1) Bodhisattvas postpone their attainment of Buddhahood until all beings are
liberated. However, it is said that no beings are liberated. Please explain
what is meant by " no beings are liberated."
This is a famous Mahayana statement of non-self and emptiness, that is the highest
reality. The ultimate aim of teaching Buddhism or learning Dharma, is to clarify and
understand non-self. When one is enlightened, one realizes there is no self.
2) We believe that human beings will not regress into animal realm.
However, it is mentioned in the Sacca Samyutta that human beings can
regress as animals. Will you please give me your view.
According to Buddhism, rebirth goes both ways, up or down. There are some
"Buddhists" who wrongly think that once we are humans, we will never fall into the
animal world or lower. (This teaching is not found anywhere in the Buddha's
teachings). As such, they think that no matter what evil they do, they would not fall
lower than a human state. However, if we look around, we can see the brutal
(animal) aspects even in human beings. In fact, the mental states of such people are
sub-human if they are dominated by violence, lust, fear or ignorance..
3. The term " seer" means an immortal. He is mentioned as existing in the
Six Realms of Existence in the Surangama Sutra. Please explain what does
a seer do.
The term "seer" is a translation of the Sanskrit .r.si (or rishi), and Pali isi (as in
Isipatana). It refers to a wise practitioner with some levels of spiritual attainment and
power. Other than their wisdom and power, they are human beings. They are like the
forest monks who shun the crowd and pleasure of lay life. They often give wise
teachings.
