MANY BUDDHAS OF BUDDHISM

MEANING OF BUDDHA

The term "Buddha" can be translated as “the Enlightened One”, “the One Who Knows'”, “The Awakened One” or "Enlightened Person." 'The Buddha' is not a personal name but a title and is somewhat similar to Messiah or Christ. The word “Buddha” is the past participle of the Sanskrit verb “buddha” , which means to awaken or know. The proper name of The Buddha that Buddhists worship is Gautama Siddhartha. Many followers also refer to him as Sakyamuni, the "Silent Sage of the Sakya clan” or “Samma-sam Buddha", “The Wholly Self Awakened One.”

A buddha is an all-knowing being who has personally been able to perceive the ultimate truth and has reached a perfect state of transcendent knowledge in which the fires of greed, hate, and delusion are extinguished, passing into nirvana and never having to experience rebirth again. Anyone can become a Buddha, in theory anyway. [Source: “Topics in Japanese Cultural History” by Gregory Smits, Penn State University figal-sensei.org~]

The Buddha Versus Buddhas

Stephen F. Teiser wrote: One can distinguish two separate but related understandings of what a buddha is. In the first understanding the Buddha (represented in English with a capital B) was an unusual human born into a royal family in ancient India in the sixth or fifth century B.C. [Source: “Buddhism: The ‘Imported’ Tradition” from the “The Spirits of Chinese Religion,” by Stephen F. Teiser; Asia for Educators, Columbia University afe.easia.columbia]

“This unique being was called Gautama (family name) Siddhartha (personal name) during his lifetime, and later tradition refers to him with a variety of names, including Sakyamuni (literally “Sage of the Sakya clan”) and Tathagata (“Thus-Come One”). Followers living after his death lack direct access to him because, as the word “extinction” implies, his release was permanent and complete. His influence can be felt, though, through his traces — through gods who encountered him and are still alive, through long-lived disciples, through the places he touched that can be visited by pilgrims, and through his physical remains and the shrines (stupa) erected over them.

A buddha (with a lowercase b) is a generic label for any enlightened being, of whom Sakyamuni was simply one among many. Other buddhas preceded Sakyamuni’s appearance in the world, and others will follow him, notably Maitreya (Chinese: Mile), who is thought to reside now in a heavenly realm close to the surface of the Earth. Buddhas are also dispersed over space: they exist in all directions, and one in particular, Amitayus (or Amitabha, Chinese: Emituo), presides over a land of happiness in the West.

The Buddha

When we say "The Buddha" he term generally refers to the founder of Buddhism — Gautama Siddhartha, sometimes also called "the Historical Buddha." Siddhartha was not born the Buddha but became the Buddha through his realisation of full and perfect Enlightenment. This state is also known as Nirvana (Sanskrit) or Nibbana (Pali) and occurs when a person sees and understands the true nature of all things. As a result, all their greed, hatred and delusion is extinguished, which in turn means that there will be no more re-birth.

The Theravada Buddhists tend to see The Buddha as a historical figure who truly underwent an Enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhists tend see him as more metaphysical being summed by the doctrine of the Three Bodies Buddha: 1) the fictitious, conjured up body; 2) the communal body; and 3) a Dharma (teaching) body. On the issue of his identity, the Buddha himself one said: “What was to be known is known by me...What is to be cast out is cast out by me, therefore am I Buddha.”

Some see the Buddha as a practical philosopher who concluded that the ego is a source of suffering and developed a series of techniques to make individuals more self aware and move beyond their existence in the direction of nirvana. In “The End of Suffering: The Buddha in the World”, journalist Pankaj Mishra wrote: “It was the Buddha’s achievement as it was that of Socrates, to detach wisdom from its basics in fixed and often esoteric forms of knowledge and opinion and offer it as a moral and spiritual project for individuals.”

Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhist Belief in Many Buddhas

There are two main schools of Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism and Mayahana Buddhism. While Theravada Buddhism believe be that there is only one Buddha — the historical Gautama Siddhartha (Sakyamuni) Buddha and past buddhas are accepted, Mayahana Buddhists believe : that in addition to the Sakyamuni Buddha, other contemporary buddhas like Amitabha and Medicine Buddha also exist. Tibetan Buddhists also believe this,[Source: Tan Swee Eng, buddhanet.net ^|^]

Mahayana Buddhists and Tibetan Buddhists see The Buddha as the sum total of everything there is; discount his historical personage; view his life on earth in magical and transcendent terms; and have Bodhisattvas and Buddhas that address issues important to ordinary people. The Supreme Buddha became an all knowing force that pervaded every part of the universe, like a creator God.

