Question asked by Eli Levine
Good evening/morning Pastors,
I hope everyone is doing well at Kechara and is living life to its fullest.
I was wondering how one could tell if they were a Buddha or not. It seems counter-intutive that one claims Buddhahood spontaneously (which makes them suspect for ego), or is recognized by other Buddhas (even though there don't appear to be any living at the moment, as far as I can tell). I have read the Diamond Sutra and the Bardo Thodl to look for clues. I understand interdependent existence and that all that I experience is created by myself. I also smile at the silliness of existence, realizing that that is just a concept. Am I a Buddha? Is this something that time will prove to others, even if I am convinced? Frankly, I feel as though I am just waiting and burning out negative and positive karma at this point; I only want parinirvana.
I hope you're able to guide me.
Thank you.
Dear Eli Levine,
Thank you for your well wishes. In regards to your question, if one asks such a question then it is evident from scriptural basis that one is not enlightened. When enlightenment is achieved, one’s mind would become the Dharmakaya, therefore would know one is in fact enlightened. There would be no doubt in this, it would simply be a fact. That is not to say we are not on the path to achieving this, simply that we have yet to achieve our goal.
As for living Buddhas recognising other Buddhas, there are in fact many Buddhas living currently that can therefore identify other Buddhas. It is a well-known fact that many high lamas are emanations of various Buddhas, and so they can recognise each other. Buddhas can emanate in many forms from high lamas, normal monks or nuns, teachers or even our family and friends to benefit sentient beings, but as un-enlightened beings we are not able to recognise them as such. But those who are living can and do recognise each other, and within the framework of Tibetan Buddhism it is practice to recognise them as such, in order to provide a platform from which to share the Dharma teachings. To say that there are no Buddhas living current actually restricts the compassionate activities of the Buddhas. They can even manifest as inanimate objects to provide sentient beings with relief from suffering and plant beneficial imprints in the minds of these sentient beings.
Since you have understood interdependent origination, and that all experiences are created in the mind, you are on the path, but one key element is missing and this is enlightened compassion. There is a slight difference between understanding, and realisation. Realisation is when a person operates from this understanding. This can be a measuring stick to show others that one is enlightened. An enlightened being does not rest in their knowledge and mind but benefits other sentient beings due to their enlightened compassion.
You have also stated that you are burning your positive and negative karma, this is another statement which suggests you have not yet reached the enlightened state. This is because when enlightenment is achieved karma is negated altogether, as one’s mind is free from samsara. The physical body is merely a receptacle for this mind to inhabit. Parinirvana only occurs after nirvana is achieved in one’s physical form. This would necessarily mean you would have to be enlightened already before Parinirvana occurs. From how you have asked the question it seems as though you have not reached that stage….yet. We need to keep learning, practicing, transform our minds, focus out and be of benefit to others, and then we can all achieve enlightenment. This is an achievable fact.