Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Dīpaṅkara was born in Rammavatī city. His father was King Sudeva, and his mother was Queen Sumedhā. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Dīpaṅkara lived countless kalpas ago. 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, Dīpaṅkara renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the punnāga tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered at Nandārāma. His chief disciples were Tapussa and Bhallika. His attendant monk was Sāgata. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
The Prophecy to Sumedha (ප්රවචනය)
Dīpaṅkara is most famous for meeting the ascetic Sumedha, who offered his body as a bridge for the Buddha to cross muddy ground. Dīpaṅkara declared that Sumedha would, in the distant future, become Gautama Buddha. This prophecy is a cornerstone of Buddhist tradition, linking past Buddhas to our present age.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Dīpaṅkara symbolizes prophecy and continuity. His life reminds us that Dharma is timeless, and that future Buddhas are nurtured by the compassion and foresight of past Buddhas.