Tathāgata is a term used by Gautama Buddha to refer to himself, carrying dual meanings that reflect both movement and transcendence. It can be interpreted as ‘one who has thus gone’ or ‘one who has thus come.’ This ambiguity arises from the placement of the long ‘ā’ between Tathā (‘thus’) and gata (‘gone’) or āgata (‘come’), leading to varied interpretations throughout Buddhist history.
The Buddha frequently used language to convey deeper truths beyond conventional expression. These interpretations align with his teachings, illustrating the path of enlightenment, where ‘gone’ and ‘come’ represent two aspects of the same transcendent reality. They encapsulate both the Buddha’s personal awakening and his compassionate role in guiding others towards liberation. Thus, Tathāgata is not merely a title but a profound expression of the Buddha’s journey — his departure from delusion and his arrival at truth — serving as an inspiration for practitioners seeking ultimate awakening.

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