Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Paduma was born in a noble royal city. His father was King Padumissara, and his mother was Queen Padumavatī. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Paduma 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, Paduma 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 Palita and Sumitta. His attendant monk was Padumadatta. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Paduma symbolizes purity and compassion, like the lotus flower rising unstained from the mud. His era reflects the Dharma’s ability to flourish in any condition, bringing clarity and liberation.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Paduma Buddha — Wikipedia
- Paduma Buddha — Dhamma Wiki