Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Maṅgala was born in a prosperous royal city. His father was King Uggata, and his mother was Queen Uggatī. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Maṅgala lived in a distant past kalpa. In his time, the average human lifespan was 90,000 years. His own lifespan was recorded as 90,000 years.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights, Maṅgala renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the mahā‑sāla 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 Uppala and Paduma. His attendant monk was Sumaṅgala. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Maṅgala symbolizes auspiciousness and blessings. His era reflects the flourishing of Dharma in times of great longevity, reminding us that wisdom and compassion are the true sources of auspiciousness.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Maṅgala Buddha — Wikipedia
- Maṅgala Buddha — Dhamma Wiki