Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Vessabhū was born in Anoma city. His father was King Suppatita, and his mother was Queen Yasavatī. He belonged to the Kshatriya class.
Era and lifespan
Vessabhū lived 91 kalpas ago, after Sikhī. In his time, the average human lifespan was 60,000 years. His own lifespan was recorded as 60,000 years.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights, Vessabhū renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the sāla tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered at Migadāya to his first five disciples. His chief disciples were Sambala and Sumaṅgala. His attendant monk was Upavatta. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Vessabhū symbolizes the continuity of Dharma after Sikhī. His era shows lifespans shortening, reminding us of impermanence and the need for practice even in times of decline.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaFriends
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaCentral
- Vessabhū Buddha — Wikipedia
- Vessabhū Buddha — Dhamma Wiki