A cosmologist who can answer the "three ultimate questions of humanity" is a Buddha.

 

A cosmologist who can answer the "three ultimate questions of humanity" is a Buddha. A cosmologist who can answer the "three ultimate questions of humanity" is a Buddha.

Nantai

 

The term "attaining Buddhahood" has been misunderstood by far too many people.

 

Many people imagine the Buddha as an omnipotent deity, thus perceiving attaining Buddhahood as extremely distant, sacred, and unattainably difficult. In reality, all these notions are incorrect. "Buddha" is merely a noun, and its essence embodies "enlightenment: self-enlightenment, enlightening others, and the perfection of enlightenment and practice."

 

Enlightenment about what? It essentially means understanding the true nature of the universe and life, as well as the laws governing the universe. One must not only achieve this understanding personally (self-enlightenment) but also help others gain it (enlightening others). Furthermore, one must not only comprehend these truths but also fully practice them without the slightest omission (the perfection of enlightenment and practice).

 

The mysteries of the universe are unfathomable, so how can we attain such understanding? Teachers—the Buddha, Buddhist sutras, and Dharma preachers—will guide you. Buddhist sutras essentially elaborate on the structure of the universe, how the universe forms, evolves, and perishes; what the cosmic laws are; how humans come into existence; what the spirit is and what matter is; and the relationship between spirit and matter. They also teach humans how to utilize cosmic laws to take control of life, aging, illness, and death, become the masters of their own fates, and create an eternal peaceful Pure Land for themselves.

 

This constitutes the entire core secret of Buddhism, without a trace of superstition. The worshippers who burn incense and pray to deities in temples have completely misunderstood Buddhism. It is their own superstition that has tarnished the reputation of Buddhism. In essence, attaining Buddhahood is analogous to earning a doctoral degree in cosmology.

 

What is the examination question? It is the philosophical "three ultimate questions of humanity—Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going?" Here, the "I" does not refer to a specific individual like Zhang San or Li Si, but to all things in the universe. Every entity in the universe requires clarity about its origin. This may sound intimidating, but it is actually quite simple—all explained by the Buddhist tenet "All phenomena arise from the mind". Of course, you must truly grasp the meaning of this statement. It is expounded in Buddhist sutras and elaborated by Dharma preachers, and you yourself must verify it firsthand, just as you would conduct a scientific experiment at school. Only through personal verification can one truly attain Buddhahood.

 

While this sounds arduous, it is not difficult to practice. The greatest fear is taking the wrong path. Following Tang Sanzang makes the journey effortless; this approach is known as the "Perfect and Instantaneous Great Dharma"—the more profound and advanced the practice, the simpler and easier it becomes. In contrast, following Sun Wukong leads to an arduous journey, as this represents the "expedient Dharma" and "Gradual Dharma". These methods are extremely complicated. Many people are deterred by such complexity, and even many resolute practitioners may go astray. Only a tiny minority manage to reach the final goal. Without the special protection of Guanyin Bodhisattva, Sun Wukong would have perished countless times.

 

Therefore, the most crucial thing in practicing Buddhism is choosing the right Dharma. As the saying goes, "The Lotus Sutra leads to Buddhahood, and the Shurangama Sutra leads to enlightenment." These two sutras stand as the paramount classics of the Perfect and Instantaneous Great Dharma, a fact that all practitioners must recognize.

 

Note from the author (included in Bodhisattva Literature): This represents personal viewpoints and is for reference only.

Reads: 63

Location: Ningxia

Date: 06:28, May 6, 2025