pacceka

Updated: May 24, 2025

It is a characteristic doctrine of Mahayanism that men can try and should try to become Bodhisattvas. In the Pali Canon we hear of Arhats, Pacceka Buddhas, and perfect Buddhas.

Sir Charles Eliot - Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 2

For all three the ultimate goal is the same, namely Nirvana, but a Pacceka Buddha is greater than an Arhat, because he has greater intellectual powers though he is not omniscient, and a perfect Buddha is greater still, partly because he is omniscient and partly because he saves others.

Sir Charles Eliot - Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 2

Both classes attain by their own exertions to a knowledge of the four truths but the Pacceka Buddhas are not, like the supreme Buddhas, teachers of mankind and omniscient . Their knowledge is confined to what is necessary for their own salvation and perfection.

Sir Charles Eliot - Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 1