Toh 351The Sūtra of Prince Arthasiddhi
Pāli / Sanskrit:Jinaputrārthasiddhisūtra
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An Exposition of the Sūtra of Prince Arthasiddhi
Background
The Sūtra of Prince Arthasiddhi (Jinaputrārthasiddhisūtra) is a scripture belonging to the Kangyur of the Northern Tibetan Mahāyāna tradition, recorded within the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism. This sūtra centers on the story of a prince who, emerging from compassion and wisdom, reaches toward awakening.
The historical background of this sūtra lies in the flourishing development of the Mahāyāna Dharma, when scriptures began to emphasize the bodhisattva path, a path that opens the opportunity for awakening to all beings, not only to renunciants. The name “Arthasiddhi” means “accomplishment of the aim” or “accomplishment of benefit,” reflecting the Mahāyāna view that practice is not only for one’s own benefit, but for bringing benefit to immeasurable beings.
This sūtra was translated and recorded in the Northern Transmission, showing its special value for the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, where compassionate action and wisdom are regarded as the foundation of the bodhisattva path.
Main Contents
The sūtra relates the story of Prince Arthasiddhi, a son of the royal family who clearly recognizes the impermanent, painful, and selfless nature of the realm of suffering in which he lives. Unlike other princes who become absorbed in the pleasures of the palace, this prince gives rise to the aspiration to study and practice the Buddha’s teaching with a noble purpose: not only to awaken himself, but to gain the capacity to liberate all beings.
The sūtra describes the prince’s journey as he abandons every opportunity for power, status, and wealth in order to practice the bodhisattva path. Through this, the sūtra emphasizes the basic elements of the Mahāyāna path: great compassion (mahākaruṇā), transcendent wisdom (prajñāpāramitā), and limitless resolve for unsurpassed perfect awakening (anuttar-samyaksaṃbodhi).
The sūtra not only highlights the prince’s determination, but also affirms that, whether born into a royal family or among common people, anyone has the capacity to attain the wisdom of a Buddha and become a bodhisattva if they possess the right aspiration and act in accordance with the Dharma.
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