The Buddha-nature controversy explained.
Sutta Nipāta Verse 503 A knowledge master, loving absorption, mindful, who has reached awakening and is a refuge for many: that is where a brahmin seeking merit should bestow a timely offering as sacrifice. Dhammapada 392 From whomsoever one might learn the Dhamma of the Perfectly Awakened One, one should respectfully pay homage to that person, as a brahmin reveres the sacrificial fire. 1. Explained by figures. Every single one of them has Buddha-nature. How can it be understandable? I have theories. Hypothesis: As the Buddha is believed to once guide apprentices by showing a flower without words, people(or even animals) sometimes throw us hints to go awakenings speculatively unwittingly. But, some don't. Never. Is this the basis of the concept of the Buddha-nature we talking about? Fig 1.1 Showing a flower and a smile : Buddha is believed to give his teachings not necessarily with words. Fig 2.1 Single Point "No buddha-nature" theory Fig 2.2 Threshold hypothesis 2. S...