z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 02.indd MK SJ+YS 4 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 76
76 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
- His second question was—“How to remove unhappiness ?”
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To both these questions he got a right answer which is called ‘ Samma Bodhi’ (Right Enlightenment).
It is because of this that the Banyan Tree has come to be known as the Bodhi Tree.
§ 4. Gautama who was a Bodhisatta After Sammabodhi Becomes a Buddha
Before enlightenment Gautama was only a Bodhisatta. It is after reaching enlightenment that he became a Buddha.
Who and what is a Bodhisatta ?
A Bodhisatta is a person who is seeking to be a Buddha.
How does a Bodhisatta become a Buddha ?
A Bodhisatta must be a Bodhisatta for ten lives in succession. What must a Bodhisatta do in order to qualify himself to become a Buddha ?
In his first life he acquires Mudita (joy). The Bodhisatta having blown off his impurities, as the smith blows the dross from silver, reflects that man who has been reckless and becomes sober brightens up the world like the moon freed from clouds. Joy springs up in him realising this, and he is fervent in his desire to benefit all beings.
In his second life he acquires Vimala (Purity). The Bodhisatta has now removed all thoughts of lust ; he is kind ; he is kind to all ; he neither flatters the vices of men nor disparages their virtues.
In his third life he acquires Prabhakari (Brightness). The intellect of the Bodhisatta now becomes as bright as a mirror. He fully knows and grasps the truths of Anatta and Anicca. His only wish is for the highest wisdom, and for this he is ready to sacrifice anything.
In his fourth life he acquires Arcishmati (Intelligence of Fire). The Bodhisatta in this life fixes his mind on the Eightfold Path, the Four Contempla