The Early Buddhas of the Digha Nikaya and the Buddhavamsa

Stewart Redi

List of Features     Other Common Traits      The Buddhas      Links to Comparative Charts     Patterns of the Buddhavamsa     Time Lines

Tahankara     Medhankara      Sarankara      Dipankara      Kondanna     Mangala     Sumana      Revata      Sobhita      Anomadassin

   Paduma     Narada      Padumuttra     Sumedha      Sujata       Piyadassin     Atthadassin      Dhammadassin      Siddhattha     Tissa

                  Phussa     Vipassin     Sikhin     Vessabhu     Kakusandha     Konagamana     Kassapa     Gotama     Maitreya

Introduction

The oldest documentation of the Buddhas of Theravada Buddhism are given in the Digha Nikaya and the Buddhavamsa. The Buddhavamsa is a part of the Khuddaka Nikaya and both the Khuddaka Nikaya and the Digha Nikaya are parts of the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon, viz. they are included in one of the three “baskets.” In the Buddhavamsa, each of the Buddhas preceding Gautama Buddha are listed with certain qualities, events, and characteristics. Every item or feature is not always given for each Buddha, but most are given in order. The Buddhavamsa itself gives the following features of each: name, brief statement of who he is, number of penetrations, number of assemblies, who the Bodhisattva was and the act of merit he performed, name of his city, father and mother, length of household life, names of three palaces, number of beautiful women, names of wife and son, vehicle or mean of leaving home, time spent striving, turning of the dharma wheel, names of chief disciples, his attendant, chief women disciples, name of the tree he sat under, chief attendants, height, luster, life-span, and final place before nibbana.

Each Buddha is listed with these descriptions, usually in the order I have given above. In a few there may be one or two of these missing, however, this is usually carefully followed.

Below you will find these descriptions, sometimes with a picture of an icon of the Buddha being described. This is essentially a condensed version in a more flowing prose from the Buddhavamsa and the Digha Nikaya. In some cases, additional information is added from the Mahavastu or a commentary on the Buddhavamsa. The first three Buddhas do not have much information at all and are not covered too much extent anywhere. In some cases, there are parenthetical notes as to which work the information comes from. References to which work the information comes from will be given in parenthesis as: Buddhavamsa (B), Digha Nikaya (DN), Mahavastu (M), Commentary on the Buddhavamsa (Com on B). There are conflicts in the information at time between sources, and in this case I give both sources and the information from each one. Below the condensed description there links to charts for even quicker reference that includes twenty-five features or descriptions of each Buddha.

List of Features

1. His name
2. What he did or basic qualities
   Sometimes there is very little information given, sometimes the information is repetitive (without equal, matchless…). In this encyclopedia, I list the unique qualities or features only.
3. Number of penetrations with numbers of those who attained
4. Number of assemblies
5. The Bodhisattva at the time
6. The act of merit performed by the Buddha-to-be
7. Name of his city
8. Father and mother
9. Length of household years
10. 3 Palaces
11. Number of beautiful women
12. Wife/son
13. Vehicle he departs in after seeing the four signs
14. The duration of his striving to attain enlightenment
15. Where he turned the dharma wheel
16. Chief disciples
17. Attendant
18. Chief women disciples
19. Tree of awakening
20. Chief attendants, men and women (2 men, then 2 women)
21. Height
22. Luster
23. Life-Span
24. Place where he reached nirvana (waned)
25. The height of the thupa or distribution of relics

Other Common Traits of the Buddhas or in the Accounts of the Buddhas:

Throughout the Buddhavamsa other set phrases occur for each of the accounts of the Buddhas. They are nearly exact in their formula. These include the statements by the Buddhas to the Bodhisattvas:

“Innumerable (different numbers given) eons from now this one will be a Buddha.”

“In the distant future we will be face to face with this one.”

The response of the Bodhisattva is nearly the same in each account, with slight variations in the choice of verbs and phrases, yet all communicating essentially the same idea:

“When I heard his words, all the more (gladdened/resolute) did I incline my mind. I resolutely determined on the strenuous practice for the fulfilling of the ten perfections.”

After striving for a certain number of days or months, Brahma asks this Buddha to turn the Dharma wheel. Each account has nearly the same wording:

“On being requested by Brahma, he turned the Dharma wheel.”

A basic pattern for the Buddhavamsa is included at the end of the charts.

The Buddhas

I. Tahankara

a drawing from Upali Thein, Bagan, Myanmar

Tahankara is mentioned only in passing in chapter XXVII of the Buddhavamsa as one of the Conquerors (Buddhas) of the same eon as Medhankara, Sarankara, and Dipankara.     Back to Top

II. Medhankara

Medhankara is mentioned in passing in chapter XXVII of the Buddhavamsa as one of the Conquerors (Buddhas) of the same eon as Tahankara, Sarankara, and Dipankara.     Back to Top

III. Saranakara

Saranakara is mentioned in passing in chapter XXVII of the Buddhavamsa as one of the Conquerors (Buddhas) of the same eon as Tahankara, Medhankara, and Dipankara.     Back to Top

IV. Dipankara

Dipankara was a teacher who established others in seeking refuge, the five moral habits, the tenfold morality (right conduct), seeking to be a recluse, eight glorious attainments, three knowledges, and six super-knowledges. His influence was widespread. He had a strong jaw and was broad of shoulder, and caused many to cross over. He penetrated 3 times. The first penetration of this Buddha awakened 1 billion (100 crores- a crore equals 10 million), at the second 900 million. After teaching the Dharma in a deva- abode he awakened 900 more million. Dipankara had three assemblies: the first was 1 billion. The second was while on Mount Narada when 1 billion came to him. The third was when on Sudassana mountain where he gathered 900 million. At that time Sumedha was first a Brahman and then a matted-hair ascetic who could move through air and was expert in the five super-knowledges. He determined to save others while lying in the mire before Dipankara. His city was Rammavati. His father was a warrior named Sumedha; Sumedha was also the name of his mother. He lived as a householder for 10,000 years and had 3 palaces: Hamsa, Konca, and Mayura. In the palaces there were 300,000 beautiful women. His wife was Paduma who bore him a son named Usabhakkhandha. He saw the four signs and renounced his life riding on an elephant, striving for ten months to attain enlightenment. Brahma asked him to turn the wheel in the Nanda park at Sirighara. He defeated many sectarian teachers in debate and had Sumangala and Tissa as his chief disciples. Sagata was his attendant. Nanda and Sunanda were his chief women disciples. He reached awakening under the Pipal or Bodhi tree. His head attendants were Tapusssa and Bhallika, and he also had Sirima and Sona as chief women attendants. He was 120 feet in height, shone like a tree with lights in it, and lived 100,000 years. He reached Nibbana in Nanda-park. He was given a thupa that was 360 kilometers (36 yojanas) high.     Back to Top

