What does "Buddha" Mean: A Live Controversy! Anālayo's Response

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 94

  • @DougsDharma
    @DougsDharma  3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    🧡 If you find benefit in my videos, consider supporting the channel by joining us on Patreon and get fun extras like exclusive videos, ad-free audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
    📙 You can find my new book here: books2read.com/buddhisthandbook

  • @stephenrizzo
    @stephenrizzo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Translation and interpretation are complicated by the fact that words have multiple meanings and can be used literally or metaphorically. They also have different associations over time and place. Controversy is inevitable. It is very informative to hear what two eminent scholars with different informed opinions think. Thanks.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes I agree Dread, and thanks for your comment!

  • @danielmolidor7304
    @danielmolidor7304 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Bhikku Bodhi has too much stake in the translation, having bodhi in his name and hailing from Therevada! Half jokes aside, I personally prefer "the awakened one" just because I like how awakening fits with the dream, the sleep, and the illusion of things. The knowledge aspect of Bhikku Bodhi's choice also doesn't resonate with me because I find the letting go of views, truth, and knowledge to be an important aspect.
    Sometimes I wish to become a Buddhist scholar so I could be a voice in the debate, but seeing how little I want to read the linked papers, I will just stick to your digestion, which I thank you for.

    • @xiaomaozen
      @xiaomaozen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Wonderful comment! 🤭 Especially the last part made me smirk! 😁

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      😄 Yes, my pleasure Daniel!

    • @RLekhy
      @RLekhy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Funny guy!

  • @iamteerapong
    @iamteerapong 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    In Thailand, students recite Tiratana Vandanā (Homage to the triple gem) in Pali before school classes start in the morning. For this recitation, Buddha (พุทธ) was translated into three words which are the wise, the awakened, and the enlightened one (ผู้รู้ ผู้ตื่น ผู้เบิกบาน; P̄hū̂ rū̂ p̄hū̂ tụ̄̀n p̄hū̂ beikbān - Google Translate), based on Buddhadāsa's version (Suan Mokkh). Buddhadāsa uses all three meanings at the same time. In 1990, Analayo met Ajahn Buddhadāsa at Suan Mokkh in Thailand. He may be interested in the Buddhadasa"s translation.
    Your video is an eye-opening look at the difference between Bhikkhu Bodhi and Analayo"s translation.
    I am a fan of yours, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Analayo, and Buddhadāsa. I bought your book. You make things easy to understand and suggest many good books. Thank you very much.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wonderful to hear Tee J., thanks! 🙏😊

  • @xiaomaozen
    @xiaomaozen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Controversy, in general, is important and useful. But this one here is indeed a bit too scholastic for me. 😁 Although I have to admit that Anālayo makes a certain point here. At least the whole thing is not as worthless as discussing the question: How many Bodhisattvas can dance on the point of a needle? 😬
    Anyway, profound and comprehensible summary, Doug! 😊🙏🏻

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My pleasure xiao mao. Yes, it may be a bit scholastic, but there are still some lessons to be learned. 🙂

    • @stephenrizzo
      @stephenrizzo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      There may be more here than you think. Does it mean enlightened, awakened, or both. I say both because the ambiguity may have been intended. I have been reading Richard Gombrich and he seems to believe that liberation through knowledge and the cessation of greed and hatred are logically equivalent, they happen together or not at all. Enlightened would seem to imply overcoming ignorance is the most important factor.This may be a window into that issue. That is my take on it anyway.

  • @autodidacticasaurus
    @autodidacticasaurus 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love this kind of video series too. I don't know if nirvana or enlightenment/awakening are real but I want to know and in order to do that then I think we need to know what was really meant, which includes these metaphors and their cultural context. This also helps us elucidate what precisely the prescribed practice is and what it's possible mechanism of action could be. So, I for one, am grateful that you highlight this and make it digestible for us. Also, congratulations on your book, by the way.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks so much! 🙏

  • @uliuli201
    @uliuli201 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I understand that there are bound to be differences of opinions and understanding. Brighter minds than mine have tangled with these issues. However...it breaks down to essentially this...whatever knowledge and understanding you have...you must apply the aspects to yourself. What do you feel is right for YOURSELF. Nobody is going to change their minds. So you need to make up your own mind. How does this apply to you and you alone. Listening to others can give you direction...but ultimately...as Bruce Lee said...essentially...Take what helpful to you...and get rid of what is not. Thanks for the vid. Great to know this information...bit ultimately...You make your own Path.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, agreed Uli!

