What is the status of laity in Buddhism? Can a lay-Buddhist attain Nirvana? This question has been a matter of discussion among scholars for long. In this study, the author, after examining all the original sources, shows that lay-life IS no impediment in realizing Nirvana. He asserts that the Buddha preached the same Dhamma to all, and all His disciples – monks, nuns, laity – had also an equal opportunity to enter, walk and attain the blessed state of Nirvana the highest spiritual goal in Buddhism. That many laity had actually done so in the past is more than evident from numerous references in the Pali scriptures.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR D C Ahir
D.C. Ahir (born 1928, Punjab) is a reputed scholar of Buddhist studies, and has made notable contribution to the history of Buddhism during the last 42 years. He retired as Director to the Government of India in February 1986, and since then is fully engaged in enriching literature. He already has more than forty published works to his credit, besides numerous articles on Buddhism. In appreciation of his noble and notable contribution to the Buddhist Literature as a Distinguished Scholarand Author, the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Sarnath conferred on him on 30 November 2001 the Honorary Title of Buddha Sahitya Shiromani.
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