V. Kondanna

The qualities listed for Kondanna are infinite incandescence, immeasurable, difficult to attack, patient, moral, strong concentration, knowledgeable, and concerned for the welfare of all breathing beings. The first penetration he accomplished was with 1 trillion, the second was during teaching men and deities with 900 billion, and the third was also while teaching with 800 billion. He had three assemblies of 1 trillion crores, 10 billion, and 900 million. The Bodhisattva at the time was a warrior nobleman named Vijitavin who ruled from one end of the sea to the other. He gave food to 1 trillion seers and to the Buddha, who then declared he would be a Buddha in innumerable eons. His mother will be Maya, father Suddhodana, and his name will be Gotama. The chief disciples of Gotama will be Kolita and Upatissa, Ananda his attendant, Khema and Uppalavanna will be the chief women disciples, Citta and Hatthalavaka chief attendants, Nanda-mata and Uttara the chief women attendants. The famed Gotama will live 100 years. When everyone heard this proclamation they rejoiced and clapped. Vijitavin gave his kingdom to Kondanna. The city of Kondanna was Rammavati. His father was the warrior nobleman Sunanda, his mother Sujata. Kondanna lived 10,000 years. His three palaces were Suci, Suruci, and Subha with 300,000 women within. His wife was Rucidevi and son Vijitasena. After seeing the four signs he left in a chariot to strive for ten months. He turned the wheel in the city of the devas. His chief disciples were Bhadda and Subhadda. He waned in Canda Park and the memorial built to him was 70 kilometers high.     Back to Top

VI. Mangala

The luster of Mangala was more excellent than that of any other Conqueror, dimming the sun and moon, shining over the ten thousand world system. At the teaching of the dharma, there was a first penetration by 1 trillion. When he explained the Dharma in the deva-abode there was a second of 10 billion. When Sundanda, the universal monarch approached, he hit the drum of Dharma and the multitude that followed Sundanda was 900 million. He had three assemblies of 1 trillion, 10 billion, and 900 million. The bodhisattva at the time was Suruci who honored the order with perfume and garlands. He then determined to fulfill the ten perfections and gave his property and wealth to Buddha. The city of Mangala was Uttara. His father and mother were both named Uttara. He lived a household life of 9,000 years. He had three palaces named Yasava, Sucima, and Sirima having 30,000 beautiful women. His wife was Yasavati and his son was Sivala. After seeing the four signs he departed on horseback, striving for eight months. He turned the wheel in Siriva. Sudeva and Dhammasevan were the chief disciples, Palita his attendant. Sivala and Asoka were the chief women disciples. His tree of awakening is the Naga. Nanca and Visakha were chief attendants with Anula ad Sutana the chief women attendants. He was 88 ratanas tall and lived 90,000 years. He waned in the park named Vessara and had a thupa 300 kilometers tall.     Back to Top

VII. Sumana

Sumana lived in Mekhala where he constructed much in the dharma, like a glorious city. By his earnest applications of mindfulness he carried across a trillion people in his first awakening. His second awakening through exhorting sectarians he caused 100 billion to penetrate, and by teaching on cessation there was a third penetration by 900 billion. The great seer Sumana had three assemblies: the first of 1 trillion, the second met on the golden mountain with 900 billion, and when Sakka, king of devas came to see the Buddha, there were 800 billion in the assembly. At the time Atula was a great Naga king and he performed for the Buddha and his company with instrumental music. He also gave one trillion robes to his order as well as food and drink. So the Buddha Sumana declared of him that he would become a Buddha in innumerable eons from then and they would be face to face with each. These words strengthened Atula to incline his mind even more diligently to attain the ten perfections.

Mekhala was his city, Sudatta the name of the warrior-noble, his father and Sirima the name of his mother. He lived for 9,000 years with three superb palaces of Canda, Sucanda, and Vatamsa. He had 83,000 beautiful women. His wife was Vatmsika and his son was Anupama. After seeing the four signs, he left mounted on an elephant to strive for ten months. When requested by Brahma, he turned the wheel in the city of Mekhala. Sarana and Bhavitatta were his chief disciples; Udena the name of his attendant; Sona and Upasona his chief women disciples. He awakened at the root of a Naga tree. Varuna and Sarana were his chief lay attendants, Cala and Upcala his chief women attendants. His stature was 135 feet and he shone like a golden column. He lived 90,000 years. The Buddha Sumana waned out in the Angarama park and a thupa 40 kilometers tall was built.     Back to Top

VIII. Revata

Revata expounded the Dharma after Sumana as requested by Brahma. While teaching there were three penetrations. The first of these cannot be figured by computation. The second was while instructing king Arindama with a penetration by 10 billion. The third was after seven days of solitary meditation and instructing 1 trillion men and deities in the supreme fruit. There were three assemblies, the first beyond computation. The second penetration was 1 trillion, and the third of 1 trillion—all arahants, who all approached to inquire about his illness at the time. The Bodhisattva at the time was named Atideva who gave his cloak to the Buddha, who then declared Atideva would become a Buddha after strivings and austerities. The city of Revata was named Sudhannavati, his parents were the warrior-noble Vipula and Vipula his mother. He lived 6,000 years with three palaces—Sudassana, Ratanagghi, and Avela. He had 33,000 beautiful women, a wife named Sudassana and a son named Varuna. Aftger seeing the four signs, he left in a chariot and strove for seven months. He turned the dharma wheel when asked by Brahma in Varuna Park in Sirighana. His chief disciples wereVaruan and Brahmadeva, his attendant Sambhava. Bhadda and Suchadda were his chief women disciples, and he awakened at the foot of a Naga tree. Paduma and Kunjara were his chief attendants, Sirima and Yasavati his chief women attendants. His height was 120 feet and he illumined everywhere like a rainbow with the luster from him being like a garland for 10 kilometers all round both day and night. He lived 60,000 years and his golden body waned out after displaying the power of a Buddha. His relics were dispersed to many places.     Back to Top

