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Significance of Quest for enlightenment

The Quest for enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the continuous search for deeper spiritual understanding, often necessitating personal sacrifices. Conversely, in Theravada Buddhism, the Quest for enlightenment involves the journey towards awakening to life's true nature, which entails moving away from superficial desires. Both perspectives highlight a significant commitment to spiritual growth and understanding, albeit with different approaches and emphases on personal sacrifice and attachment.

Synonyms: Search for knowledge, Pursuit of wisdom, Path to enlightenment., Search for wisdom, Pursuit of knowledge, Spiritual quest

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Quest for enlightenment'

Buddhism Books

The Quest for enlightenment in Buddhism embodies the pursuit of profound understanding and awakening to life’s true essence, emphasizing the necessity of transcending superficial desires and making personal sacrifices for spiritual growth.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The ongoing search and effort to attain higher spiritual understanding and realization, which often requires personal sacrifices.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The journey of seeking understanding and awakening to the true nature of life, distancing from superficial desires.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).