samyak-saṃbuddha

(Sanskrit). ‘Completely and perfectly awakened’. A term used to emphasize the superiority of Buddhahood when contrasted with the achievement of the other two classes of enlightened persons, namely Arhats and Pratyekabuddhas. Although all attain essentially the same awakening (bodhi), the status of Buddhahood became regarded, particularly in Mahāyāna Buddhism, as much superior by virtue of the compassionate concern for others manifested in the Buddhas' teaching mission. Apart from the fact of discovering the truth for themselves, Buddhas were said to be superior by virtue of their omniscience (sarvajñātā) and their ten special powers (daśa-bala). See also saṃbodhi.