Buddha is a Sanskrit word, meaning “wisdom and
enlightenment”. Why was it transliterated as Buddha and not translated into
wisdom and
enlightenment? The meaning of “Buddha” is so profound and extensive that these two words were insufficient to cover the original meaning. Therefore, transliteration was used with further explanations.In essence, Buddha means wisdom. In application or function, it means enlightenment. There are three levels of wisdom. First, “General and All Knowledge Wisdom” is the correct understanding of the noumena, or essence, of the universe. It is the wisdom of knowing the general aspect of all existences, the wisdom of Theravada sages. Second, “Differentiation Wisdom” is the wisdom that can correctly comprehend all the infinite phenomena of the universe, the wisdom of knowing the discriminative aspect of all existences, the wisdom of Bodhisattvas. How did these phenomena arise? From where? In what way? What were their results?Third, “Overall and Perfect Knowledge Wisdom” is the exhaustive and perfect perception and comprehension of the truth of life and the universe without the slightest doubt or error, the wisdom of Buddhas. Buddha Shakyamuni, possessing all three of these kinds of wisdom, completely understood the true reality of life and the universe. What is the ultimate goal of the Buddha’s teachings? It is to attain the Perfect,
complete Enlightenment. Transliterated from Sanskrit, it is called Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Out of respect, this phrase was maintained in its original form rather than translated. There are three stages within this enlightenment: “Proper Enlightenment”, "Equal and Proper Enlightenment”, and “Perfect, Complete Enlightenment”.If a person has severed greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubt and afflictions, it will be acknowledged that this person has attained the first level, that of Proper Enlightenment. He or she will be called an Arhat, similar to the initial academic degree in Buddhism. Arhats differ from Buddhas in the way that they use their mind. They use it in the same manner we do. The difference is that we still have afflictions while Arhats do not. The next higher level of enlightenment is that of Equal and Proper Enlightenment, represented by Bodhisattvas. They resemble Buddhas in motivation but have not yet reached the same level of enlightenment. The minds of Bodhisattvas are genuine; they remain forever unchanged and are similar to those of Buddhas. Buddhas use the full and perfect true heart. Buddhas represent the highest level of enlightenment, which is the Perfect Complete Enlightenment. These three levels of enlightenment can be compared to our college educational system. The level or degree of Arhat is similar to earning an undergraduate degree. The level of Bodhisattva is similar to earning a Master’s degree and the level of Buddha is similar to earning a Doctorate’s degree. The word Buddha is not exclusive to Buddha Shakyamuni, but a common title for any being who has attained the perfect complete enlightenment. Thus, Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arhat are only names or titles to represent the levels of enlightenment or a degree we receive in Buddhism. And they are most certainly not deities to be worshiped.Quoted from http://book.bfnn.org/books/0529.htm