    • @paulinewqi
      @paulinewqi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very well said....I totally agree with your thoughts...👍
      Thanks for sharing...💝🌻
      Of course, many thanks to DSmith too...

  • @Margo5050
    @Margo5050 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Your videos are so clarifying and straightforward. Thank you 🙏🏻. Namaste

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My pleasure Margo! Thanks for the comment. 🙏😊

  • @prajnadeva
    @prajnadeva 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I knew your channel for some time, but not subscribing. Because, well I knew all of your topic already. But now you are merely reciting these, and so I subscribe, because they are foremost figures in today Buddhism.
    Anyway, I checked Bhikkhu Sujato recent translation, and he generally translate the word Buddha as Awakened.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, thanks Xenocross.

  • @archiekennedy4741
    @archiekennedy4741 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You provide a great resource for learners like myself. Thank you.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My pleasure, Archie! 🙏😊

  • @brianreeves
    @brianreeves 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    is the blue buddha statue in the background medicine buddha? I'm also curious about what appears to be a multi-armed avalokiteshvara? Just curious. Very cool and informative videos Doug, I appreciate your work very much! My perspective when I saw the thumbnail of this video was yes, it will have subtle relevance to lay practice but it's definitely there.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks very much Brian. 🙏 The Buddha is Gotama in a meditation pose. The other statue is of Mahāpratisarā.

    • @brianreeves
      @brianreeves 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DougsDharma Thanks Doug, I will look into the latter as I'm not familiar!

  • @FranciscoTornay
    @FranciscoTornay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I am still much more convinced by Bhikkhu Bodhi's argument, as I was when I watched the previous video and even more after I read his article. The ancient etymology from Vedic Sanskrit is less relevant than the use of the word in the Pali Canon. After all, the English word "queen" initially meant "woman" but it would be very far-fetched to argue that the expression "Queen Elizabeth" should be understood merely as referring to her femininity and not her royal status. Many other words have changed meaning over time in similar ways. Analayo's "Lone Buddha" argument is also irrelevant to B. Bodhi's argument, as Doug mentions. The fact that "enlightenment" can be confusing is also no argument at all: as I wrote in the previous video, confusion with the XVIII century's movement is not an issue in many European languages, including Spanish. It seems more to be a problem of English terminology and, more important, there are many words whose meaning varies across contexts. As for the suitability of "awakening", that is a simple subjective preference of B. Analayo's. As for the possible confusion with seeing a light in meditation, it is a mistake to be corrected. The "awakening" metaphor can also lead to misunderstandings if taken literally. In contrast, Bhikkhu Bodhi makes a very compelling argument based both on the actual use of the budh root without prefixes in actual Pali practice and the presence of light metaphors, in the texts.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for your input Francisco. I also find Bhante Bodhi's argument somewhat more compelling, though I can see Bhante Anālayo's point too.

    • @jeremyc4893
      @jeremyc4893 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "...And what is the development of concentration that, when developed & pursued, leads to the attainment of knowledge & vision? There is the case where a monk attends to the perception of light and is resolved on the perception of daytime [at any hour of the day]. Day [for him] is the same as night, night is the same as day. By means of an awareness open & unhampered, he develops a brightened mind. This is the development of concentration that, when developed & pursued, leads to the attainment of knowledge & vision. ..." AN 4.41

    • @jeremyc4893
      @jeremyc4893 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      See also AN 8.64 and MN 128

  • @StopFear
    @StopFear ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These disagreements among Buddhists are an example of the same problem other religions struggle with in exactly the same way. Christianity, Islam, Judaism. And because the followers cannot agree on it it naturally creates doubt about the beliefs which seem to be clear and agreed upon.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, they happen with all views.

