The Twenty-Four Buddhas – 154
appreciation of the offering was over, the Buddha uttered the prophecy: “This
young man, Uttara, will indeed become a Buddha, named Gotama, in the future.”
Hearing the Buddha’s prophecy, the Bodhisatta was overjoyed and resolved to
fulfil the perfections even more.
Uttara became a monk and shouldered his religious responsibilities and became
accomplished in studying the Buddha’s ninefold teaching of discourses and
discipline (
sutta-vinaya
), thus promoting the splendour of his Dispensation.
Mindfully cultivating and developing his virtues as a monk in the three postures
of sitting, standing and walking but entirely without lying down, he reached not
only the eight attainments (
samāpatti
) but the apex of the super knowledges
(
abhiññā
) and on his passing, he was reborn in the Brahma abode.
Particulars of Buddha Sumedha
Buddha Sumedha’s birthplace was Sudassana.
His father was King Sudatta and his mother was Queen Sudattā.
He reigned for 9,000 years.
His three palaces were Sucanda, Kañcana and Sirivaḍḍhana.
His chief consort was Sumanā, who had 48,000 maids of honour.
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His son was Prince Punabbasu.
His two male chief disciples were Ven. Saraṇa and Ven. Sabbakāma.
His attendant was Ven. Sāgara.
His two female chief disciples were Ven. Rāmā and Ven. Surāmā.
His Bodhi tree was an Asoka tree (
Mahā-nīpa
).
His noble male lay supporters were the wealthy persons, Uruvela and Yasava.
His noble female supporters were Yasodharā and Sirimā.
His height was 88 cubits.
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[Text: 84,000, but again this didn’t agree with BvA, or what was stated earlier, so I
have changed it.]