Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Medhankara was born in a noble royal city. His father was King —, and his mother was Queen —. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Medhankara lived in the distant past, following Tanhankara. In his time, the average human lifespan was —. His own lifespan was recorded as —.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights, Medhankara renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the — tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered to his first disciples. His chief disciples were — and —. His attendant monk was —. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Medhankara symbolizes wisdom and clarity. His name evokes “intelligence” or “insight,” reminding us that Dharma is the cultivation of understanding across ages.
Canonical anchors (සිද්ධාන්ත සංකේතා)
- Second in the triad: Tanhankara → Medhankara → Saranankara.
- Rediscovered the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path.
- Lifespan and kalpa context presented in hyper‑extended ages of ancient cycles.
- Pattern: renunciation after the four sights; formation of a vast Saṅgha of arahants.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Medhankara Buddha — Dhamma Wiki