The Evolving Role of the Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism: Insights from the Diamond Sutra

Devotion to the path of the Bodhisattva is a central tenet in Mahayana Buddhism. The Diamond Sutra, one of the most revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism, provides profound insights into the nature of the Bodhisattva's role. It challenges the traditional understanding of the Bodhisattva as a liberator and explores the deeper philosophical underpinnings of their existence and actions.

Rejection of Absolutes and the Role of the Bodhisattva

In the Diamond Sutra, a passage states that if someone says, 'I will liberate and cross over innumerable sentient beings,' then they do not truly embody the spirit of a Bodhisattva (Sutra, Chapter 7). This insight rejects the notion of a Bodhisattva as a simple liberator of sentient beings, questioning whether their actions can be definitively categorized as such. Instead, it invites a more nuanced and complex understanding of the Bodhisattva's role.

The text further asserts, 'You should not say that it occurs to the Tathāgata, "I will cross over sentient beings."' This challenges the idea that the Tathāgata (Buddha) or any enlightened being has a goal or intention to liberate others. The underlying message is that the very notion of crossing over sentient beings is an attachment that leads to a sense of self. It is not the existence of a self that the Tathāgata speaks of, but rather the understanding that the Tathāgata has transcended this concept. The sutra emphasizes that if sentient beings were crossed over, there would be a self, person, being, and life— concepts which the Tathāgata has shed.

The Diamond Sutra also suggests that the distinction between a Tathāgata and an ordinary person is blurred. Just as one cannot definitively say there are no sentient beings crossed over, one cannot definitively say there are sentient beings. This line of reasoning invites us to question the conventional understanding and embrace a more interconnected perspective.

The Mindset of the Bodhisattva

While the sutra acknowledges that good men and good women develop Anuttarā Samyaksabodhi (Supreme Perfect Enlightenment) by giving rise to a mindset such as, ‘I will liberate all sentient beings,’ it also highlights that the consideration to liberate all sentient beings is a tool and not the goal itself. This mindset is a means to an end, a doorway to deeper understanding and spiritual growth, but it is not the ultimate achievement.

This insight invites us to think beyond the superficial notion of a Bodhisattva as a liberator. Instead, it prompts us to consider the Bodhisattva as a guide who helps others to see the illusory nature of the self and reality. The Bodhisattva's role is not simply to cross over others, but to assist them in seeing the nature of reality and transcending attachment.

The Teacher-Student Dyad: A Model for the Bodhisattva

The concept of the teacher-student relationship in Buddhism can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between the Bodhisattva and the sentient beings they seek to liberate. In the traditional teacher-student model, the teacher is seen as the one who imparts knowledge, while the student is seen as the recipient of that knowledge. However, the Diamond Sutra challenges this perspective, suggesting that the teacher is also a student and the student is also a teacher.

When a student learns, they naturally develop the capacity to share that knowledge with others. In this sense, the student becomes a future teacher. This dynamic relationship goes beyond the simple teacher-student dichotomy, suggesting that all beings have the potential to teach and learn simultaneously. This perspective can be applied to the role of the Bodhisattva, who, in leading others to enlightenment, also develops their own understanding and spiritual growth.

Can we state that there is such a thing as a teacher and another which is a student? Or does the teacher acknowledge that there is always more to learn, thereby recognizing their own student-like status? What is the role of a teacher who is also a student? Is teaching for the benefit of others, for the teacher, or for both?

This line of reasoning invites us to embrace a more sophisticated understanding of the Bodhisattva's role. Instead of viewing the Bodhisattva solely as a liberator, we can see them as a guide and co-learner on the path to enlightenment. The teacher's role is not to impart knowledge but to point the way, encouraging others to recognize their own potential for enlightenment.

The Importance of Humility in Teaching

Buddhism emphasizes the importance of humility. A true teacher acknowledges that they are always learning and growing. This humility allows the teacher to remain open to new insights and perspectives, which in turn enhances their ability to teach effectively. The teacher's role is not to assert a sense of superiority but to share their knowledge in such a way that it is transformative for the student.

When teachers start out, they should set their minds to teaching people, even though they are not fully enlightened. This humility and dedication to learning and sharing knowledge are essential for the development and spread of wisdom. True teaching is an ongoing process, and the enlightened teacher perpetually learns from their students. This dynamic and reciprocal relationship is a key aspect of the Bodhisattva's role in Mahayana Buddhism.

By embracing this more nuanced and evolving understanding of the Bodhisattva's role, we can deepen our appreciation of the Diamond Sutra and its profound insights into the nature of enlightenment and the path to it.

Keywords: Bodhisattva, Mahayana Buddhism, Diamond Sutra