Aspects of Human Life
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 1.1.3
Aspects of Human Life
Sunnata, Buddha-nature and Buddhahood are key elements of Buddhist life.
Sunnata
- Sunnata is usually translated as 'emptiness'.
- Theravada Buddhism use it to refer to the non-self and also the meditative state/ experience of an individual.
- Mahayana Buddhism refers to the idea that 'all things are empty of intrinsic existence'.
Tathagatagarbha – Buddha-nature
- All sentient beings contain the essential element that gives them the potential to become Buddha.
Arahant/Arhat
- Arahant or Arhat is someone who is already enlightened and has achieved nibbana/nirvana in Theravada Buddhism.
- They are a perfect person.
- Other schools use the term to mean those who have advanced along the path of Enlightenment but have not achieved Buddahood.
- Bodhisattva is a term for any individual who has the wish to reach Buddahood.
Buddahood
- In Mahayana Buddism, Buddhahood is that status of being a buddha or 'awakened one'.
Pure Land
- Pure Land is a branch of Buddhism which is found in Eastern Asia, i.e China and Japan.
- It focuses on the Buddha Amitabha, which is a celestial Buddha who is the principal Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism.
Test yourself on Aspects of Human Life
Which of the following is the best translation for Sunnata?
What is Buddhahood?