IX. Sobhita

Sobhita was in his own home when he turned his mind from this world and attained full awakening. While in assembly at the edge of the universe he turned the dharma wheel and penetrated with uncountable numbers. Next, he was teaching men and deities and 900 billion penetrated. A warrior noble, Prince Jayasena had planted a park and dedicated it to Buddha. Lauding this offering, and while teaching the Dharma a third penetration of 10 billion occurred. He had three assemblies. When king Uggata gave a gift to the supreme among men, 1 trillion arahants gathered. A host of townspeople gave a gift and 900 billion gathered. When the Buddha descended from the deva world another gathering of 80 billion met. The Boddhisattva at that time was a Brahman name Sujata. He gave food and drink to the Buddha and his disciples and was proclaimed to be a future Buddha.

His city was named Sudhamma. His father, the warrior noble, was Sudhamma and his mother Subhamma. He lived the household life for 9,000 years. His three palaces were Kumuda, Nalina, and Paduma and there were 37,000 beautiful women. His wife was Samangi and his son was named Siha. After seeing the four signs, he left in a flying palace and strived for seven days. He turned the dharma wheel in Subhamma. His chief disciples were Asama and Sunetta. His attendant was Anoma. His chief women disciples were Nakula and Sujata. His awakening was at the root of a Naga tree. His chief men attendants were Ramma and Sudatta; his chief women attendants were Nakula and Citta. Sobhita was 87 feet tall and he illumined like a hundred rays on high. He lived for 90,000 years and burned out at Siha park. His relics were taken to many places.     Back to Top

X. Anomadassin

Using the basic scenery of nature Anomadassin is described as an imperturbable ocean, a mountain that is hard to attack, unending sky, and a tree in full bloom. Just hearing his voice would bring people to deathlessness. He brought about three penetration: the first of billions, the second 780 million, and the third 780 million. He also had three assemblies. The first when 800,000 rid themselves of pride and confusion. The second when was of 700,000, and the third of 600,000 who attained super-knowledge. The Bodhisattva at the time was chief yakkha over many yakkhas who gave food and drink to the Buddha. He was then declared to be a future Buddha and determined further practice in the ten perfections. Candavati was the name of the city. Yasava was the warrior noble who was his father and his mother was Yadodhara. He lived for 10,000 years as a householder with three palaces: Siri, Upasiri, and Vaddha. There were 23,000 beautifully adorned women. His wife was Sirima and his son Upavana. After the four signs were seen he departed in a palanquin, striving for ten months. He turned the dharma wheel when asked by Brahma in Sudassana. His chief disciples were Nisabha and Anoma and his attendant was Varuna. Sundari and Sumana were the chief women disciples. He awakened under the Ajjuna tree. Nandivaddha and Sirivaddha were the chief attendants with Uppala and Paduma as the chief women attendants. He was 87 feet tall with a luster like the 100 rays, living for 100,000 years, waning out in Dhamma park. Then was a thupa of 250 kilometers was there.     Back to Top

XI. Paduma

Paduma had three penetrations while turning the dharma wheel. The first awakened one billion, the second 900 billion, and the third 800 billion. His first assembly was one trillion. Some monks sewed a robe for him and those 300,000 assembled together. When Paduma entered residing in a forest, there were 200,000 gathered. The Bodhisattva at the time was a lion, lord of creatures. He reverenced his feet with his head, circumambulated him, roared three times, and waited on him for three weeks. Then he was declared to be a future Buddha. The city was Campaka. The name of his parents were Asama and Asama. He lived 10,000 years with three palaces Nanda, Vasu, and Yasuttara. They had 33,000 beautifully adorned women. His wife was Uttara, and his son was Ramma. After seeing the four signs he left in a chariot. His chief disciples were Sala and Upasaala. His attendant was Varuna. The chief women disciples were Radha and Suradha and he awoke under a great Sona. Bhiyya and Asama were the chief attendants; Ruci and Nandarama. He was 87 feet tall with a luster equal to all for quarters—all was dimmed by his luster. He lived 100,000 years. He and his disciples waned out as a padapa tree in Dhamma park. His relics were dispersed.     Back to Top

XII. Narada

The eldest son of a great king, Narada sat down under a great sona tree and there found the fourteen knowledges of a Buddha. He turned the wheel of dharma and one trillion penetrated the first time. After taming the naga king Mahadona, performing the marvel of a double (Ceylon commentary on Buddhavamsa, 186), he expounded the Dharma and 900 billion crossed over. While exhorting his son, there was a third penetration by 800 billion. He had three assemblies, the first of one trillion, the second while expounding the Buddha qualities was of 900 billion, and the third when the naga Verocana gave a gift to the teacher and his retinue was of 800 million (8 trillion?).

