3.The virtue severing afflictions{4} (Virtue of bringing to an end of all passion and illusion): the Buddha is the great liberator; the Dharma that he spoke can eliminate all afflictions. In term of cultiva-tion, the Buddha had already completed many types of practices. In term of destruction of obstacles, the Buddha has no remaining habitual tendency and af-flictions. In term of the achievement of sainthood, the Buddha has accomplished the stage of Dhar-makaya{5} and perfect enlightenment. The Buddha is the liberator of this universe who has realized both the absolute and phenomenal aspects of all matters, like the boundless space. To the Buddha, every one can eradicate obstructions, afflictions, and suffering. The Buddha is the fearless hero.

Buddha’s virtue of wisdom is prajna; his virtue of compassion is loving kindness, and the virtue of sev-ering afflictions is liberation. The Three virtues are also similar to “Three kinds of moral integrity{6} ”as spoken by Confucius, which are knowledge, benevolence and courage.However, the Confucian knowledge, benevolence and courage in fact cannot compare to the boundless three virtues of Buddhism, which are wisdom, compassion, and severing afflic-tions.

Among these three virtues, the virtue of wisdom belongs to the aspect of rationality; the virtue of compassion belongs to the aspect of sentiments, and the virtue of severing afflictions belongs to the aspect of willpower. The Buddha attained rationality, puri-fied his sentiments, and sublimated his willpower. Having completed the highest virtuous and practice in his life, he therefore became the Buddha.


【Key Words】

 {4}The virtue of severing afflictions：斷德
{5}Dharmakaya：法身
{6}Three kinds of moral integrity：三達德