Yes. Once the Tathāgata status is attained, there is no association with the world of 31 realms, except for the “vipaka kaya” or the physical body that arose due to a past kamma.
- However, since the mind is attached to the physical body, it cannot “extinguish” (i.e., separate from the world of 31 realms) until the physical body dies.
- We are so fortunate that that aspect is there!
P.S. Another critical point is the following.
- Any existence in the 31 realms is a “sankhata” (“prepared”), meaning it arises due to raga, dosa, and moha. Once raga, dosa, and moha are entirely removed from a mind, it cannot “latch on” anywhere in the 31 realms. Thus, the mind separates from the “suffering-filled world of 31 realms.”
- Another way to say the same: Paticca Samuppada stops running!
- These are the things to be contemplated.
