Question asked by Eli Levine
Good evening Pastors!
I've been reading about Pacceka Buddhas and Samyaksam Buddhas, and how they can spontaneously arise in this world to either live in silence or develop a new lineage. I will preface this that I do not intend, nor will I actually, be able to replace the precious lineages of the Mahayana path. My real desire is to bring about a new logic of government, policy engineering, and social management in this world. I've been talking with Wan Wai Meng, and he suggested that I come to you all to ask about these things. I do not think that the problem with me is ego, since I work extremely hard to keep that under wraps and quashed. The problem is the feelings continue to exist within me and shine forward in moments of darkness. As I mentioned in my previous question, I know I've been able to do a lot with no teacher, even though I've had a lot of help throughout my life from people and events around me to bring me to this one present point in which we are now. I was wondering how one might be able to tell if they are a Pacceka Buddha or a Samyaksam Buddha? If you'd prefer,. you can email me at elevine89@gmail.com.
Thank you so much and with all due respect!
Dear Eli Levine,
Due to the nature of the minds of Buddhas who are fully enlightened, we as non-enlightened beings cannot differentiate between a Pacceka Buddha or a Samyaksam Buddha.
Actually, as non-enlightened beings we cannot actually tell if someone is a Buddha or not, as their level of consciousness is far superior than ours.
In fact between these two types of Buddhas, there is no difference in attainment or level, it is simply a label we put on them to differentiate our own perception of their activities in our world.