The Rhinoceros Sutra is an early Buddhist text that teaches the merit of solitary asceticism for gaining enlightenment. This is as opposed to practicing as a householder or in a community of monastics. The goal of this is to become a pratyekabuddha.
Pratyekabuddhas are said to achieve enlightenment without the use of teachers or guides by contemplating, according to some traditions, the principle of dependent origination. A pratyekabuddha is referred to as "a lone buddha," "a buddha on his own," "a private buddha," one who wanders alone through the forest like a rhinoceros. The reference is to an Indian rhinoceros which is a solitary animal.
Pratyekabuddhas are said to achieve enlightenment without the use of teachers or guides by contemplating, according to some traditions, the principle of dependent origination. A pratyekabuddha is referred to as "a lone buddha," "a buddha on his own," "a private buddha," one who wanders alone through the forest like a rhinoceros. The reference is to an Indian rhinoceros which is a solitary animal.
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