What Do Enlightened Buddhas Do?

The concept of Buddhas after enlightenment is often misunderstood or misinterpreted. Many people believe that enlightenment is a final state, akin to reaching the peak of a mountain. However, this is a misconception rooted in the idea that enlightenment is a fixed state. In reality, it is a continuous journey, much like infinity in mathematics, where the practice of Buddha Dhamma is endless.

Enlightenment in Buddhism

Enlightenment in Buddhism is not a reward from a deity or a one-time event. It is a transformation that occurs when one removes greed, hatred, and ignorance, and attains various levels within the framework of the four noble paths. The journey to full enlightenment involves passing through the stages of sothapanna, sakud agitation, and anagami, culminating in the arahath status, where all defilements are completely removed.

The Continuous Path to Enlightenment

The continuous practice of a Buddha after attaining enlightenment is akin to the Four Great Vows of the Bodhisattva:

Sentient Beings are Numberless - I vow to liberate them all. Afflictions are Inexhaustible - I vow to sever them all. Dharma Doors are Immeasurable - I vow to learn them all. The Path of Buddhahood is Unsurpassable - I vow to accomplish it.

These vows signify that the work of a Buddha is ongoing and never ending. Enlightenment is not a destination but a process, therefore, the tasks of liberating sentient beings, severing afflictions, and achieving full enlightenment are endless. The number associated with this process, much like infinity, is extremely vast and hard to comprehend.

Practical Life of an Enlightened Buddha

An enlightened Buddha continues to live an ordinary life, engaging in activities like eating, sleeping, and teaching wherever people show interest. The difference is that an enlightened one no longer creates suffering for themselves. They have realized the profound understanding that suffering arises from their own perceptions and actions, and this insight allows them to live in peace and contentment.

In summary, the enlightened Buddha's life is a testament to the endless journey of Dhamma practice. The path is described by the constant striving towards the liberation of sentient beings, the severing of afflictions, and the pursuit of immeasurable knowledge. This continuous effort is not just a theoretical concept but a living, breathing reality that guides the enlightened one throughout their life.