The Bodhisattva was a matted-hair ascetic, a levitator, who had mastered the five super-knowings. He gave food and drink from Uttarakuru (Ceylon commentary on B, 187) to the Buddha and his order as well as a gift of sandalwood. He was then declared to be a future Buddha. His city was Dhannavati. His father was Sudeva and his mother was Anoma. He lived the life of a householder for 9,000 years with three palaces: Jita, Vijita, and Abhirtama. There were 43,000 beautiful women. His wife was Vijitasena and his son was Nanduttara. After seeing the four signs, he left on foot and engaged in striving for seven days at which time he was requested to turn the Dharma wheel by Brahma, which he did in Dhananja. His chief disciples were Bhaddasala and Jitamitta. His attendant was Vasettha. Uttar anad Phaggguni were the chief women disciples. He was awakened under a sona tree. His attendants were Uggarinda and Vasabha, with the women attendants being Indavari and Candi. He was 132 feet tall and shone like a gold-covered column, shining with rays for a fathom in every direction so that no one had to light a lamp within 13 kilometers of his person. He lived 90,000 years and waned at Sudassana where a thupa was built that was 40 kilometers tall.      Back to Top

XIII. Padumuttra

Imperturbable as the ocean, his first penetration of one trillion happened while teaching the Dharma his first time. His second teaching brought a second penetration of 37 trillion. While approaching his father, Ananda, there was a third penetratin of 50 trillion. He had three assemblies, the first a gathering of one trillion. While on Mount Vebhara there was a second gathering of 900 billion. When on tour, there was a third gathering of 800 billion. The Bodhisattva at that time was a district governor named Jatila. The gift he gave was cloth and food to the order of the Buddha, after which he announced he would be a Buddha. Sectarians were ignored and thrown out of the district. They went to the Buddha for protection. He established all the sectarians in the five moral habits, emptying the time of sectarians. His city was Hamsavati. His parents were Ananda and Sujata. He lived 10,000 years as a householder with three palaces: Naravahana, Yasa, and Vasavatti . There were 43,000 beautiful women and his wife was Vasudatta; his son was Uttara. After seeing the four signs, he departed in a palace where he strived for seven days. He was then requested by Brahma to turn the Dharma wheel in Mithila. His chief disciples were Devala and Sujata. Sumana was his attendant. The chief women disciples were Amita and Asama. He awoke under a Salala tree. Vitinna and Tissa were his chief attendants; Hattha and Vicitta his chief women attendants. He was 87 feet tall like a gold festooned column. There were no obstructions of doors, walls, trees or mountain crags for 156 kilometers around him, and he lived 100,000 years. After blazing like a mass of fire, he waned out with the disciples in Nanda park. A thupa 120 kilometers tall was built for him.     Back to Top

XIV. Sumedha

His qualities listed are: hard to attack, intense incandescence, clear-eyes, full-mouthed, tall of stature, majestic. He turned the dharma wheel in Sudassana. There were three penetrations under him. The first was of one trillion, the second while taking the yakkha Kumbhakana was by 900 billion, and the third was 800 billion. When he went to Sudassana, there was an assembly of one billion. On Devakuta while they were spreading out the robe material for monks there was a second gathering of 900 million. While on tour there was a third gathering of 800 million. The Bodhisattva was a Brahman youth named Uttara who had 800 million riches in his house. He gave all these riches to the Buddha and was declared to be a future Buddha. The city of Sumedha was Sudassana. His father was the warrior noble Sudatta; his mother Sudatta. He lived for 9,000 years as a householder with three palaces: Sucanda, Kancana, and Sirivaddha. There were 48,000 beautiful adorned women. His wife was Sumana and his son Sumitta. He saw the four signs and departed on an elephant, striving for one half a month. He was then requested by Brahma to turne the dharma wheel in Sudassana. His chief disciples were Sarana and Sabbakama. His attendant was Sagara. His chief women disciples were Rama and Surama. He awoke under the Great Nipa tree. His chief attendants were Uruvela and Yasava, the chief women attendants were Yasodhara and Sirima. He was 124 feet tall and illumined all the quarters of the moon reaching 13 kilometers distance of radiance. He waned out in Medha park and his relics were dispersed to various places.     Back to Top

XV. Sujata

Lion-jawed, broad shouldered, immeasurable, stainless and majestic. The first penetration of 800 billion happened while he was teaching. While spending the rains with the devas, the second penetration of 37,000 occurred. When he went into his father’s presence a third penetration happened of six million. He had three assemblies: the first of six million, the second of five million when he was coming down from heaven (tidiva), and the third when his chief disciple, approached him with 400,000. The bodhisattva at the time was a ruler of four continents as well as having the ability to move through the air. He bestowed on Sujata the four continents of his rule as seven treasures. He also presented the order of monks with seats and beds, after which he was declared to be a future Buddha. He learned the Suttaqnta and the Vinyana and the nine-fold dispensation of the Conqueror and illumined the dispensation of Sujata. His city was Sumangala. His father was Uggata and his mother was Pabhavati. He lived the life of a householder for 9,000 years with three palaces—Siri, Upasiri, and Nanda. There were 23,000 beautifully adorned women. His wife was Sirinanda and his son was Upasena. After seeing the four signs, he left on a horse named Hamsavaha and strove for nine months. He was then requested by Brahma to turn the wheel in Sumangala. Sudassan and Deva were his chief disciples. Narada was his attendant. The chief women disciples were Naga and Nagasamala. He awoke under the great velu, a tree that was thick, beautiful, leafy, not hollow, without thorns, large and delightful to look upon, growing to a great height with one trunk, widespread, giving much shade. His chief attendants were Sudatta and Cita; his chief women attendants were Subhadda and Paduma. He stood 75 feet tall with uncompared luster. He lived 90,000 years and waned out in Sila park. He was given a ceyita that was almost six miles high (three gavutas).     Back to Top

