The Buddhas and our Bodhisatta

These illustrations outline the traditional Buddhist account of the Bodhisatta path, focusing on the long spiritual journey of the being who eventually became Gautama Buddha. It describes the essential components required for one to become a Buddha: the initial mental aspiration, the formal vow (made in the presence of a living Buddha), and the subsequent fulfillment of the Ten Perfections (Pāramī) over countless lifetimes.

Key themes include: The Vow: The specific conditions under which the first definite prophecy is received from a previous Buddha. The Perfections: The cultivation of virtues like generosity, morality, and wisdom to their highest degree. Previous Buddhas: Mentions of the 24 Buddhas whom our Bodhisatta encountered, starting from Dīpaṅkara.

The illustrations serve as a reference for the rigorous ethical and spiritual discipline required to transition from a Bodhisatta to a fully enlightened Supreme Buddha.

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1. As the wealthy Brahmin Sumedha, the Bodhisatta renounced his fortune to become an ascetic. Hearing that Buddha Dīpaṅkara was visiting, he helped clear a muddy path but ran out of time. He laid his body and hair over the remaining mud for the Buddha to walk upon. Witnessing this supreme self-sacrifice and devotion, Dīpaṅkara predicted that in the distant future, Sumedha would become the Buddha named Gotama. This was the first prediction.

2. Born as the Universal Monarch Vijitāvī, the Bodhisatta provided a magnificent feast for Buddha Koṇḍañña and his vast assembly of monks. After hearing the Buddha’s sermon and receiving the prophecy of his future awakening, he renounced his immense empire to ordain as a monk within the Buddha’s order.

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3. As the Brahmin Suruci, he invited Buddha Maṅgala and his followers for a week-long feast. He offered his grand palace to the Saṅgha and listened to the Dhamma. Inspired by the Buddha’s prediction of his future success, he gave up his worldly wealth and joined the monastic life.

4. Born as the powerful Nāga King Atula, he offered divine music and food to Buddha Sumana. He presented robes to the Sangha and listened to the Buddha’s teaching. Sumana predicted his future Buddhahood, after which Atula continued to cultivate the ten perfections with renewed, steadfast determination.

5. As the Brahmin Atideva, he met Buddha Revata and was deeply moved by his wisdom. He offered a set of robes and praised the Buddha in verse. Upon receiving the prophecy that he would become Gotama Buddha, he dedicated himself entirely to spiritual development and the ten perfections.

6. Born as the Brahmin Sujāta in Rammavatī, he offered great hospitality to Buddha Sobhita and his disciples. After hearing the Buddha's prophecy regarding his future enlightenment, he felt immense joy and spent the remainder of his life practicing the virtues necessary for a future Sammā-Sambuddha.

7. In this life, the Bodhisatta was a powerful Yakkha general. He offered a grand pavilion and food to Buddha Anomadassī and the Sangha. The Buddha predicted his future Buddhahood, leading the Bodhisatta to focus on the perfection of generosity and morality throughout that long existence.

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8. Born as a King of Lions, he encountered Buddha Paduma in the forest. Out of deep reverence, he refrained from hunting and stayed near the Buddha for seven days, offering his respect. The Buddha predicted his future awakening, and the lion spent his life in peace.

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9. As a forest-dwelling recluse, he met Buddha Nārada and offered a gift of sandalwood. He listened to the Dhamma and received the confirmation of his future role. This prophecy encouraged him to further master his meditation and refine the perfections required for supreme enlightenment.

10. As the governor Jaṭila, he provided robes and food to Buddha Padumuttara and his monks. Deeply inspired by the Buddha’s radiance and teaching, he received the prophecy of his future success. He then renounced his high status to become an ascetic, focusing on the path.

11. Born as the Brahmin Uttara, he offered his entire fortune of 800 million to Buddha Sumedha and the Saṅgha. After hearing the Buddha’s prediction that he would eventually become Gotama Buddha, he entered the monastic order to practice the Dhamma more deeply and perfect his conduct.

12. As a Universal Monarch, he served Buddha Sujāta with great devotion, offering his kingdom’s resources to the Saṅgha. Upon hearing the prophecy of his future Buddhahood, he abdicated his throne and became a monk, spending his remaining years in meditation and study of the scriptures.

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13. Born as the Brahmin Kassapa, he mastered the Vedas but found true wisdom in Buddha Piyadassī’s teaching. He donated a monastery and received the confirmation of his future Buddhahood. This assurance led him to redouble his efforts in the perfections, specifically focusing on wisdom and energy.

14. As the ascetic Susīma, he offered divine flowers to Buddha Atthadassī. The Buddha predicted his future enlightenment, describing him as a future teacher of gods and men. This encouraged Susīma to live a life of extreme purity and mental discipline, preparing for his distant, final birth.

15. Born as Sakka, the King of Devas, he honored Buddha Dhammadassī with divine perfumes and music. After receiving the prophecy of his future Buddhahood, he used his celestial position to protect the Dhamma and continued his long journey toward the perfection of all virtues.

16. As the Brahmin Maṅgala, he offered a great feast and robes to Buddha Siddhattha. Following the Buddha’s confirmation of his future role, he renounced the world to become a recluse. He spent his life practicing the perfections, knowing his eventual success was now certain.

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17. Born as the wealthy Brahmin Sujāta, he renounced his wealth and became an ascetic. He met Buddha Tissa and offered him rare flowers. The Buddha’s prophecy filled him with joy, and he spent the rest of that life in deep meditation, refining his spiritual faculties.

18. Again born as a King named Vijitāvī, he provided immense support to Buddha Phussa. He built a great monastery and offered it to the Saṅgha. After receiving the prediction of his future Buddhahood, he joined the order as a monk to study the Buddha’s teachings.

19. Born as the Nāga King Atula, he offered a golden throne and divine food to Buddha Vipassī. The Buddha confirmed that he would one day become the Buddha Gotama. This prophecy inspired Atula to practice the perfections with even greater zeal across many world cycles.

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20. As King Arindama, he offered a grand feast and a decorated elephant to Buddha Sikhī and his monks. Upon hearing the Buddha’s prediction, he was filled with religious fervor. He continued to support the Saṅgha while perfecting his own character through the practice of generosity.

21. Born as King Sudassana, he provided for Buddha Vessabhū and the monks. After receiving the prophecy, he realized the vanity of royal power and became a monk. He spent his life in the forest, mastering meditation and further developing the virtues of a Bodhisatta.

22. As King Khema, he offered great gifts, including robes and medicine, to Buddha Kakusandha. The Buddha confirmed his future enlightenment. Inspired by this, Khema became a monk in the Buddha’s order, dedicating himself to the study and practice of the Dhamma and the perfections.

23. Born as King Pabbata, he visited Buddha Koṇāgamana and offered him a great feast and silken robes. The Buddha predicted his future as the Buddha Gotama. Following this, the King renounced his throne and ordained as a monk, living a life of strict discipline.

24. As the Brahmin Jotipāla, he was initially skeptical but was led to Buddha Kassapa by his friend Ghaṭīkāra. After hearing the Dhamma, he ordained as a monk. Buddha Kassapa then gave the final prediction: Jotipāla would be the very next Buddha, known as Gotama.