Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Atthadassī was born in a noble royal city. His father was King Sumedha, and his mother was Queen Sumedhā. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Atthadassī lived in a distant past kalpa. In his time, the average human lifespan was 100,000 years. His own lifespan was recorded as 100,000 years.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights, Atthadassī renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the campaka tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered at a great park to his first disciples. His chief disciples were Sāla and Upasāla. His attendant monk was Sumitta. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Atthadassī symbolizes “vision of meaning.” His name itself means one who sees the essence of truth. His era reflects the Dharma’s timeless ability to reveal the deeper purpose of existence.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Atthadassī Buddha — Wikipedia
- Atthadassī Buddha — Dhamma Wiki