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saṃbodhi

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

saṃbodhi (Skt.). The ‘perfect enlightenment’ attained by a Buddha. The earliest sources make no distinction between the quality of the awakening (bodhi) of the Arhat, Buddha, and Pratyekabuddha, although the enlightenment of a Buddha is often termed ‘sammā-sambodhi’ (Pāli, ‘full and perfect enlightenment) largely as a mark of respect. Later non-canonical Pāli sources distinguish three classifications of enlightenment in accordance with the resolve of the aspirant to become either an Arhat, Paccekabuddha (Skt., Pratyekabuddha), or Buddha. Mahāyāna sources regard the awakening of a Buddha as profounder than that of the other two. See also satori, kenshō.

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