XVI. Piyadassin

Self-become, difficult to attack, of great renown, Piyadassin shone like the sun and annihilated all the gloom with an incandescence that could not be measured. The first penetration was by a trillion. To dispel the false view of Sudassana, a deva king, he taught the dharma. There was a second penetration of 900 billion. When he had tamed the elephant Dona-mukha there was a third penetration of 800 billion. Piyadassin had three assemblies of 1 trillion, the second of 900 million, and the third of 800 million. At that time there was a Brahmin youth named Kassapa who was an expert in mantras and the three Vedas. He constructed a park for the monks and undertook the refuges and the five moral habits. He was then declared to be a future Buddha and determined even more resolutely to practice to fulfill the ten perfections. The city of Piyadassin was Sudhanna. His father was Sudatta and his mother was Sucanda. He lived the household life for 9,000 years. He had three superb palaces: Sunimmala, Vimala, and Giriguyha; there were 33,000 beautifully adorned women. His wife was Vimala and his son was named Kancanavela. After seeing the four signs, he departed in a chariot, striving for six months. He turned the dharma wheel in Usabha. Palita and Sabbadassin were the chief disciples; Sobhita was the attendant. Sujata and Dhammadinna were the chief women disciples. He was awakened under the Kakudha tree. His chief attendants were Sannaka and Shammika; the chief women attendants were Visakha and Shammadinna. He had the 32 marks of a great man, was 120 feet tall and looked like a king of the Sala trees. No luster of fire, moon or sun was equal to him. He remained in the world for 90,000 years and waned out in Assattha park. A thupa 30 kilometers tall was built to him.     Back to Top

XVII. Atthadassin

A bull among men, annihilating great gloom, Atthadassin turned the dharma wheel refreshing the ten-thousands worlds with devas and men. There were three penetrations, the first by 1 trillion. The second was while he was on tour among the devas of another 1 trillion. While teaching in the presence of his father there was a third penetration by 1 trillion. He had three assemblies of 98,00, 88,000, and 78,000. The Bodhisattva at the time was Susina, a matted hair ascetic. He brought deva-like flowers from the Mandarava, the lotus and the coral tree to honor the Buddha. He was then declared to be a future Buddha. Sobhana was the name of the city of Atthadassin. His parents were Sagara and Sudassana. He lived for 10,000 years as a householder with three palaces: Amaragiri, Suragiri, and Girivahana. There were 33,000 beautifully adorned women there. His wife was Visakha and his son was Sela. After seeing the four signs, he departed on the horse Sudassana where he strove for eight months, turning the Dharma wheel in Anoma. Santa and Upasanta were the chief disciples; Abhaya the attendant. Dharma and Sudhaama were the chief women disciples. The tree of his awakening was the Campaka. His chief attendants were Nakula and Nisabha and Makila and Sunanda were the chief women attendants. He stood 120 feet tall and shone like the king of stars. Countless crores of light came from him for 20 kilometers above and below him. He lived 100,000 years, waning out in Anoma park. His relics were dispersed.     Back to Top

XVIII. Dhammadassin

Of great renown, dispelling darkness, Dhammadassin shone with unrivalled incandescence and turned the dharma wheel . The first penetration was by 1 trillion. The second penetration of 900 million happened when he guided the seer Sanjaya. When Sakka and his company approached there was a third of 800 million. There were three assemblies. The first was when Dhammadassin went to Sarana and there was a gathering of 10 billion. The second was of 100 million and the third of 800 million. At that Sakka honored Dhammadassin with scents, garlands, and instrumental music for which he was declared to be a future Buddha. The city of Dhammadassin was Sarana, his father and mother were Sarana and Sunanda. He lived the household life for 8,000 years with three palaces: Araja, Viraja, and Sudassana. There were 43,000 beautiful women. His wife was VIcicolil and his son was Punnavaddhana. After seeing the four signs he left in a flying palace (Sudassana) and strived for seven days and turned the wheel at a deer park (Isipatana?). Paduma and Phussadeva were the chief disciples; Sunetta was the attendant. Khema and Saccanama were the chief women disciples. The tree of his awakening was the Bimbijala. Subhadda and Karissaha were the chief attendants and Saliya and Valiya the chief women attendants. He stood 120’ tall and shone like a king of sala trees, like lightning, like the sun at midday. He lived for 100,000 years and waned in Kessa park (Kelasa). A thupa 30 kilometers high was built.     Back to Top

XIX. Siddhattha

Driving out gloom like the rising sun, Siddhattha had three penetrations of one trillion, 900 million (when he smote the drum in Bhimaratha) and 900 million when he taught dharma at Vebhara. He had three assemblies of one billion, 900 million, and 800 million. The bodhisattva at the time was Mangala who brought fruit from the rose-apple tree. On accepting it, Siddhattha declared him to be a future Buddha. The city of Siddhattha was Vebhara, his father and mother were Udena and Suphassa. He lived 10,000 years in three palaces—Koka, Suppala, and Kokanuda where there were 48,000 beautiful women. His wife was Somanassa and his son Anupama. After seeing the four sings, he departed in a palanquin and strove for 10 months after which he turned the dharma wheel in a deer sanctuary. Sambala and Sumitta were the chief disciples and Revata was his attendant. Sivala and Surama were the chief women disciples. The tree of his awakening was the Kanikara tree. His chief attendants were Suppiya and Samudda; Ramma and Suramma were the chief women attendants. He was 90 feet tall and like gold-festooned column he shone forth, remaining in the world for 100,000 years. He waned out at Anoma park. A glorious thupa of 40 kilometers was built to him.     Back to Top

XX. Tissa

Unrivalled psychic potency, morality and concentration, at his first teaching Tissa had billions penetrate. The second penetration was 900 million; the third 600 million when he released from bondage the men and deities present. He had three assemblies of 100,000, 9 million, and 8 million. At the time, the warrior Sujata abandoned his great possessions and gave the flowers of madavara, lotus, and coral tree to Tissa and held them over the head of Tissa--after which he proclaimed him a future Buddha. The city of Tissa was Khemaka. His parents were Janasandha and Paduma. He lived the household life for 7,000 years in three palaces: Guhasela, Nari, and Nisabha. There were 30,000 beautiful women. His wife was Subhada and his won was Ananda. After seeing the four signs he left on horse (Sonuttara) and strove for eight months, turning the dharma wheel at Yasavati. His chief disciples were Brahmadeva and Udaya. Samanga was his attendant. His chief women disciples were Phussa and Sudatta. He awakened at the Asana tree. Sambala and Siri were the chief attendants; Kisagotami and Upasena were the chief women attendants. He was 90 feet high with unrivalled incandescence and lived 100,000 years. He waned out with the disciples in Nanda park. A thupa 30 kilometers tall was built for him.     Back to Top

