Human Development

Sixth scriptural bodhisattva awareness

Description:
This state of awareness is characterized by being face-to-face with reality which is neither samsara nor nirvana; beyond thought at the level of discrimination there is understanding of [sunyata] (emptiness). The state is represented by the sixth level bodhisattva who embodies perfect wisdom - [jnana] - and compassion for those tormented by attachments and sufferings. There is awareness of the dharmas as without characteristics, without beginning, without multiplicity, without differentiation between existence and non-existence; and understanding of the causally continuous doctrine of being - [pratiya samutpada] - the basis of the cycle of birth and death.
Context:
According to Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhism, the sixth level on the path appropriate to those working for the salvation of all, leading to Buddhahood and the ultimate consciousness. In Tibetan Sakya Buddhism this is one of the states in the "Ascension Stages Game". In some sets it is numbered 87 on the board.<