Chapter 528: Buddha Ancestor Asks the Truth

"From nowhere it comes, nor to anywhere it goes, thus it is named Tathagata!"

"This means, neither born nor perished, neither static nor dynamic, naturally without joy nor sorrow, not tall nor short, all are equal, existing eternally."

"Tathagata is indeed a title for Buddha. In fact, Buddha has ten different names, Tathagata is one, Buddha is another, World-Honored One is also one. However, Chinese always have the knack for incorporating foreign elements into their own, blending Buddhism with local culture and tradition after it entered China."

"Tathagata is a common name just as we call someone a Saint; Confucius is a Saint, Duke of Zhou is a Saint, King Wen, Yao and Shun are all Saints. Saint is the common term, and Confucius, Duke of Zhou are specific names. Thus, all Buddhas are called Tathagata, like Pharmacist Tathagata, Sakyamuni Tathagata, Amitabha Tathagata and so on; Tathagata is the common name, Pharmacist, Sakyamuni, Amitabha are specific names."