XXI. Phussa

Born during the festival of Pusya and called after this constellation. (Mahavastu, vol III, J. J. Jones translator, Pali Text Society, London, 1978, 245, p. 235.) The Mahavastu says he was Buddha during the reign of a king, Hastinapura. Three brothers brought gifts to the king and were granted a request. They asked that Phussa (Puspa) come and stay in their village during the rainy season. So Phussa came and stayed there and passed away in their village. It was these brothers that then built a thupa (tope) in his honor. (Mahavastu, vol III, J. J. Jones translator, Pali Text Society, London, 1978, 432-434, pp. 434-435). Highest leader in the world, untangling the great tangle, Phussa turned the dharma wheel during a festival of asterism, and there was a penetration of one trillion. The second penetration was 900,000 while he was teaching his own son. The third was 800,000. He had three assemblies: the first of six million, the second of five million, and the third of four million. The Bodhisattva at the time was a warrior-noble named Vijitavin. Kasika was the name of Buddha Phussa’s city. His father and mother were Jayasena and Sirima. He lived the household life for 9,000 years with three palaces: Garula, Hamsa, and Suvannabhara. There were 23,000 beautiful women there. His wife was Kisagotami and his sone was Anupama. After seeing the four sings, he departed on an elephant and strove for six months, turning the dharma wheel in a deer sanctuary (Isipatna: Ceylon Commentary). His chief discipls were Surakkhita and Dhammasena. Sabhiya was the attendant. The chief women disciples were Cala and Upcala. The tree of his awakening was the Amanda. Dhananjaya and Visakha were the chief attendants; Paduma and Naga the chief women attendants. Phussa was 87 feet tall and shone like a hundred rays, like the full moon. He lived 90,000 years and waned out with the disciples at Sena park. His relics were dispersed to many places.     Back to Top

XXII. Vipassin

A part of the Khattiya (Kshatriya caste) race, of the Kondanna clan (Digha Nikaya). When he was born, he perceived that the world was in trouble (Mahavastu, vol III, 246). He turned the dharma wheel at Bandhumati when there was a first penetration beyond numbers. While teaching a second penetration came of 84,000. When they arrived at the monastery there was another penetration of 84,000. He had three assemblies, of 6,800,000, of 100,000 monks, and of 80,000 monks. At the time, an naga-king named Atula was a great psychic and went up to Vipassin and gave him a golden seat inlaid with jewels and pearls, greatly embellished. He was then declared to be a future Buddha. Vipassin then named the details of what would happen to Atula, who his family would be and some of his followers. The city of Vipassin was Bandhuma. His father was Bandhuma and his mother Bandhumati. He lived the household life for 8,000 years with three palaces: Nanda, Sunanda, and Sirima. There were 43,000 beautifully adorned women. His wife was Sutana; his son was Samavattakkhandha. After seeing the four signs, he left in a chariot and strove for eight months, turning the dharma wheel in a deer park. Khanda and Tisssa were his chief disciples, Asoka his attendant. Canda and Candamitta were the chief women disciples. He awoke at a Patali tree. The chief attendants were Punabbasumitta and Naga; the chief women attendants were Sirima and Uttara. He was 120 feet tall and had a luster that streamed forth for 91 kilometers. He lived 80,000 years and waned out with the disciples at Sumitta park. A thupa of 70 kilometers was constructed.     Back to Top

XXIII. Sikhin

A part of the Khattiya (Kshatriya caste) race, of the Kondanna clan (Digha Nikaya). Called Sikhi(n), for at birth a lock of his hair gleamed brightly (Mahavastu, vol. III, 246). He smashed Mara’s army and turned the dharma wheel from compassion for living beings. The first penetration was by one trillion. While teaching the dharma, there was a second penetration of 900 billion and while displaying the marvel of the double world there was a third penetration of 800 billion. He had three assemblies of 100,000 monks, of 80,000 monks, and of 70,000 monks. The Bodhisattva at the time was a warrior noble named Arindama. He refreshed the monks and the Buddha with food and drink and gave them glorious robes (10,000,000 robes). He also gave the Buddha a riding elephant. He was then declared by Sikhin to be a future Buddha. The name of the city of Sikhin was Arunavati. Aruna was the name of his warrior-noble father and Pabhavati the name of his mother. He lived for 7,000 years as a householder with three palaces: Sucanda, Giri, and Vahama. There were 23,000 beautifully adorned women. His wife was Sabbakama, and his son Atula. After seeing the four sings, he departed on an elephant and strove for eight months. He turned the dharma wheel in a deer sanctuary. His chief disciples were Abhibhu and Sambhava. Khemankara was the name of his attendant. His chief women disciples were Makhila and Paduma. The tree of his awakening was the Pundarika. His chief attendants were Sirivaddha and Canda; his chief women attendants were CItta and Sugatta . Sikhin was 105 feet tall, had the 32 marks and was like gold-covered column. The halo of his luster shone continuously for 39 kilometers. He lived 70,000 years, he waned out with the disciples. A thupa of 70 kilometers was built for him.     Back to Top

XXIV. Vessabhu

A part of the Khattiya (Kshatriya caste) race, of the Kondanna clan (Digha Nikaya). When he was born, there was a continual downpour (M). Vessabhu arose realizing the world was the domain of passion and cravings, awakening like an elephant breakings its shackles. When he turned the dharma wheel there was a first penetration by 800 billion. When setting out for a tour, there was a second penetration by 700 billion. He worked a miracle of the double, on seeing this miracle, 600 million devas and men awakened. Vessabhu had three assemblies: 80,000, 70,000, and 60,000. The Boddhisattva at the time of Vessabhu was a warrior named Sudassana. He gave a gift of great value to the Conqueror and gave food , drink, and clothing to the monks. He was then declared to be a future Buddha. He resolutely determined to strive further for the ten perfections. Anoma was the name of the city of Vessabhu. Suppatita was his warrior-father and his mothers was Yasavati. He lived for 6,000 years as a householder with three palaces: Ruci, Suruci, and Rativaddhama. There were 30,000 beautiful women in these palaces. His wife was Sucitta and his son was Suppabuddha. He saw the four signs and left in a golden palanquin, afterward striving for six months he was asked by Brahma to turn the dharma wheel in Aruna park. His chief discipls were Sona and Uttara. pasanta was his attendant. Dama and Samala were the chief women disciples. His tree of awakening was the great sala tree. His chief attendants were Sotthika and Ramma; his chief women attendants were Gotami and Sirima. He was 90 feet tall and resembled a golden sacrificial pillar with rays streaming from his body like fire at night on a mountaintop. He lived 60,000 years and waned out with the disciples at Khema park. His relics were dispersed to many places.      Back to Top

