Thank you Mark!

What was your purpose in posting this?

🙏

Thank you :)

Thanks John! Yes, I totally understand…it’s best viewed in a PC or tablet. If you are using the KZfaq app, try rotating your phone and it will go to a full screen. I used to just have pure PowerPoint which took over the entire screen…but those actually took much longer to make believe it or not. Although it’s not exactly what you’re asking for, I usually link to one of my articles which may help (although not all videos have an article yet)

Hi Tyler, great question! As I understand it, a Solitary Buddha (Pratyekabuddhayāna) is one who discovers the truth/path on their own without a teacher where the Dharma has been lost (in the era they are in). So, in that way, it is like Shakyamuni Buddha. However, a Solitary Buddha does not or is unable, to teach others the way towards enlightenment. This type of Buddha goes back to even the earliest Buddhist teachings, and even in the past lives' tales of the Buddha (where they existed in certain lifetimes he was in), but it is not the path in Mahayana. The goal is to become a Bodhisattva and then a full Buddha. Both of which are focused on helping others, such as with teaching/skillful means, whereas a solitary Buddha would - for whatever reason - not be as effective because they don't teach others, reside alone (or in small groups), etc. More to your question, this path I say would be similar to the overall path in Buddhism. Just factor in like Shakyamuni Buddha, he went through countless kalpas (tens of millions of years/aeons) in different existences before reaching the lifetime where he could become a full Buddha. It is that continual effort. Now, I would assume the circumstances in each time a solitary Buddha came into being would be different. Perhaps there was an experience or other things that aided them towards awakening. Either way, they did it 'on their own' in an era where there were no teachings. So, look at it this way: would you rather become a full Buddha (or Bodhisattva) or become a solitary Buddha where it is personally fulfilling (enlightenment/nirvana) but that's the end of it (you don't teach others, etc.). Basically, that's why the Bodhisattva path is taught in Mahayana (following the lifetimes of the Buddha) rather than a solitary Buddha for instance.

Thank you so much for the thorough reply. Based on your understanding of the Dharma, is our individual path decided for us by someone else, or do we choose a path (i.e. Solitary Buddha, Arhat, Bodhisattva) based on our personal conviction?

So, your path is decided by you! :) You are in control of your actions (karma), but we often let the idea of “self” influence them. Note that there are trace impressions, etc, form past existences that likely shape your path such as a vow taken many existences ago you are not consciously aware of. For instance, the Buddha took a vow aeons ago, and went through countless lifetimes until this last existence. But, it’s your choice essentially. This is why Mahayanists want to take the Bodhisattva vow when/if they are ready. They are setting out in that path no matter how long it takes.

@@AlanPeto Thanks again Alan. I frequently view your videos, so we'll definitely be talking again!

I'm very very new here, but from my understanding, a Buddha appears to re-teach enlightenment any time the teachings have been lost or forgotten

It depends. We have a few in our era, with one more to go. But there can be times when there is no Buddha. That’s why any period where you have a Buddha and teachings is immeasurably rare and important.

Hi Thomas, thanks for the feedback. You can always change the 'speed' on a KZfaq video by clicking the settings icon, and choosing playback speed. If you prefer to read instead of watch, the article is located here: alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhisattva-path/