At the time of the development of Mahayana, people were used to worshipping many gods. It was difficult for them to accept a belief system that did not have some gods. The Mahayana school responded by saying that the Buddha was both a human being and a godlike being who used his enlightenment to help others.

Present, Past and Future Buddhas

Sakaymuni Sakaymuni (Sakya Thukpa in Tibet) is the historical Buddha, who lived in Nepal in the 5th century B.C. He has blue hair and a halo of enlightenment around his head. He is always depicted in a sitting position, with his legs crossed in the lotus position and has 32 marks on his body, including a dot between his eyes, the Wheel of Law on the soles of his feet, and bump on the top of his head. Manifesting the “witness” mudra, he holds a begging bowl in his left hand and touches the earth with his right hand. He is often flanked by two bodhisattvas. [The name before the parenthesis is Sanskit, the name in parenthesis is Tibetan]

Dipamkara (Marmedze) is the Past Buddha. He preceded the historical Buddha and spent 100,000 years on earth. His hands are pictured in the “protection” mudra and he is often pictured with the Present and Future Buddha.

Maitreya (Jampa) is the Future Buddha. He is currently in the form of a bodhisattva and is waiting for his chance to return to earth, 4000 years after the death of Sakaymuni. He is usually seated, with a scarf around his waist, his legs hanging down and his hands by his chest in the turning of the Wheel of Law.

It said the Maitreya, the Future Buddha, will appear around 30,000 years from now. At present Maitreya is believed to reside in the Tutshita. heaven, awaiting his last rebirth when the time is ripe. His name is derived from mitra, 'friend.' Friendliness is a basic Buddhist virtue, somewhat like Christian love.

Amitabha (Amitabha Opagme in Tibet) is the Buddha of Infinite Light. He resides in the “pure land of the west,” where he looks after people on their journey to nirvana, and is regarded as the original being from which the Panchen Lama was reincarnated. He is red. His hands are held together on his lap with a begging bowl in the “meditation” mudra.

Buddhas Every 5,000 Years

Many Buddhists believe that there have been many buddhas throughout the ages, but most consider Gautama the Buddha for this age (though some maintain that there can be more than one buddha per age). According to tradition, Gautama’s previous lives prepared him for his final reincarnation before achieving the status of Buddha. [Source: Joseph W. Williams, International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, 2000s, Encyclopedia.com]

Buddhists believe that Buddhas have appeared throughout history, and will continue appearing, some say, at a rate of about one Buddha every 5,000 years. The Buddha that is worshiped is believed by some to be the 24th Buddha in the present state of the world, a period of history that spans about 120,000 years. Others say he is the fourth Buddha or the 7th or the 26th .

The Buddha defined a "Buddha" as “being a man who has first enlightened himself and will thereafter enlighten others.” By some reckonings Dipankara was the First Buddha, appearing innumerable aeons ago. By other reckonings Vipassin was the first, appearing 91 aeons ago. Some believe that when his teachings fall into decline, as inevitably they will, the future Buddha Maitreya will appear after a long wait in the world of the gods of delight.

At least in theory, anyone can become a Buddha. But when we say "the Buddha," unless otherwise specified, the term refers to the founder of Buddhism as a religion — Guatama Siddhartha, sometimes also called "the Historical Buddha." After years of meditating and wandering, he apparently became "enlightened" and was recognized as such by others who asked him to guide them to enlightenment as well. His explanations became the core of Buddhist teachings. [Source: “Topics in Japanese Cultural History” by Gregory Smits, Penn State University figal-sensei.org ~]

Story Of Sumedha — The Buddha on a Previous Life

The Story Of Sumedha, related by The Buddha to his disciples, describes how, in his long-ago existence as the Brahman Sumedha, he first resolved to strive for the Buddhaship. In stanzas 4-5 he speaks of himself, that is, of Sumedha, in the third person, but elsewhere in the first. It begins:

A Hundred thousand cycles vast And four immensities ago, There was a town named Amara, A place of beauty and delights. It had the noises ten complete. And food and drink abundantly.
The noise of elephant and horse, Of conch-shell, drum, and chariot, And invitations to partake "Eat ye, and drink!" - resounded loud.
A town complete in all its parts, Where every industry was found, And eke the seven precious gems,3 And foreigners from many lands. A prosperous city of the gods, Full of good works and holy men.
Within this town of Amara Sumedha lived, of Brahman caste, Who many tens of millions had, And grain and treasure in full store. [Source: Translated from the Introduction to the Jataka (i.3), Internet Indian History Sourcebook sourcebooks.fordham.edu