XXV. Kakusandha

A Brahmin of the Kassapa clan (Digha Nikaya). Supreme, immeasurable, hard to attack, he awakened like a lion breaking its cage. The first penetration was by 400 billion, the second while he was in mid-air in the sky after working the miracle of the double with 300 billion awakening, and the third was while expounding the four truths to the yakka Naradeva (man-gods)—this one was innumerable. There was one gathering under Kakusandha of 40,000. The Bodhisattva at the time was a warrior named Khema. He gave a great gift to the Buddha and his sons and also gave bowls and cloth, ointment, and wild licorice. The Buddha Kakusandha then declared he would be a Buddha. Khemavati was the name of Kakusandha’s city. His father was a Brahmin named Aggidatta. His mother was Visakha. He lived the household life for 4,000 years with three palaces: Kama, Kamavanna,and Kamasuddhi. There were 30,000 beautiful women. His wife was Virocomana and his son was Uttara. After seeing the four signs, he departed in an chariot, striving for eight months. Being requested by Brahma, he turned the dharma wheel in a deer sanctuary. His chief disciples were Vidhura and Sanjiva. Buddhija was his attendant. Sama and Campa were the chief women disciples. The tree of his awakening was the sirisa. Accuta and Sumana were the chief attendants; Nanda and Sunanda were the chief women attendants. He was 60 feet tall with a luster of gold that streamed forth for 130 kilometers. He lived 40,000 years he waned out at Khema park with a lion’s roar, with the disciples, having the eight characteristics of speech. A glorious thupa one gavuta tall was built for him. (The Burmese gavuta is approximately 5.1 km in length. Its ancient equivalent may have varied from 5 to 12 km.)   Back to Top

XXVI. Konagamana

A Brahmin, of the Kassapa clan (Digha Nikaya). After filling the ten perfections, he passed over the wilderness and turned the dharma wheel. The first penetration was by 300 billion. When he worked the marvel of crushing the theories of others, there was a second penetration of 200 billion. After working the double change, he went to the city of the devas and stayed on the ornamental stone (the pandukambala silasana—Sakka’s seat). He stayed there teaching the seven treatises and there was a third penetration of 100 billion. Konagamana had only one assembly of 30,000 monks. At the time, a warrior name Pabbata went to see the Buddha. He gave a gift to the Buddha and the order as well as silk from Pattuna, silk from China, Kasi silk, woolen cloth, and golden sandals. He was then declared to be a future Buddha and then determined to practice further the development of the ten perfections. The name of the city of Konagamana was Sobhavati. His father was the Brahmin Yannadatta and his mother was Uttara. He lived as a householder for 3,000 years with three palaces: Tusita, Santusita, and Santuttha. There were 16,000 beautiful women there, His wife was Rucigatta and his son was Satthavaha. After seeing the four signs, he departed on an elephant, striving for six months. He was then asked by Brahma to turn the wheel in a deer park. Bhiyyasa and Uttara were the chief disciples. Sotthija was the attendant. The chief women disciples were Samudda and Uttara. The tree of his awakening was the Udumbara. Ugga and Somadeva were the chief attendants; Sivala and Sama were the chief women attendants. Konagamana was 45 feet tall and shone as a circlet in a smelting pot, embellished with rays. He lived 30,000 years and waned out with the disciples in Pabbata park. His relics were dispersed to many regions.     Back to Top

XXVII. Kassapa

A Brahmin of the Kassapa clan (DN). Kassapa cast aside his family fortune and gave much in food to those who asked, both food and drink and turned the dharma wheel. The first penetration was of 200 billion, the second when he was on tour was 100 billion, and the third after doing the miracle of the double was 50 billion. When he expounded the dharma in the Sudhamma Hall he awakened 300 billion. Later while teaching the Dharma to a yakkha Naradeva there were penetrations by incalculable numbers. He had one assembly of 20,000 monks. The Bodhisattva at the time was a Brahmin youth named Jotipala, expert in mantras, master of the three Vedas. The attendant of Kassapa was Ghatikara. Jotipala illumined the time of Kassapa and when Kassapa saw the wonder of his right practice, he declared him to be a future Buddha. He also declared the future of this Buddha’s tree (Ajapala), his mother’s name, his father’s name along with the names of some of his followers. The city of Kassapa was Baranasi. His father was the Brahmin Brahmadatta and his mother was Dhanavati. He lived the household life for 2,000 years. His palaces were Hamsa, Yasa, and Sirinanda where there were 48,000 beautiful women. His wife was Sunanda and his son was Vijitasena. After seeing the four signs he departed in a flying palace striving for seven days. He was asked to turn the dharma wheel by Brahma at a deer sanctuary. His chief disciples were Tissa and Bharadvaja. His attendant was Sabbamitta. Anula and Uruvela where the chief women disciples. The tree of his awakening was the banyan (DN) or nigrodha (B). His chief attendants were Sumangala and Ghatikara; the chief women attendants were Vijitasena and Bhadda. He stood 30 feet high and was like a streak of lightning and like the moon circled by celestial bodies. He lived 20,000 years. The other things he did were: created the pond of dharma, given moral habit as an ointment, dressed in the streamer of dharma, arranged the chaplet of dharma, giving the armor of moral habit, wore the coat of mail of meditations, put on the hide of dharma, given the supreme armature, given the shield of mindfulness, the lance of knowledge, the sword of Dharma, and the moral habit for crushing wrong association, the ornament of threefold knowledge the four fruits for the forehead, the decoration of the six super-knowings, wore the flowers of dharma, given the sunshade for warding off evil, created the flower of no-fear—he waned out with the disciples at Setavya park. A thupa of a yojana (10 kilometers) was made for him.      Back to Top

