Buddha Nature
Why You Are Already a Buddha
What Is Buddha Nature?
“Of any who hear the dharma, none shall fail to achieve Buddhahood.”
— The Lotus Sutra
Just like the idea that Christ is in us, Buddhists believe that the Buddha is present in everyone. Everyone has access to the spirit of the Buddha; everyone has the potential to become a Buddha.
This is because the ultimate nature of things is impermanence, becoming, emptiness. Nothing has an “inherent identity.” Everything is constantly changing.
Even you — are you really the “same person” you were a year ago, five years ago? I’m sure at least a few things have changed for you, and I’m sure at least a few things could qualify as growth.
Buddha nature is basically the Buddhist version of growth mindset. To be able to improve your life and reduce suffering, you must first believe you can. It’s one of the Four Noble Truths: there is a way to the end of suffering. We can escape suffering because that way is built into us: the very fact that we are conscious is the foundation of Buddhahood.
We can use that consciousness to direct the flow of change, away from suffering and towards peace and joy. Here’s another perspective that leads to the same result:
