[Cricequorie]

Is it possible for a Buddhist layperson to become enlightened, or does one have to become a monk?

Now I know there is probably not one standard answer, but I am referring to more than just the exception of a Buddhist layperson as compared to the grand prize lottery winner in terms of statistics and probability.

[sposicke]

Is it possible for a Buddhist layperson to become enlightened

Yes, I think that most Buddhist traditions would say that its possible for a lay practitioner to become enlightened.

[majestictwelve]

enlightenment depends on right view. right view depends on viewing things as they really are (rather than from passionate hopes)

buddha compared enlightenment to the great ocean (rather than to the heavens)

imo, right view of enlightenment is something very grounded (rather than lofty)

kind regards

[flowersnewaho]

I think it is theoretically possible for a layperson, but much more probable for a monk, for the obvious reasons.

I wonder if anyone can be born enlightened, and stay enlightened with little or no effort. I think some people are more predisposed to becoming enlightened than others. And for some hopeless ones, it would be nearly impossible for them to ever become enlightened.

It is all relative and dependent on so many various factors in life. But if we are all here on this forum, at least we are trying, which says an awfully lot in itself!

[harriettvanders]

To speak of "some hopeless ones" implies quite a high regard for oneself.

You might care to elaborate on what 'enlightenment' means to you.

Terms such as 'right action', 'pure thought', 'correct thinking", etc, without extensive elaboration as to the
context constituting such, is not clear cut at all.

To be born "enlightened" seems to posit previous existences via reincarnation, a condition (correct me if I am wrong)
this forum seems to ignore for the more nuanced notion of Annatta.

[Hofonom]

To speak of "some hopeless ones" implies quite a high regard for oneself.

You might care to elaborate on what 'enlightenment' means to you

Hi Murchovski,

Can you either use the quote facility or mention the number of the post (e.g. #4 from Bgood) of the person you are refering to in your own posts please.

I'd also like to mention again, that threads in the Beginners forum are for the purpose of offering responses (according to the understanding of the various posters) to beginners questions and aren't intended for debating between members.

Esho's Moderator Announcement for this particular forum clearly states:

"Please, try to keep the answers to questions away from debate between other members in both the Introductions and Beginners forums.

The Beginners Forum's aim is just to give general information and guidelines about basic Buddhist teachings to people exploring Buddhism.

Opinions and personal ideas can be discussed in the other forums on the website."


Posts in the Introductions and Beginners forums which don't follow these guidelines are likely to be deleted. If you wish to start a spin-off topic from this one in one of our other forums, please do so.

Kind regards

Aloka

[Gooracouppy]

You might care to elaborate on what 'enlightenment' means to you....terms such as 'right action', 'pure thought'...is not clear cut at all...nuanced notion of Annatta.

hi M

when there is not time for developing samadhi meditation, enlightenment probably best starts with examining things as they are: beginning with impermanence. but negating impermanence by embracing continuity makes enlightenment more difficult, imo.

regards