Khanti and the Attainment of Enlightenment in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

Abstract

          This research employs a qualitative research approach, drawing data from the Tipitaka edition of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya, Mahayana scriptures, and related academic works, to study the meaning, characteristics, types, value, role, and relationship of khanti with the attainment of Dhamma in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. The research findings indicate that khanti and ksanti are special forms of noble patience, not ordinary ones (with khanti having a deeper meaning than ksanti). They belong to those with right view and precepts according to the Buddha's discipline. In Theravada, khanti is divided into Adhivasana-khanti (protecting precepts) and Titikkha-khanti (eliminating defilements). Adhivasana-khanti, when passing through the four ultimate aspects of Dhamma, can develop into titikkha-khanti. Noble khanti is part of the Path (Patisambhida-magga) and connects perfections (parami) with the Path. The effects of Adhivasana-khanti extend to heaven and Brahma realms, while the effects of Titikkha-khanti lead to attaining noble fruits. Adhivasana-khanti helps maintain strict discipline, promoting higher morality, concentration, and wisdom for realizing Dhamma. The khanti of Bodhisattvas in Theravada and Mahayana is Adhivasana-khanti. The choice to become a noble disciple, Paccekabuddha, or Sammasambuddha is a freedom based on views, intentions, aspirations, determinations, and formations. Noble khanti in strict discipline, such as gata-paccagata-vatta, can lead to attaining Paccekabuddhahood by linking with past merits, or result in attaining Arahantship in heaven, or becoming a quick-witted person realizing Dhamma in the Buddha's presence. Strong khanti becomes khanti-parami. Khanti and viriya (energy) are essential tools for cultivating the perfections of Bodhisattvas in both schools. In Mahayana, khanti has three levels: Ghosanugaksanti, Anulomikiksanti, and Anutpattikadharmaksanti, which align with pariyatti (study), patipatti (practice), and pativedha (penetration) in Theravada. It enables Bodhisattvas to enter and advance in Bodhisattva stages. Noble khanti is a universal virtue that leads to ultimate Dhamma realization when applied. Though goals differ (bodhi-knowledge vs. vipassana-knowledge), khanti serves as a common base for overcoming obstacles. Noble khanti transforms suffering into wisdom, providing a foundation for maintaining mindfulness when tested. It teaches acceptance of truth, without fleeing from truth even when facing suffering, leading to perceiving true Dhamma. It aids understanding suffering, not just enduring it, but opening the mind through wise attention, seeing suffering as worldly normality, and fostering mental growth. Noble khanti is unique to no other religion, as it aims for realizing Dhamma or enlightenment, and is an excellent tool for integrating all things, yielding supreme results.