Buddha Nature (Tathagatagarbha): We Are All Buddha

Tathagatagarbha: Buddha Nature

Tathagatagarbha (Sanskrit) is the Buddha nature present in all beings. It is the doctrine that affirms that all beings have the potential to attain enlightenment.

Origin of the Doctrine

The Tathagatagarbha doctrine appears in several Mahayana sutras.

The Original Nature

According to the teaching, all beings without exception have the Buddha nature.

The Nine Comparisons (Tathagatagarbha Sutra)

The Tathagatagarbha Sutra compares the Buddha nature with nine images.

Criticisms and Development

Some Buddhists (especially in the Madhyamaka school) criticized the Tathagatagarbha doctrine.

The Practice

The realization of Buddha nature is cultivated through meditation.

Sources

• Wayman and Wayman: The Lion's Roar of Queen Srimala
• The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism
• D.T. Suzuki: The Awakening of Zen