Originally posted by sinweiy:
i replied saying:
have seldom encounter such a good question.
for once, it depend on the capacity of one's mind( xing1 liang4).
i think after thoroughly understanding the path of Bodhisattva/Buddha, it's a misconception that bodhisattva/buddha path is a much difficult path. if one can really extend the capacity of one's mind, bodhisattva/buddha path can become easy.
moreover, mahayana aim to understand selflessness of phenomena which when understood, selflessness of person is also accomplished. that's to say having understood selflessness of person might not accomplish selflessness of phenomena.
[QUOTE]egolessness or selflessness of person (Skt. pudgalanairatmya) This doctrine asserts that when one examines or looks for the person, one finds that it is empty. The person does not possess a self (Skt. atman, Tib. bdag-nyid) as an independent or substantial self. This position is held by most Buddhist schools.
egolesseness or selflessness of phenomena (Skt. dharma-nairatmya) This doctrine aserts than not only is there selflessness of person, but when one examines out phenomena, one finds that this external phenomena is also empty, i. e. it does not have an independent or substantial nature. This position is not held by the hinayana schools, but is put forth by the mahayana schools, particularly the Chittamatra school.
http://www.rinpoche.com/glossary.htm[/QUOTE]
/\
i just checked.. there are actually four level of arhants..
check out this website: http://www.angelfire.com/indie/anna_jones1/arhat.html#N15
May i ask when one realise selflessness does it automatically mean one will become full of compassion for others? mm but they will definitely gain wisdom.
From the above weblink:
Difference between an Arahat and the Buddha
The Arahat needs the Teachings (Dharma) set forth by the Buddha, whereas the Buddha discovered the Dharma.
The Arahat puts the Teachings into practice, whereas the Buddha established the practice.
The Arahat has put an end to the causes of suffering, but is not necessarily capable of transmitting this experience to others; whereas the Buddha necessarily shares his experience with others.
The Arahat has a passive knowledge (jhana) of the Teaching, but lacks Wisdom (prajña); whereas the Buddha has (is) active Wisdom.
The Arahat misses compassion (karuna); whereas the Buddha has (is) Great Compassion (maha-karuna).
From my personal observation, the Bodhisattva make these strong vows to help other sentient beings. Therefore, their resolution to liberate and save all sentient beings are stronger and their sphere of activity such as manifesting in helping other is more active than an arhant. For example, Guan yin, the bodhisattva of compassion- could manifest in all realms; as and in many ways to save and liberate others from suffering.
While the arhant focus more on self-liberation, they could extend their compassion to help and liberate others too... but they usually stay physically in the human realm.