Expert: Justin Choo - 9/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: the buddha said nothing is permanent, for him what is permanent?

what is the ultimate and absolute truth in buddhism?

is loving kindness a some kind of love from feelings and heart or this is just something that is the better thing to do?

is bodhisattvahood a prerequisite after arhat?

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,

"the buddha said nothing is permanent, for him what is permanent?"
"Change" is permanent.


"is loving kindness a some kind of love from feelings and heart or this is just something that is the better thing to do?"
Loving kindness is closely associated with compassion.  It is being kind to others without setting conditions. There is nothing to do with whether you like the person or not.


is bodhisattvahood a prerequisite after arhat?

I think you are the same Jaya who have asked the question.  My answer is still the same:
In Theravada tradition, Bodhisatta is "Buddha-to-be", and "Arahat" can be said to be an enlightened disciple of the Buddha

Take care.

Justin Choo

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

QUESTION: yes im the same jaya

so after all what permanent in buddhism is not nirvana or existence post nirvana?

so theravada believes after an arahant's enligtenment? never to be born again?

can an arahant also be a buddha to be at the same time since arahats are also buddhas because they are enlightened

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,


"so after all what permanent in buddhism is not nirvana or existence post nirvana?"
Nirvana is beyond worldly concept.

"so theravada believes after an arahant's enligtenment? never to be born again?"
I already said so.  Arahant means enlightened person, meaning not to be born again.


"can an arahant also be a buddha to be at the same time since arahats are also buddhas because they are enlightened"
Please read my comment carefully.
"Arahat" can be said to be an enlightened disciple of the Buddha.  If he is an enlightened disciple of the Buddha, how can he be the Buddha?

Justin Choo

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

QUESTION: what is the buddhist stand for self defense? like killing someone who nearly killed you?

do u think the mahayana are the buddha;s secret teachings like having devotiton to him will find pure land something?

ok, anyway, is the parinirvana of the arahants and gautama buddha all the same? i question that ananda and the disciples never to be reborn after they die?

Answer
Jaya,

"what is the buddhist stand for self defense? like killing someone who nearly killed you?"
In times of emergencies and life-threatening situations, our instinct usually takes over our logical thinking mind. The immediate reaction would be to defend ourselves. With all intent and purpose, it is natural to react to protect our lives. Or would we rather be killed than to take actions to protect ourselves? It is a matter between a little bit of wisdom and good-hearted foolishness. The choice is yours.

"do u think the mahayana are the buddha;s secret teachings like having devotiton to him will find pure land something?"
I don't believe that.

"ok, anyway, is the parinirvana of the arahants and gautama buddha all the same?"
They are the same.