XXVIII. Gotama

A Khattiya (Kshatriya caste) race; of the Gotama clan (Digha Nikaya). Who brings glory to the Sakyan clan. The first penetration was 180 million. While teaching in a gathering of men and deities there was a second penetration of untold numbers. When he exhorted his son there was a third penetration of untold numbers. He had one assembly of 250,000 monks. His city was Kapilavatthu. His father was king Suddhodana and his mother was Queen Maya. He lived the householder life for 29 years with three palaces: Ramma, Suramma, and Subhaka. There were 40,000 beautiful women. His wife was Bhaddakacca and his son was Rahula. After seeing the four signs, he departed on horseback striving for six years. He turned the dharma wheel at Baranasi. The two chief monks were Sariputta and Moggallana (DN) or Kolita and Apatissa (B). Ananda was his attendant. The chief women disciples were Khema and Appalavanna. Citta and Hatthalavaka were the chief attendantws and Nadamata and Uttara the chief women attendants. His luster was a halo a fathom deep that rose 24 feet. He lived 100 years.      Back to Top

XXIX. Maitreya

Will be born in a prosperous household with much wisdom, Maitreya will appear in the world in a future age (M, Vol 1:246). The Digha Nikaya says (26.26), “…the people with an eighty-thousand year life-span, there will arise in the world a Blessed Lord, an Arahant fully-enlightened. Buddha named Metteyya.” (DN)     Back to Top

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The Pattern of the Buddhavamsa:

What follows is a general blueprint used in the Buddhavamsa for the lives of the Buddhas. This pattern is not totally rigid; there are variations in some of the accounts. The words in bold and brackets are generic descriptions of the specific intems tht would be placed in the listing. When I give (Example) in italics, it is meant to serve as one example among others of what may be recorded for this Buddha. Throughout these listings in the Buddhavamsa there are variations on this pattern; what I am giving is a generally discernible pattern, but not one that the list follows rigidly.

After {Name of the previous Buddha}, was the leader named {Name of Buddha}, {Titles and accomplishments of this Buddha. (Example: without an equal in all things)}, he attained self-awakening. He turned the dharma wheel. {What this Buddha did prior to turning the first penetration. ( Example: when teaching the dharma)} there was a first penetration of {number in the first penetration}. {What this Buddha did prior to the second penetration. (Example: while setting out on tour)} there was a second penetration of {number in the second penetration}. { What this Buddha did prior to the third penetration. (Example:when performing the marvel of the double)}, there was a third penetration of {number in third penetration}. {Name of the Buddha}, great seer, had three assemblies of steadfast ones whose cankers were destroyed, stainless, tranquil of mind. The first gathering was of {number in the first assembly and who was in it}. The second assembly was {number in the second assembly and who was in it}. The third assembly was of {number in assembly and who was in it}.

At that time I was a {caste of the Bodhisattva} named {Name of the Bodhisattva}. {What the Bodhisattva did to give to the Buddha and his order.} After this, Buddha {Name of the Buddha and a title} declared of me: “{Number of eons until he will be a Buddha} from now this one will be a Buddha. {List of accomplishments of the Bodhisattva and/or the city from which he departed}, we will be face to face with this one.” When I had heard his words all the more did I incline my mind. I resolutely determined on further practice for fulfilling the ten perfections.

{City of the Buddha} was the name of the city. {Name of his father with his caste (Kshatriya)} the name of the warrior noble, and {Name of his mother} the name of the mother of {Name of the Buddha}, the great seer. He lived in the household life for {number of years}. The three superb palaces were {names of the three palaces}. There were {number} beautifully adorned women. His wife was {Name of wife}. His son was {Name of son}. After seeing the four signs he departed by {means of conveyance}. {Title for the Buddha. (Example: The Conqueror)} strove the striving for not less than {number of months or years}. {Name of the Buddha}, {titles of the Buddha}, on being requested by Brahma, turned the wheel {where he turned the wheel}. {Names of his two chief disciples} were the chief disciples. {Name of the attendant} was the name of attendant on {Name of the Buddha}, the great seer. {Names of the chief women disciples} were the chief women disciples. That Lord’s tree of awakening is said to be the {kind of the tree of awakening}. {Names of chief attendants} were the chief attendants; {Names of the chief women attendants} were the chief women attendants. {Name of the Buddha}, {title of the Buddha}, was {height of the Buddha} tall. {Explanation of the luster of the Buddha. (Example: shining like a gold-covered column)}. The Buddha’s lifespan was {number of years}. Living so long he caused many people to cross over. {Other works of the Buddha}. {What the Buddha did prior to his waning} he waned out. {Listing of things that have disappeared} have all disappeared. Are not all constructions void? {Name of the Buddha}, {titles of the Buddha}, waned out at {name of place where he waned}. (Two options: height of the thupa made for the Buddha or statement that his relics were dispersed): A glorious thupa to him was {number for the height} high. / His relics were dispersed in a number of regions.     Back to Top

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TIME LINE OF THE BUDDHAS

Time line from the Digha Nikaya

The following is a list of the Buddhas and their respective eons, based on the Digha Nikaya.

Time line from the Buddhavamsa

The Buddhavamsa (chapter 27) includes a longer list of the Buddhas and the eons into which they were grouped.

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Resources:

The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Digho Nikaya. Trans. by Maurice Walsh. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1987, 1995.

Sacred Books of the Buddhists, Vol 31: The Minor Anthologies of the Pali Canon, Part III: Chronicle of the Buddhas (Buddhavamsa). Trans. by I.B. Horner. Lancaster: The Pali Text Society, 2007.

The Mahavastu, volumes 1-3. Trans. by J.J. Jones. Lancaster: The Pali Text Society and London, Henley and Boston: Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd.. 1978.