Bill,
Everyone that has ever existed has been a Buddha. Yes, even you though I
sometimes have my doubts!
Whether they realize their Buddhahood or not is what counts..
Edgar
On May 22, 2013, at 11:37 PM, Bill! wrote:
> Merle,
>
> Buddhism teaches there have been many, many Buddhas:
>
> "Theoretically, the number of Buddhas having existed is enormous and they are
> often collectively known under the name of "Thousand Buddhas". Each was
> responsible for a life cycle. According to some Buddhist traditions,
> Dīpankara (also Dīpamkara) was a Buddha who reached enlightenment eons prior
> to Gautama, the historical Buddha.
> Generally, Buddhists believe that there has been a succession of many Buddhas
> in the distant past and that many more will appear in the future; Dīpankara,
> then, would be one of numerous previous Buddhas, while Gautama was the most
> recent, and Maitreya will be the next Buddha in the future."
> - Source: wikipedia.com
>
> But these are just the 'Buddhas', those who have been totally enlightened.
> There are presumably almost numberless people that have experienced Buddha
> Nature because of the teachings of these Buddhas. Just where you draw the
> lines between 'experienced Buddha Nature' ('kensho' in Japanese), a strong
> enlightenment experience ('satori' in Japanese), a Bodhisattva and a 'fully
> enlightened Buddha' I don't know.
>
> Again, all the above is my understanding of Buddhist dogma, doctrine and
> teachings, and not really pertinent to the zen I practice.
>
> ...Bill!
>
> --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, uerusuboyo@... wrote:
> >
> > Merle,<br/><br/>There have no doubt been many who have wiped the dust from
> > their eyes since, and before, the historical Buddha. The important thing is
> > that just like Sidharta Guatama, you too can awaken in this very lifetime;
> > this very moment. <br/><br/>Mike<br/><br/><br/>Sent from Yahoo! Mail for
> > iPad
> >
>
>
