# 91 - Was the Buddha Always a Buddha? (The Lotus Sutra's Chapter 16)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/learn-buddhism-with-alan-peto-1507098/91-was-the-buddha-always-a-buddha-the-lotus-sutra-s-chapter-16
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/learn-buddhism-with-alan-peto-1507098/91-was-the-buddha-always-a-buddha-the-lotus-sutra-s-chapter-16.md
Podcast: [Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto](https://stenobird.com/podcast/learn-buddhism-with-alan-peto-1507098)
Published: 2026-05-29T16:13:46+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alanpeto/episodes/91---Was-the-Buddha-Always-a-Buddha--The-Lotus-Sutras-Chapter-16-e3k2paq
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO6065881875.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1777

## Resource

In this episode, we explore one of the most surprising teachings in the Lotus Sūtra : the idea that the Buddha didn’t become a Buddha under the Bodhi tree, but awakened countless ages ago. His birth, enlightenment, and even his passing are presented as skillful means and are compassionate appearances meant to guide us, not limits on who he is. This teaching reminds us that awakening / enlightenment isn’t distant or rare. It’s timeless, ever‑present, and something we can uncover in ourselves right now. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

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