Kakusandha Buddha (කකුසන්ධ බුදුන්)

The fourth Buddha of this Mahā‑kalpa, remembered for his noble renunciation and teachings during an age of decline.

Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)

Birth and family

Kakusandha was born in Khema city. His father was King Aggidatta, and his mother was Queen Visākhā. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.

Era and lifespan

Kakusandha lived in this Mahā‑kalpa after Vessabhū. In his time, the average human lifespan had shortened to 40,000 years. His own lifespan was recorded as 40,000 years.

Renunciation and enlightenment

After seeing the four sights, Kakusandha renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the sīsa tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Teachings and disciples

His first sermon was delivered at Migadāya to his first five disciples. His chief disciples were Vidhura and Sañjīva. His attendant monk was Buddhija. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.

Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)

Kakusandha symbolizes Dharma’s resilience in an age of decline. Lifespans shortened, but wisdom still arose. His era reminds us that Dharma shines even when worldly conditions deteriorate.

Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්‍ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)

Canonical sources describe Kakusandha’s life in detail, including his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and Sangha.