How do Mahayana Buddhists understand enlightenment?

Many Mahayana Buddhists see enlightenment as realising the Buddha-nature already present in every being. The aim is full Buddhahood for the benefit of all.

What is satori in Zen Buddhism?

Satori is a sudden flash of awakening in Zen Buddhism. Zen teachers say it cannot be reached by reasoning, only through direct experience.

What does the Maha-Saccaka Sutta tell about the Buddha's search for enlightenment?

The Maha-Saccaka Sutta describes the Buddha's extreme austerities, such as holding his breath and eating almost nothing. The Buddha found that self-torment did not lead to awakening.

What childhood memory helped the Buddha find the way to enlightenment?

The Buddha remembered sitting under a rose-apple tree as a boy and entering a calm, joyful meditation. The Buddha realised this peaceful state might be the path to awakening.

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0

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Buddhism: Philosophy of Religion

Enlightenment as a Buddhist religious experience

3 things to know
Paper 3

Overview

Theravada and Mahayana understandings, satori in Zen, the Maha-Saccaka Sutta on the Buddha's search, the childhood memory and the night of awakening, and scientific and non-religious challenges with Buddhist replies.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Who and when

How did the Buddha find the way to enlightenment, according to the Maha-Saccaka Sutta?

Key term

What is enlightenment in Buddhism?

Key term

How do Theravada Buddhists understand enlightenment?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is enlightenment in Buddhism?
Model answer
Enlightenment, or bodhi, is awakening to the truth of the Four Noble Truths and the Three Marks. An enlightened person is free from greed, hatred and delusion.
2
How do Theravada Buddhists understand enlightenment?
Model answer
Theravada Buddhists see enlightenment as reached in four stages, from stream-entry to becoming an arahant. Each stage breaks more of the fetters that bind a person to rebirth.
3
How do Mahayana Buddhists understand enlightenment?
Model answer
Many Mahayana Buddhists see enlightenment as realising the Buddha-nature already present in every being. The aim is full Buddhahood for the benefit of all.
4
What is satori in Zen Buddhism?
Model answer
Satori is a sudden flash of awakening in Zen Buddhism. Zen teachers say it cannot be reached by reasoning, only through direct experience.
5
What does the Maha-Saccaka Sutta tell about the Buddha's search for enlightenment?
Model answer
The Maha-Saccaka Sutta describes the Buddha's extreme austerities, such as holding his breath and eating almost nothing. The Buddha found that self-torment did not lead to awakening.
6
What childhood memory helped the Buddha find the way to enlightenment?
Model answer
The Buddha remembered sitting under a rose-apple tree as a boy and entering a calm, joyful meditation. The Buddha realised this peaceful state might be the path to awakening.

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