[Buddha-l] Was Buddha a Buddhist

[curt]

The Buddha was definitely a "follower of the Way" - or at least he is 
certainly conceived as such in "traditional" Buddhism. He is also 
generally assumed to have kept the highest possible standards in regard 
to his personal conduct. Certainly no "traditional" Buddhist would think 
anything other than that whatever the Buddha taught, he also practiced.

One "traditional" source that might not be obvious would be Master 
Keizan's "Transmission of the Lamp". This is a series of "transmission" 
stories going from Shakyamuni Buddha to Dogen. Other sources to check 
out would be modern works on the Buddha's life that make use of primary 
sources. One that is short and sweet is Sherab Chodzen Kohn's "Awakened 
One" - which hits the high points and can easily be read in a few hours.

The Buddha was a very successful teacher in his own lifetime - at least 
so the story goes. That would seem to mean that there is a good chance 
that the movement that bears his name also bears some resemblance to 
what he himself set in motion. This is to be contrasted with the 
situation of Jesus - who had very little impact in his lifetime, and, 
therefore, much less direct impact on the mass religious movement that 
was associated with him much later. So arguing from Christianity to 
Buddhism with regard to the relationship between the founder and the 
movement is hazardous.

- Curt

Leigh Goldstein (d) wrote:
> Someone asked me this recently. I was wondering what traditional Buddhist
> terms correspond in some sense to the Western idea "Buddhist" and whether,
> in particular, Buddha was considered to be a monk or subject to the
> ordination vows.
>
> If a Buddhist is someone who takes refuge in the Three Jewels, it seems like
> Buddha could not be a Buddhist. If a Buddhist is a sentient being who
> follows the Buddhist path, then Buddha could not be a Buddhist. Does that
> mean that someone ceases to be a Buddhist when they become a Buddha?
>
> On the other hand, if someone is a Buddhist who understands and practices
> the Buddhist doctrines and methods, then Buddha would be the only complete
> or fully Buddhist.
>
> Besides this, there is the possibility of very different concepts about
> these things in the different Buddhist schools.
>
> Can someone point me to traditional sources on these subjects, if they
> exist?
>
> Thanks,
> Leigh
>
>
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