The Twenty-Four Buddhas – 158
Buddha’s prophecy, the Bodhisatta rejoiced and was determined to fulfil the ten
perfections even more energetically.
He joined the Saṅgha of Buddha Sujāta and became accomplished in the studies
of the Buddha’s teachings which are of nine divisions together with the
discourses and discipline (
sutta-vinaya
). Thus he contributed to the beauty of the
Buddha’s Dispensation.
Having cultivated the practice of meditation on the divine abodes (
Brahma-
vihāra-bhāvanā
), leading to rebirth in the Brahma abode, without absent-
mindedness in the three postures of sitting, standing and walking, but not in the
posture of lying down, he reached the apex, not only of the eight attainments but
also of the five super knowledges. On his death, he was reborn in the world of
the Brahmas.
Particulars of Buddha Sujāta
Buddha Sujāta’s birthplace was Sumaṅgala city.
His father was King Uggata and his mother was Queen Pabhāvatī.
He reigned for 9,000 years.
His three palaces were Sirī, Upasirī and Nanda.
His chief consort was Sirinandā, who had 23,000 maids of honour.
His son was Prince Upasena.
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He renounced the world riding a horse, after seeing the four omens.
He practised the austerities for nine months.
His two male chief disciples were Ven. Sudassana and Ven. Sudeva.
His attendant was Ven. Nārada.
His two female chief disciples were Ven. Nāgā and Ven. Nāgasamālā.
His Bodhi tree was the Great Bamboo (
Mahā-veḷu
).
The bamboo plant had a massive trunk, its leaves were so luxuriant that
there was no space to let the sunlight through. It was pleasant to look at,
straight and big and thus attractive. It grew from one stem and from that
one stem came out branches, which were very beautiful, like the feathers
of a peacock’s tail being well tied together. The bamboo plant had