From the Buddhist point of view, enlightenment comes in two main types: full and partial. The fully enlightened achieve the highest stage of liberation – they become a Buddha or achieve Buddhahood.

On the other hand, partial enlightenment refers to a limited form of liberation known as Nirvana, or individual liberation – freedom from Samsara, which is the cycle of birth and death.

To understand this better, it’s important to have a basic understanding of Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concepts of Samsara and rebirth. It’s worth noting, however, that not all Buddhist traditions, schools, or lineages agree with this division into two types of enlightenment. Northern Buddhist traditions, influenced by the masters of Kashmir and teachers of Nalanda, see things this way, but Southern Buddhist traditions have a slightly different perspective.

In Southern Buddhist traditions, such as Theravada Buddhism, there is a focus on individual liberation as the goal of the path, rather than the attainment of full enlightenment or Buddhahood. This means that the emphasis is on attaining Nirvana, or freedom from the cycle of birth and death, rather than on becoming a Buddha.

While the concept of full enlightenment or Buddhahood is still present in Southern Buddhist traditions, it is seen as a rare and exceptional achievement, reserved for a select few. The emphasis is instead on the attainment of Nirvana as a means of liberating oneself from suffering and the cycle of birth and death.

Therefore, the difference in perspective between Northern and Southern Buddhist traditions lies in the emphasis placed on the attainment of full enlightenment or Buddhahood versus the attainment of individual liberation through Nirvana.

Here I m not suggesting that Southern Buddhist traditions are solely focused on partial liberation. That was not my intention. While it is true that there is a greater emphasis on individual liberation and Nirvana in Southern Buddhist traditions, this does not mean that the attainment of full enlightenment or Buddhahood is completely disregarded or not valued.

In fact, Southern Buddhist traditions also recognize the importance of developing wisdom and compassion as part of the path to liberation, and view these qualities as essential for the attainment of full enlightenment. However, the emphasis on individual liberation through Nirvana is seen as a practical and attainable goal for all practitioners, while the attainment of full enlightenment or Buddhahood is viewed as a rare and exceptional achievement.

Ultimately, the differences between Northern and Southern Buddhist traditions are nuanced and complex, and there is room for debate and interpretation within each tradition.