Miscellaneous Topics – 2307
Supplement to IX
Bodhisatta Gotama’s Lives
[Previously this formed the end of chapter IX, but it seems placed better
here, in the Further Explanations.]
Bodhisatta Gotama received the prediction from the 24 Buddhas from
Dīpaṅkara to Kassapa. His lives, in which the prophecy was declared, may be
classified as follows.
Five Lives as a Recluse
1. He received the first definite prophecy as the recluse Sumedha from
Buddha Dīpaṅkara, he heard the same prophecy as:
2. Jaṭila the recluse, from Buddha Nārada.
3. Susīma the recluse, from Buddha Atthadassī.
4. Maṅgala the recluse, from Buddha Siddhattha.
5. Sujāta the recluse, from Buddha Tissa.
Nine Lives as a Monk
The event occurred when he was born:
1. As the Universal Monarch Vijitāvī, and later became a monk (
bhikkhu
)
in Buddha Koṇḍañña’s presence.
2. Brahmin Suruci, who became a monk in Buddha Maṅgala’s presence.
3. Brahmin Uttara, who became a monk in Buddha Sumedha’s presence.
4. A Universal Monarch, who became a monk in Buddha Sujāta’s presence.
5. King Vijitāvī, who became a monk in Buddha Phussa’s presence.
6. King Sudassana, who became a monk in Buddha Vessabhū’s presence.
7. King Khema, who became a monk in Buddha Kakusandha’s presence.
8. King Pabbata, who became a monk in Buddha Koṇāgamana’s presence.
9. Jotipāla the Brahmin youth, who became a monk in Buddha Kassapa’s
presence.