Expert: Alex Wilding - 2/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,when one becomes completetly aware of their buddha nature would they be omnicient and have perfect recall of past lives?Thanks,Tom

ANSWER: Hi Tom,
A good question, but one that I really can't answer. Some say yes, some say that's silly. Most say that a Buddha can recall his/her past lives fully and for that matter see more than that, but there is a point of view, also traditionally held, that when it comes to the details of strictly true "omniscience" (in the sense of knowing the place and shape of every grain of sand on the beaches of every world in the universe, just to take a tiny example) would be a nonsense.
So it's kind of an open question.

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

QUESTION: I was told that in  the teachings by Lord Gampopa that one can expand himself many times.Is there any limit depending on which bhumi one has come to?Thanks,Tom

ANSWER: Hi Tom,
Well yes, there is a specified number for each stage, at least in the context of that theory? Have you got a copy of the Jewel Ornament?
All the best
Alex W

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

QUESTION: Hi Alex,I don't have a copy but I probably will get one.Which Kagyu lineage are you part of?Thanks for your first answer!  Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,
My main teachers have been Karma Kagyu, though I've taken a slice of Nyingma teachings too.

If you haven't yet got one, I'd recommend the Konchog Gyaltsen translation published by Snow Lion (http://www.snowlionpub.com/). The Holmes translation is a bit loose, and the Guenther is almost unreadable.

All the best
AW