Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Sobhita was born in a noble royal city. His father was King Sudassana, and his mother was Queen Sudassanā. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Sobhita 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, Sobhita 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 Asoka and Sudatta. His attendant monk was Sumitta. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Sobhita symbolizes radiance and clarity. His era reflects the brilliance of Dharma shining across ages, reminding us that wisdom illuminates even the darkest times.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Sobhita Buddha — Wikipedia
- Sobhita Buddha — Dhamma Wiki