Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Tissa was born in a noble royal city. His father was King Janaka, and his mother was Queen Janikā. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Tissa 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, Tissa renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the asoka tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered at a great park to his first disciples. His chief disciples were Phussa and Sumangala. His attendant monk was Uttara. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Tissa symbolizes clarity and noble renunciation. His name evokes steadfastness, reminding us that Dharma is the guiding clarity across countless ages.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (English)
- Buddhavaṃsa — SuttaCentral (Pāli)
- Tissa Buddha — Wikipedia
- Tissa Buddha — Dhamma Wiki