for enlightened beings who have attained ultimate wisdom and liberation.[21] (2) A title used for the Buddha, denoting one who has attained enlightenment and thus has the knowledge and authority to teach others.[22] (3) Enlightened beings or Buddhas whose number is compared to the sands of the Ganges, and who hold great authority and significance in Buddhism.[23] (4) The Tathagata is a title for the Buddha, representing the enlightened one who has attained Buddhahood and teaches the path to enlightenment.[24] (5) An enlightened one or Buddha, exemplified by figures like Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna who share wisdom in the narrative.[25]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The body of the Tathagatas is what the bodhisattva aims to attain, and it is described as an adamantine, uncrushable, firm body, distinct from the world.[26] (2) The Tathagata is a term for the Buddha, and the text describes the qualities of the Tathagatas, including their teachings, the world-spheres they inhabit, and the praises and conversations surrounding them.[27] (3) The Tathagata is the body whose joy and delight are caused by it and whose skill lies in searching for his ornaments, comprising the primary characteristics and secondary marks of beauty.[28] (4) A term used to refer to one who has attained enlightenment, synonymous with Buddha.[29] (5) A term referring to enlightened beings, particularly Buddhas, whose teachings are fully understood by bodhisattvas through their divine hearing.[30]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The enlightened ones, or Buddha, who see all living beings as having the nature of liberation.[31] (2) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment.[32] (3) A term used to refer to a Buddha, representing a person who has attained enlightenment and ultimate reality.[33] (4) Refers to the Buddha, characterized as a saint and the perfectly accomplished being, admired by the disciples for his enlightenment and teachings.[34] (5) A title for a Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come,' signifying someone who has attained enlightenment.[35]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A title used for a Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' and connoting enlightenment.[36] (2) An epithet for the Buddha, meaning 'thus gone' or 'one who has thus come' and referring to an enlightened being who has overcome suffering.[37] (3) A term meaning 'thus gone' or 'thus come', used to refer to a Buddha.[38] (4) A term for the Buddha, signifying 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has attained enlightenment,' representing ultimate wisdom and insight.[39]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A title for a Buddha; signifies one who has gone to a state of enlightenment.[40] (2) A title for the Buddha, reflecting the enlightened state, accompanied by figures like Vajrapani in religious narratives.[41] (3) A title for Buddhas that reflects their attainment of enlightenment.[42]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) A term referring to the Buddha, conveying his enlightened state and nature.[43]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and shows the way to attain it.[44]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained enlightenment and understands the true nature of reality.[45]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) A title used for the Buddha that signifies one who has attained enlightenment and realized the ultimate truth.[46]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to the Master, who is not filled with sinful thoughts or malice towards Devadatta.[47] (2) Another name for the Buddha, conveying his enlightened state and role as a teacher.[48] (3) A title used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and is skilled in various ways.[49] (4) A term used to refer to the Buddha, highlighting his role in the discourse about love and emotional connections.[50] (5) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'the enlightened one.'[51]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Another name for the Buddha, emphasizing his role as the enlightened teacher in the scenario.[52] (2) Another name for the Buddha, symbolizing the one who has attained enlightenment.[53] (3) A term commonly used in Buddhist texts to refer to the Buddha, characterized as the one who has thus gone.[54] (4) Another name for the Buddha, emphasizing his enlightened state and ability to perceive knowledge through reflection.[55] (5) A title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and possesses complete wisdom.[56]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Tathagata refers to the Buddha, who has attained enlightenment and dwells in a state of understanding beyond fear, particularly regarding the concept of Release.[57] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'the thus-gone one,' referring to his enlightenment and teaching, emphasizing his role as a teacher in the world.[58] (3) A title for the Buddha, referring to his state of enlightenment and the respect due to him.[59] (4) A title for the Buddha, representing the ultimate teacher who embodies the truth and enlightenment.[60] (5) A term used to refer to the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus come' or 'the one who has attained the truth'.[61]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Another term used for the Buddhas, who exhibit an understanding of when to ask questions and to whom, often related to teaching or rules of conduct.[62] (2) Another title for the Buddha, often used to refer to his enlightened state.[63] (3) A title used by the Blessed One, meaning 'the one who has thus gone' or 'the one who has attained the truth.'[64] (4) An honorific term for the Buddhas or enlightened ones, indicating their understanding and wisdom in their actions.[65] (5) A term used to refer to the Buddha himself, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'gone to suchness'.[66]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A term often used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment.[67] (2) A title for the Buddha, referring to his realization and enlightenment, indicating his unique state of existence.[68] (3) An honorific title for the Buddha, implying one who has attained enlightenment and thereby possesses wisdom regarding conduct.[69] (4) Refers to the Buddha, whose teachings are a central point of authority in arguments about Dhamma and Vinaya.