Question asked by T
Dear Pastors,
I heard a statement from a mahayana teacher that one must go through the vajrayana method eventually to become fully enlightened. Is this true? I also heard that there are 52 levels of bodhisatva. How about zen buddhism, what level is the enlightened master if they achieve enlightenment through the zen method. Is it they still need to continue their spiritual journey once they are enlightened?
Dear T,
The Mahayana teacher was probably expressing his own opinion. Vajrayana is one of the stages within the Mahayana Path. It is also known as tantrayana. Its main doctrine is that everyone is a potential Buddha and that enlightenment could be attained in one lifetime. In Mahayana, there are ten levels or bhumis through which the bodhisattva progresses on the path to Buddhahood. In Zen Buddhism, it is also taught that Buddha nature is inherent in every sentient being, and that the essential method for realising this original nature is to behold the mind. Even in Zen Buddhism, there are different methods and practices according to the lineage. Do read up on the different Zen schools to find out more. Bodhisattvas are beings, who, out of compassion, take a vow to delay Buddhahood in order to work for the liberation of all sentient beings. There are two types of bodhisattvas. Ordinary bodhisattvas who have not attained the ten levels still need to continue their spiritual journey while the Arya bodhisattvas are those who are fully enlightened.