Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Piḷidassī was born in a noble royal city. His father was King Sunanda, and his mother was Queen Sujaṭā. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Piḷidassī 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, Piḷidassī renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the campa 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 Sujāta and Sumangala. His attendant monk was Sunanda. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Piḷidassī symbolizes clear vision and insight. His name itself means “one who sees distinctly,” reminding us that Dharma is the lens through which reality is understood without distortion.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Piḷidassī Buddha — Wikipedia
- Piḷidassī Buddha — Dhamma Wiki