Biography (ජීවිත කථාව)
Birth and family
Vipassī was born in Bandhumatī city. His father was King Bandhumā, and his mother was Queen Bandhumatī. He belonged to the Kshatriya (warrior‑ruler) class.
Era and lifespan
Vipassī lived 91 kalpas ago. In his time, the average human lifespan was 84,000 years. His own lifespan was recorded as 80,000 years, reflecting the purity of his era.
Renunciation and enlightenment
After seeing the four sights — old age, sickness, death, and a renunciant — Vipassī renounced worldly life. He attained enlightenment under the pāṭalī tree, rediscovering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Teachings and disciples
His first sermon was delivered at Deer Park in Khema Park to five disciples. His chief disciples were Khanda and Tissa. His attendant monk was Asoka. His Sangha grew vast, with countless arahants attaining liberation.
Symbolic meaning (සංකේතමය අර්ථය)
Vipassī symbolizes the dawn of Dharma in this Mahā‑kalpa. His immense lifespan reflects the moral purity of his age, while his teachings remind us that even in times of abundance, impermanence governs all.
Sources and Further Reading (මූලාශ්ර සහ වැඩිදුර කියවීම)
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaFriends
- Mahāpadāna Sutta (DN 14) — SuttaCentral
- Buddhavaṃsa — Wikipedia
- Buddhavaṃsa — Dhamma Wiki