  • @අරියසච්චානදස්සනං
    @අරියසච්චානදස්සනං 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am tremendously rejoice with your way to getting in to the Buddha's teachings.If you can go through Suttas we can grasp the meaning.There few nibbana suttas please read them.
    "Bodhi" derived from the pali term "Bhujjathi",means realization or understanding of the ultimate truth.
    Not like "private Buddha", The buddha has the uniqe name "samma sambuddha" He realized the aforesaid truth alone without anyones assistance and he is able to teach the dhamma and show the path to the beings to nirwana .

  • @අරියසච්චානදස්සනං
    @අරියසච්චානදස්සනං 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    According to the Pali literature ,Under any language its unable to translate completely as to give the most suitable meaning.So My view is that both the words "The awakened", The Enlightened" both can be used to illustrate the word Bodhi.
    In the "Upali sutta" Upali lay follower after knowing about the Buddha,He has offered his faith towards the Buddha by 100 terms.all are about the Buddha.So same way, these 2 terms also can be used.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I think so too! 😊

  • @bobvillanueva712
    @bobvillanueva712 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The word "BUDDHA" comes from the SANSKRIT root "TO KNOW". BUDDHA is the one who knows, "THE KNOWER", yea? "EVERY WISH FULFILLED" E.T.

    • @moonmissy
      @moonmissy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I like this!

  • @livingright2439
    @livingright2439 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It seams to me that the person who thought they were Stream Entry because they saw light simply needs to clarify his/her understanding of the terms Enlightened and Stream Entry

  • @SoyElta
    @SoyElta 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Spanish to turn on or to learn is aprender (a)prender to turn on. It is the Latin root of apprehension.
    Interesting to see the connection between Sanskrit and Latin, both the most celebrated classical proto Indo European languages.

  • @jackpayne4658
    @jackpayne4658 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm a great fan of Bhikkhu Bodhi and his excellent translations, but for me 'enlightened' is one of those theory-laden words which only make sense from within a Buddhist perspective. A bit like 'saved' in Christian discourse - the word only makes sense if you presuppose a mass of historical theology. As a Buddhist, I'm happy with 'enlightened', but 'awakened' has an attractive sense of immediacy. Of course, this dilemma is reminiscent of the arguments about 'sudden' versus 'gradual' awakening/enlightenment in the Zen tradition...

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, I don't think I'd take too much time or concern over the distinction.

  • @yhseow
    @yhseow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    AN10. 76
    Mendicants, if three things were not found, the Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha would not arise in the world, and the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One would not shine in the world. What three? Rebirth, old age, and death.
    The Buddha awakened from the delusion or wrong way of viewing our experiences. Assuming them to be me, mine or Self. His teachings give light to his followers so as to help them see the true nature of these experiences.

  • @xmargonox
    @xmargonox 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In our world the term enlightment seem more practical. It could connect the modernity idea and spirituality idea.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I think so too, it's a good term. But ... not for everyone. 😄

  • @vikyosa4651
    @vikyosa4651 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks so much 🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️❤️

  • @smlanka4u
    @smlanka4u 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    However, the word awakening sounds like an awakening as a self (from inside to outside). But the word enlightenment doesn't seem to refer to the enlightenment as a self, rather it sounds like a connected awareness (en-awareness) about each other (from both sides).

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for your input Suresh!

  • @ramthian
    @ramthian 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks 🙏

  • @aronmindfulman7727
    @aronmindfulman7727 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ajahn Sumedho describes "Buddha" as mindfulness, conscious awareness here and now. It is what we take refuge in. This is described in a video on TH-cam entitled Don't believe me, or you'll just get confused | Ajahn Sumedho | 11.05.2021

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ah yes, this is more of a broader view of what "Buddha" means.

  • @skobywankenobi
    @skobywankenobi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    If they were expert Buddhists instead of expert scholars they wouldn't be disagreeing over the meaning of words.

