Even Śākyamuni Wasn't Irreversible at First Aspiration

You might assume: if the Avataṃsaka Sūtra says initial aspiration equals awakening, doesn't everyone who generates bodhicitta immediately become irreversible?

Nāgārjuna's Daśabhūmika-vibhāṣā provides a precise correction: no. Initial aspiration does not automatically mean entering the "determined group." Some enter immediately; others need gradual cultivation.

His example? Śākyamuni Buddha himself. At the time of his initial aspiration, the Buddha did not enter the irreversible stage. It took aeons of gradual practice and the encounter with Dīpaṅkara Buddha.

This matters enormously. "Determined in principle" and "guaranteed in practice" are two different things.

In principle, initial aspiration and buddhahood are non-dual. In practice, initial aspiration is a precious yet fragile starting point requiring sustained cultivation.

If even the Buddha wasn't irreversible at first aspiration, what makes you think you would be?

But equally: if the Buddha ultimately walked from that fragile starting point to complete awakening — what reason do you have not to begin?