[70] (5) A term used by the Buddha to refer to himself, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'one who has thus come'.[71]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A title often used in Buddhism, referring to the enlightened one or the Buddha.[72] (2) A reference to the Buddha at the time of Vijaya's arrival in Lanka.[73] (3) A term used to refer to the Buddha, symbolizing one who has attained the highest state of enlightenment and virtue.[74]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A title for the Buddha, denoting one who has thus gone or is enlightened.[75] (2) A title often used to refer to the Buddha, indicating an individual who has attained enlightenment.[76] (3) A title used to refer to the Buddha, who laid down the rule of training for the benefit of the Order.[77]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) A title often used for the Buddha, emphasizing his role as a teacher and enlightener.[78] (2) A term best left untranslated due to its ambiguous meaning, sometimes interpreted as 'the one thus-gone' or 'the truth-finder,' connected with the concepts of Dhamma.[79]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A term used to denote a Buddha, characterized by correct speech and actions.[80] (2) A term for a fully Enlightened Buddha, recognized for bringing welfare and happiness to all beings.[81]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) This is a title for the Buddha, whose followers are described as being inherently content and content in the manner of those who are.[82] (2) An honorific title for the Buddha, representing one who has attained enlightenment and embodies the ultimate truth of Dhamma.[83]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A title for the Buddha, signifying one who has attained the ultimate truth and enlightenment.[84]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A title used to refer to the Buddha, indicating one who has attained the ultimate truth.[85]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Tathagatas are awakened beings or Buddhas who embody the ultimate qualities achieved through deep meditation on compassion and wisdom.[86] (2) A title for the Buddha, referring to one's ultimate realization and teaching of the nature of reality.[87] (3) A title honored in Buddhism referring to one who has attained enlightenment, embodying the ultimate understanding of reality.[88] (4) A title used for the Buddha, representing him as one who has attained ultimate truth and delivers teachings that benefit beings.[89] (5) Those who have attained enlightenment and possess wisdom foundational to the teachings represented by bodhisattvas.[90]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Another name for Buddha, referring to his state of enlightenment and realization.[91] (2) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'One who has thus gone' or 'One who has attained enlightenment.'[92] (3) A title for the Buddha, meaning 'the one who has thus gone' or 'one who has attained enlightenment.'[93] (4) A term used for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and teaches profound truths.[94] (5) A title for the fully enlightened one, signifying the ultimate realization and state of the Bodhisattva.[95]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Another title for the Buddha, indicating one who has attained enlightenment and teaches others.[96] (2) A title for the Buddha that emphasizes his enlightenment and the profound qualities he embodies as a spiritual teacher.[97] (3) A term for the Buddha, meaning 'one who has thus gone' or 'thus come', indicating His enlightened state.[98] (4) Another title for the Buddha, meaning 'thus gone' or 'thus come'.[99] (5) A term referring to the Buddha, meaning 'the one who has thus gone.'[100]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A term used for someone who has reached enlightenment, typically referring to the Buddha, who is believed to have vast knowledge and the ability to respond to the inquiries of many individuals simultaneously.[101] (2) A title often used in Buddhism to refer to an enlightened one, specifically the Buddha.[102] (3) A term often used to refer to the Buddha, denoting a being who has attained enlightenment and understands the true nature of reality.[103]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A title used for the Buddha, implying the way he has attained enlightenment and the teachings he imparted.[104]
Hindu concept of 'Tathagata'
In Hinduism, Tathagata signifies both the Buddha and enlightened beings, encompassing their supreme knowledge, as well as emphasizing the Buddha's compassionate actions and wisdom, particularly related to health and medical practices.
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A term referring to the Buddha, used in the context of his compassionate actions and wise teachings on health and medical practices.[105]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A term used to refer to the Buddha and enlightened beings who have attained supreme knowledge.[106]
Jain concept of 'Tathagata'
In Jainism, Tathagata signifies enlightened beings who have transcended the cycle of birth and death, embodying advanced wisdom that underscores the notion of existence beyond conventional concepts of past and future.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A term referring to enlightened beings who have advanced understanding of existence, emphasizing that there is no true past or future.[107]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The wise or enlightened beings who have achieved a state that frees them from the cycle of birth and death.[108]
The concept of Tathagata in local and regional sources
Tathagata is an honorific title for the Buddha, emphasizing his enlightened state, historical teachings, and significant influence in various locations, highlighting his role in preaching the law for the benefit of all beings.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A title often used for the Buddha, referred to in the text regarding his historical experiences as a Rishi.[109] (2) A title for Buddha used in the context of his teachings and relics, emphasizing his role as the enlightened one.[110] (3) An honorific title for the Buddha, noted for having preached in this location for six years.[111] (4) A title for the Buddha, signifying his role in teaching and spreading the Buddhist law.[112] (5) A revered figure in Buddhism known for preaching the law and converting people, influential in the region's history.[113]