  • @paulyan1946
    @paulyan1946 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This might sound heretic to some, but to not be attached to fixed views, maybe there's a possibility for a new composite term/translation for "Bodhi" and "Buddha": Awakenlightenment and the Awakenlightened One, IMHO. May all be well! 🙏

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      😄Yes that might work! 😄

  • @默-c1r
    @默-c1r 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    🙏

  • @Sawo-500
    @Sawo-500 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    His teacher is Sri Lankan monk ( Ananda Maitre).

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bhante Anālayo studied under different people, one of the main ones was Bhante Bodhi. See: "My main ref­er­ence point for the sub­se­quent period was Bhikkhu Bodhi, whom I con­sider as my teacher, as he guided me in Pāli etc. and we were through­out in reg­u­lar con­tact." archive.md/20101111112754/nidahas.com/2010/10/analayo_meditative_scholar/#selection-341.0-341.180

  • @radoskan
    @radoskan ปีที่แล้ว

    in Polish, "budzić" is to wake (someone) and "budzić się" (się ≈ oneself) is to wake up. Note the bud- prefix.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting, what is the etymology of this term?

  • @Ari_Dupree
    @Ari_Dupree 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the most difficult things to account for in translation is connotation. I would argue that "enlightment" has a certain self-aggrandizing connotation that is inappropriate in this context. Awakening doesn't have that. But that's only my subjective, nonexpert perspective.

    • @Ari_Dupree
      @Ari_Dupree 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Although, given the current development of the term "woke" in English, my perspective may very well prove inaccurate within a decade or two. Language is fun like that. XD

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, maybe so! 😄

  • @අරියසච්චානදස්සනං
    @අරියසච්චානදස්සනං 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    (From verbal root Budhi, to awaken, to understand): awakenment, enlightenment, supreme knowledge. "(Through Bodhi) one awakens from the slumber or stupor (inflicted upon the mind) by the defilements (kilesa, q.v.) and comprehends the Four Noble Truths (sacca, q.v.)"
    The enlightenment of a Buddha is called sammā-sambodhi(q.v.) 'perfect enlightenment'. The faith (saddhā, q.v.) of a lay follower of the Buddha is described as "he believes in the enlightenment of the Perfect One" (saddahati Tathāgatassa bodhim)
    As components of the state of enlightenment and contributory factors to its achievement, are mentioned in the texts: the 7 factors of enlightenment (bojjhaṅga (q.v.)= bodhi-aṅga) and the 37 'things pertaining to enlightenment' (bodhipakkhiya-dhammā, q.v.).
    In one of the later books of the Sutta Piṭaka, the Buddhavaṃsa, 10 bodhipācana-dhammā are mentioned, i.e. qualities that lead to the ripening of perfect enlightenment; these are the 10 perfections (pāramī, q.v.).
    There is a threefold classification of enlightenment:
    1. that of a noble disciple (sāvaka-bodhi, q.v.). i.e. of an Arahat,
    2. of an Independently Enlightened One (pacceka-bodhi, q.v.), and
    3. of a Perfect Enlightened One (sammā-sambodhi).
    This 3-fold division, however, is of later origin, and in this form it neither occurs in the canonical texts nor in the older Sutta commentaries. The closest approximation to it is found in a verse Sutta which is probably of a comparatively later period, the Treasure Store Sutta(Nidhikkanda Sutta) of the Khuddakapāṭha, where the following 3 terms are mentioned in stanza 15: sāvaka-pāramī, pacceka-bodhi, buddha-bhūmi
    The commentaries (Buddhavaṃsa, Cariya-piṭaka) generally give a 4-fold explanation of the word bodhi:
    1. the tree of enlightenment,
    2. the holy path (ariya-magga),
    3 Nibbāna,
    4 omniscience (of the Buddha: sabbaññutā-ñāṇa).
    As to (2), the commentaries quote Cūḷa Niddesa where bodhi is defined as the knowledge relating to the 4 paths (of Stream-entry, etc.; catūsu maggesu ñāṇa).
    Neither in the canonical texts nor in the old commentaries is it stated that a follower of the Buddha may choose between the three kinds of enlightenment and aspire either to become a Buddha, a Pacceka-Buddha, or an Arahat- Arahat-disciple.
    This conception of a choice between three aspirations is, however, frequently found in present-day Theravāda countries, e.g. in Sri Lanka.

