มโนทัศน์เรื่องพุทธภาวะในฐานะรากฐานทางจริยธรรมในพุทธปรัชญามหายาน

Abstract

The concept of Buddha nature is an important element in Mahayana Buddhism. According to this doctrine, every sentient being has Buddha nature, and it is Buddha nature that provides all sentient beings with the potential to attain enlightenment. Although sentient beings seem different from one another, yet since every being has Buddha nature, and since this nature is the essence of each being, considering their Buddha nature, there is no real difference among sentient beings. The concept of Buddha nature is a metaphysical one which directly influences Mahayana ethical principles. This research finds that Mahayana ethics stresses the doctrine of the Bodhisattva – the practice of helping sentient beings escape suffering. It attempts to show that Mahayana ethics can be traced back to the doctrine of Buddha nature. It then concludes that the doctrine of Buddha nature can be considered as the basis of Mahayana ethics.