Vimalakirti Sutra is one of those Buddhist texts that have laid down the role of the lay followers. This is a part of Mahayana Buddhism as opposed to Theravada Buddhism as the latter lays stress only on the Sangha. It is only capable of attaining nirvana. In the Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, states that both the lay followers and monks have the power to attain enlightenment. Thus Vimalakirti Sutra identifies the most basic essence of this school of Buddhism. The main concept of this sutra is the enlighten householder.
