The Related Suttas Collection 22.58

6. Involvement

The Fully Awakened Buddha

At Sāvatthī.

“Bhikkhus, a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha is freed by not grasping, due to disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding form. They’re called a fully awakened Buddha. A bhikkhu freed by wisdom is also freed by not grasping, due to disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding form. They’re called a bhikkhu freed by wisdom.

A Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha is freed by not grasping, due to disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding feeling …

perception …

choices …

consciousness. They’re called a fully awakened Buddha. A bhikkhu freed by wisdom is also freed by not grasping, due to disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding consciousness. They’re called a bhikkhu freed by wisdom.

What, then, is the difference between a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, and a bhikkhu freed by wisdom?”

“Our teachings are rooted in the Buddha. He is our guide and our refuge. Sir, may the Buddha himself please clarify the meaning of this. The bhikkhus will listen and remember it.”

“Well then, bhikkhus, listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

“The Realized One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha gave rise to the unarisen path, gave birth to the unborn path, and explained the unexplained path. He is the knower of the path, the discoverer of the path, the expert on the path. And now the disciples live following the path; they acquire it later.

This is the difference between a Realized One, a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, and a bhikkhu freed by wisdom.”