Expert: Bodhicitta - 5/9/2007

Question
Hello again Bodhicitta, I have a question about Enlightenment & Nirvana.
I keep getting slightly different definitions of the two, some that say they are the
same thing and some that say they're not. I think they're different, but just to
clarify, is there a difference between the two, and if so, what is it?
Thanks,
Michael

Answer
Hi Michael

There are two styles of Buddhism according to the later
Mahayana schools, with different visions as to what the
goal or vision of the path is.

The Mahayana schools today represent Buddhism in China, Japan,
Tibet etc. Historically it represents a movement that
originated in India. The goal of the Mahayana schools
is complete and perfect enlightenment  (Samyak Sambuddha). The state of Buddhahood motivated by the compassion aim of
liberating  all sentient beings who suffer from Samsara. The aim here
is Buddhahood, or what is technically called "non-abiding
Nirvana".


The other school of Buddhism that is extant today is Theravadan Buddhism which exists in Sri Lanka. The vision
or the goal of the path, is Arhatship and to liberate oneself from
Samsara and reach Nirvana - a state in which the causes of
rebirth have been extinguised.

The Mahayana texts often refer to schools that aim for self-liberation inferior or lesser schools - i.e. Hinayana.
Although they do also see the state of ahatship as a step on the path to the complete Buddhahood.

Hope this helps

Bodhicitta