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting, thanks!

  • @DiAna-im1vv
    @DiAna-im1vv ปีที่แล้ว

    where can we find online dhamma classes for young kids?

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  ปีที่แล้ว

      Great question, I'm not sure!

  • @MustAfaalik
    @MustAfaalik 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Before Gautama became the Buddha, it was said that he was in Tusita heaven as a Bodhisattva or Buddha to be, unlike other Pacceka Buddhas or enlightened Arahants whose existence were not foretold in the scriptures. This would suggest that Gautama was different & special even among enlightened beings who went on to achieve enlightenment, rediscovered and brought & taught the Dhamma to this world. Thus in the suttas he is proclaimed as a Teacher to gods & humans, awake & holy. Ultimately, Buddha means all the attributes assigned to one and yet different, just as each passing day is also called day yet each day is different from the one before & the following day.I hope you get my meaning.👽👽👽

  • @RLekhy
    @RLekhy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is it necessary to translate the term Buddha in English? Why not just called him Buddha in original form?

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Right, good point. Often we don't translate "Buddha". But we do translate cognate words like "bodhi", which will give an answer to a potential translation of "Buddha".

  • @Alkemisti
    @Alkemisti 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    If I want the holy book of Christians or Muslims, I know that I must go to a bookstore and buy Bible or Quran, but if I want to buy the holy book of Buddhists, what is the _exact title_ I should be looking for? Tripitaka? Pali Canon? Whose is the most preferable English translation?

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Check out this video and the links in the show notes: th-cam.com/video/YIcnCqOALPs/w-d-xo.html

    • @Alkemisti
      @Alkemisti 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DougsDharma Thank you! Are texts like Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra included to those pitakas or are they a separate canon?

    • @penguin0101
      @penguin0101 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Alkemistithe lotus and heart sutra has been agreed by most achademics to be a later addition to the volume of buddhist texts. The pali sutta and vinaya are closer to the Gotama the Buddha.

  • @bookerbooker6317
    @bookerbooker6317 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Why not just leave it untranslated?

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes that's always an option, but I think that horse has already left the barn in this case ... 😄

  • @ebertupatissa6471
    @ebertupatissa6471 ปีที่แล้ว

    i'm very surprised you did not seek the advice of Ven Dr Bhante H Gunaratana (based in Washington) a Meditator and scholar Monk who speaks and write more than 6 languages to determine the meaning of Buddha since you have an impasse with Bhikkhu Bodhi or Bhikkhu Analayo!

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm aware of Bhante Gunaratana, and have discussed his works in the past. Has he written on this subject as well? If so where?

  • @vimottimkk2892
    @vimottimkk2892 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

  • @timon3370
    @timon3370 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a question-
    In Buddhism an Upasaka can become a bhikkhu by leaving his family but can a Bhikkhu become an Upasaka by getting married and having a family??

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well there's more to becoming a bhikkhu than leaving one's family. There is an extensive process and a large number of rules one must follow.

    • @timon3370
      @timon3370 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DougsDharma but Can a Bhikkhu get married and have a family?

    • @penguin0101
      @penguin0101 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@timon3370what OSS the purpose of the question? Are you looking to be a monk and then have a family?

  • @EmptinessEmbodied
    @EmptinessEmbodied 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Doug's drama

  • @ngodupdorjee2398
    @ngodupdorjee2398 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    These are nontranslateable words. Better use the original words

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Maybe so, though cognates of them appear all over the place in the texts and will need interpretation.

  • @rahulratan0
    @rahulratan0 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhidharma
    you make video on bodhidharman

    • @DougsDharma
      @DougsDharma  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I discussed him a bit in my video on Zen: th-cam.com/video/lRAW-GN4TUA/w-d-xo.html