All Sentient Beings

Excerpt from the Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(All sentient beings have Buddha-nature.)

This is one of the most fundamental and important statements of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra.

all beings, regardless of whether they are humans or animals, ordinary people or saints, all have, all possess Buddha-nature, the nature of enlightenment, the ability to become a Buddha inherent in every sentient being.

This sentence affirms that no one is incapable of becoming a Buddha. Even though sentient beings are still drifting in samsara, covered by ignorance, deep inside they still have the seed of enlightenment - called Buddha-nature.

Meaning:

The Mahaparinirvana Sutra emphasizes . No one is excluded from the path to enlightenment.

All suffering is temporary, and can be overcome through practice and the unfolding of Buddha-nature. Buddha-nature is eternal, unborn and undying - just like Nirvana itself.