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Buddha, the Patriarch, Tathagata, and the Tathagata Buddha

In the Lifechanyuan system, Buddha (佛) is the enlightened spirit — a being with no physical form yet possessing consciousness; the Patriarch (佛祖) is the origin of all spirits; Tathagata (如来) is the primordial nature of the universe, the original "suchness" that contains all forms yet belongs to none; and the Tathagata Buddha (如来佛祖) is the ultimate source of everything — the Greatest Creator. Shakyamuni was a Buddha and a Tathagata, but not the Patriarch or the Tathagata Buddha. Seeing Tathagata (seeing one's original nature), attaining non-action, and having a mind that rests nowhere are the three hallmarks of Buddhahood.

Versions

Version Best for Focus
Friendly version First-time readers Plain language on the four concepts and the path to Buddhahood
Academic version Researchers Four-concept hierarchy, Shakyamuni's position, Tathagata philosophy, comparison with traditional Buddhism
Internal reference Deep study Complete source texts, three marks of Buddhahood, Buddha-nature as suchness

Buddha-Dharma · Becoming a Buddha · Original Nature — Buddha Nature — Tathagata Nature · Illuminate the Mind, See Nature · No-Self, No-Form · Non-abiding Mind · The Greatest Creator · Awakening · Becoming Celestial and Buddha