Fruits of Attainment

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Buddhism exists and aims for the Enlightenment of one and all. Therefore, Buddhahood or Supreme Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of a Buddhist. Simply put, it is the achievement of True Happiness.

Very broadly summarized, the level of spiritual attainment as stages towards Supreme Enlightenment include the following.

Arahanthood

One can aspire to attain Arahanthood (Arahantship), becoming an Arahant (Arahat). An Arahant is one who has attained the bliss and enlightenment of Nirvana, achieving Freedom from Craving, Aversion and Ignorance (which cause all suffering), ending the cycle of birth and death for oneself.

Bodhisattvahood

An Arahant can also progress to attain Bodhisattvahood, becoming a Bodhisattva. A Bodhisattva is one who resolves, out of Compassion, to help all other living beings, along with oneself, to progress towards Supreme Enlightenment.

Though Bodhisattvas vow not to enter the bliss of Supreme Enlightenment before all others are released from suffering, they realize that only Buddhas, being supremely Enlightened have the perfect Compassion and Wisdom to best help others.

Thus they seek to attain Supreme Enlightenment but they do not remain in their own blissful state and forget about others. They manifest into various forms to skillfully guide others towards Enlightenment.

It is possible to begin the path towards Enlightenment by first having the Bodhisattva ideal instead of the Arahant ideal.

Buddhahood

With the perfection of Bodhisattvahood, one attains the Buddhahood, becoming a Buddha. A Buddha is the one who has attained Supreme Enlightenment, possessing perfect Wisdom and Compassion.

When a Buddha "passed away", He leaves His body and enters the perfect timeless bliss of Parinirvana. Out of Compassion, He can remanifest Himself indefinitely as Bodhisattavas or Buddhas to help others to realize Supreme Enlightenment.

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