Buddha nature | FidesDB

What it is: Buddha nature is the deep possibility of awakening present in beings, understood in various ways in the tradition.

How the tradition understands it: In Zen, it can be presented as a reality to be directly recognized, not only as abstract theory.

Textual basis and context: Mahayana sutras, such as the Nirvana Sutra, and many Zen teachings dialogue with this theme.

Debates and variations: There are differences on how to speak of buddha nature without turning it into a fixed essence.

Supportive

Dogen, Bussho

zen-buddhism,dogen,bussho,buddha-nature

Dogen’s chapter on buddha-nature.

Reference: Shobogenzo, Bussho.
Content: The text treats buddha-nature in a dense and reinterpretive way.
Use in debate: It is relevant to specifically Zen readings of buddha-nature.

Nirvana Sutra and buddha-nature

zen-buddhism,buddha-nature,nirvana-sutra,mahayana

An important Mahayana source for the idea of buddha-nature.

Reference: Mahaparinirvana Sutra.
Content: The text develops at length the theme of buddha-nature.
Use in debate: It is an important basis for Zen formulations about the potential for awakening.