Expert: Justin Choo - 2/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: it is said arhats when they die they are unto parinirvana right? bodhiosattvas gained enligtenment and dies how can they respawn across the universe dont their karma ended up so they are still in parinirvana?


how can we reconcile the nirvana of arhats and bodhisattvas?

bodhisattvas are supposed to be in parinirvana bec. being too pure their karma runs out?

is mahayana the true buddhism or it is theravada the closer to buddha's teachings?

do u think the amida doctrine is just an invention by mahayanists contradicted buddha doctrine of self effort?

ANSWER: Hi Lance,

Thank you for asking me.

I shall answer your questions within the context of the Theravada tradition.  For this I have reference to an old but authoritative "Buddhist Dictionary" written by the Venerable Nynatiloka.  He wrote this book in 1946 while being interned in the Central Internment Camp in India during the 2nd world war.  The Venerable monk being a German.

"Arahant" (Pali) means the Holy One.  One who has depleted all the evil fetters (10 in all) of existence.  In short he has completely irradicated all the 3 roots of evil; namely, greed, hatred and delusion.  This will be his final existence in this cycle of births and deaths.  He is now enlightened and upon death, will pass into nibbana, never to suffer again.

"Bodhisatta" means Enlightened Being who is destined to Buddhahood, a Future Buddha.  Here I quote from the referenced dictionary (page 35): "In the Pali Canon and the commentaries, the designation "Bodhisatta" is given only to Prince Siddhattha before his Enlightenment and his former existences.  The Buddha himself uses this term when speaking of his life prior to Enlightenment.  Bodhisattahood is neither mentioned nor recommended as an ideal higher than or alternative to Arahantship; nor is there any record in the Pali scriptures of a disciple declaring it as his aspiration."


You can relate the above to your first 4 questions.

<<is mahayana the true buddhism or it is theravada the closer to buddha's teachings?>>
This question, you have to decide for yourself.  All I can say is that I am following the Theravada tradition.  Perhaps, as a guide you may like to look into the historical time-line developments of Buddhism.


<<do u think the amida doctrine is just an invention by mahayanists contradicted buddha doctrine of self effort?>>

This again, you have to decide for yourself.  As a passing comment, what I can say is that the Buddha's doctrines are like everlasting light; and if I'm not mistaken, amidabha means just that.

The following Wikipedia sites may also help in your queries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arahant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisatta

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amit%C4%81bha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Buddhism

Hope this helps.

Justin Choo

[I like to invite you to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And these sites by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/
http://www.buddhismatoz.com/






---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: what can you say bodhisattvas delaying nirvana for the sake of all beings? are they not enlightened right? in order to teach they first must become buddhas right?

if arhats died on your final existence where do they go a super super version of permanent existence or deathless?

ANSWER: Hi Lance,

Welcome back.

As I follow the Theravada tradition, and explained in my earlier answers, the "Bodhisatta" problem is not relevant. You would need to ask a Mahayanist this question.

Your last question is about "Nibbana", which actually means "no more craving".  No more craving for existence in this cycle of births and deaths.  When arahant dies, he enters into the deathlessness, not subject to birth, old age, sickness and death.  Where is this Nibbana?  I don't know, for it will take an enlightened person to comprehend.  What we do know is that it is NOT "of this world".  

Take care.

Justin Choo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is nirvana eternalism?

can arhats even vow to reborn to samsara from parinirvana?

i asked and intervewed tons of mahayanist but their answers do not reflect the original teachings bodhisattvas can allegedly parinirvana and reborn without a cause

Answer
Hi Lance,

Answer to your question is implied in my earlier reply to you.  I quoted "Buddhist Dictionary" for this purpose to remind you that in Theravada, your question is not relevant.

Please read through the quote again.

Thanks for coming back.

Justin Choo