What is Buddha Nature?

Buddha Nature is the inner potential in all of us to reach enlightenment, just like Shakyamuni Buddha, Buddhism tells us we all have the capacity for wisdom, compassion, and liberation.

Think of Buddha Nature as a seed planted within each of us. It’s already there—whole, complete, and unchanging. The challenge is that our everyday distractions, attachments, and bad habits cover up this inner potential, like clouds blocking the sun. But just like the sun, our Buddha Nature is always there, even when we can’t see it.

We don't have to work hard to get Buddha Nature. It's already within us. We just need to clear out all the confusion, attachments, and delusions that stop us from seeing our true nature. Once we let go of negativity and declutter our minds, our Buddha Nature can shine through.

The Purpose of Buddha Nature

What’s the point of knowing we have Buddha Nature? Understanding this concept can reframe how we see ourselves and others. It shows us that even when we feel flawed, inadequate, angry, or distracted, we still have the potential for enlightenment. This is empowering because it means no one is beyond hope. No matter how far we feel from inner peace, we can always find our way back.

When we understand that we all share this potential, we can foster compassion for others. Instead of seeing people as inherently flawed or difficult, we also start to recognise their Buddha Nature. Even when someone is unkind or selfish, Buddhism reminds us that they also have the potential for enlightenment. It’s just a matter of whether they are connected to it.

How Do We Access Our Buddha Nature?

So now that we know Buddha Nature exists, how do we access it? Like any skill, it requires practice and patience to reveal it fully. Even the Buddha spent years in deep meditation and self-inquiry to become enlightened!

Here are a few ways you can start, and no, you don’t have to spend years meditating in a hidden cave up on some mountain:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: One of the most direct ways to access your Buddha Nature is through meditation. Sitting quietly and observing your thoughts creates space between you and your distractions. Practising over time helps to clear the ‘mud’ and brings us to inner peace and clarity that will bring out our Buddha Nature in our daily life. Even just five minutes a day can make a difference.
  
  

• Cultivating Compassion: The more we practice compassion, the more we align ourselves with our Buddha Nature. This means being kind not only to others but also to ourselves. When we stop being hard on ourselves, we begin to see the goodness in ourselves and everyone else. This will also allow us to better empathise and benefit others.
   

• Letting Go of Attachments: One of the obstacles to accessing Buddha Nature is our attachments—whether to material things, relationships, or even our opinions. Letting go doesn’t mean you have to give everything up; instead, it is about loosening your grip on things that cause you suffering. Having gratitude and being contented for the things we have and the people who surround us brings us one step closer towards our Buddha Nature.
  
  

• Connecting with the Teachings: Studying the Dharma can help you understand the path to enlightenment more clearly. Listening to Dharma teachings allows us to face ourselves more intimately, and to better understand our conditions in life. By knowing ourselves better, we can then grow and evolve towards enlightenment, applying Dharma in our daily life.
  
  

Practising Buddha Nature in Daily Life

Buddha Nature might seem daunting at first, but the great thing about it is that you can practice it anytime, anywhere! It starts with recognising that our actions, or karma, significantly shape our lives. In Buddhism, the Law of Cause and Effect teaches us that everything we do has consequences, but not all actions carry the same weight. For example, you’re donating to a charity. While at it, you’re thinking, “I’m so generous!” or “I hope this brings me good karma.” Such thoughts can cloud your intentions. To truly practice Buddha Nature, we should focus on selfless actions, letting go of our ego and expectations. Are you acting out of kindness or self-interest? Are you speaking with compassion or just frustration? Pure causes lead to pure effects, and that is what we should aim for.

Also, believing in your potential is crucial. You may sometimes think, “I’m not smart enough” or “I don’t have time for this,” but those thoughts can hold you back. Everyone has Buddha Nature and the ability to reach enlightenment. Trust in yourself and stay dedicated to the journey. If things don’t go as planned today, you can try again tomorrow. With determination and a positive attitude, practising your Buddha Nature can become a meaningful part of your daily life.

So, can anyone be a Buddha?  

Yes! Anyone can be a Buddha. While it may seem like a hard-to-reach goal, the path begins with baby steps. Each time you choose compassion over anger, mindfulness over distraction, or generosity over selfishness, you are cultivating your Buddha Nature and moving closer to enlightenment.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. As we walk the path, we will make mistakes, get frustrated, and feel lost sometimes. Just remember that we all have this seed of enlightenment within us, which gives us the strength to keep going. And each step we take brings us closer to realising our full potential.

By developing strong faith in our Buddha Nature, we will be able to elevate ourselves and see things from another perspective. This can include seeing that things will be able to change in ourselves, that we can evolve to become better beings that can benefit others. It is also the faith in that our conditions can change around us, that when things are in a bad state, they will also have the capacity for change.

Ready to Explore Your Buddha Nature?

Everyone can look up to the Buddha as a role model, but seeking enlightenment requires more than passively following his teachings. It’s important to take that first step and actively incorporate Buddhist practices into your daily life. Believe in yourself and the power of small steps because every action can make a difference on this journey. The more you practice, the more positive change you bring to your life and the lives of those around you.

At Thekchen Choling Temple, we offer a variety of activities and teachings that can help you connect with your inner Buddha and deepen your practice. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or have been practising for years, there’s always more to learn and explore. 

You can learn more about our activities by visiting our website or following us on our Telegram channel. Let’s walk the path to enlightenment together.