A student he, and wise in spells, A master of the Vedas three. He fortunes told, tradition knew, And every duty of his caste.
In secret then I sat me down, And thus to ponder I began: "What misery to be born again! And have the flesh dissolve at death!
Subject to birth, old age, disease, Extinction will I seek to find, Where no decay is ever known, Nor death, but all security.
What if I now should rid me of This body foul, this charnel-house, And go my way without a care, Or least regret for things behind!
There is, there must be, an escape! Impossible there should not be! I'll make the search and find the way, Which from existence shall release!
Even as, although there misery is, Yet happiness is also found; So, though indeed existence is, A non-existence should be sought.
Even as, although there may be heat, Yet grateful cold is also found; So, though the threefold fire4 exists, Likewise Nirvana should be sought.
Even as, although there evil is, That which is good is also found; So, though 'tis true that birth exists, That which is not birth should be sought.

Even as a man befouled with dung, Seeing a brimming lake at hand, And nathless bathing not therein, Were senseless should he chide the lake;
So, when Nirvana's lake exists To wash away corruption's stain, Should I not seek to bathe therein, I might not then Nirvana chide.
Even as a man hemmed in by foes, Seeing a certain safe escape, And nathless seeking not to flee, Might not the blameless pathway chide;
So, when my passions hem me in, And yet a way to bliss exists, Should I not seek to follow it, That way of bliss I might not chide.
Even as a man who, sore diseased, When a physician may be had, Should fail to send to have him come, Might the physician then not chide;
So, when diseased with passion, sore Oppressed, I seek the master not Whose ghostly counsel me might cure, The blame should not on him be laid.
Even as a man might rid him of A horrid corpse bound to his neck, And then upon his way proceed, Joyous, and free, and unconstrained;
So must I likewise rid me of This body foul, this charnel-house, And go my way without a care, Or least regret for things behind.

For the complete article from which the material here is derived see Internet Indian History Sourcebook sourcebooks.fordham.edu

Prophecy Concerning Maitreya, the Future Buddha

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The section in the 'Maitreyavyakarana' on “The Prophecy Concerning Maitreya, the Future Buddha” goes: “ Sariputra, the great general of the doctrine, most wise and resplendent, from compassion for the world asked the Lord: 'Some time ago you have spoken to us of the future Buddha, who will lead the world at a future period, and who will bear the name of Maitreya. I would now wish to hear more about his powers and miraculous gifts. Tell me, 0 best of men, about them !' [Source: Translation by Edward Conze, in his “Buddhist Scriptures” (Penguin Books, 1959), pp. 238-42, Eliade Page website]

“The Lord replied: 'At that time, the ocean 'will lose much of its water, and there will be much less of it than now. In consequence a world-ruler will have no difficulties in passing across it. India, this island of Jambu, will be quite flat everywhere, it will measure ten thousand leagues, and all men will have the privilege of living on it. It will have innumerable inhabitants, who will commit no crimes or evil deeds, but will take pleasure in doing good. The soil will then be free from thorns, even, and covered with a fresh green growth of grass; when one jumps on it, it gives way, and becomes soft like the leaves of the cotton tree. It has a delicious scent, and tasty rice grows on it, without any work. Rich silken, and other, fabrics of various colours shoot forth from the trees. The trees will bear leaves, flowers, and fruits simultaneously; they are as high as the voice can reach and they last for eight myriads of years. Human beings are then without any blemishes, moral offences are unknown among them, and they are full of zest and joy. Their bodies are very large and their skin has a fine hue. Their strength is quite extraordinary. Three kinds of illness only are known-people must relieve their bowels, they must eat, they must get old. Only when five hundred years old do the women marry.

'The city of Ketumati will at that time be the capital. In it will reside the world-ruler, Shankha by name, who will rule over the earth up to the confines of the ocean; and he will make the Dharma prevail. He will be a great hero, raised to his station by the force of hundreds of meritorious deeds. His spiritual adviser will be a Brahmin, Subrahinana by name, a very learned man, well versed in the four Vedas, and steeped in all the lore of the Brahamins. And that Brahman will have a wife, called Brahmavati, beautiful, attractive, handsome, and renowned.

"Maitreya, the best of men, will then leave the Tushita heavens, and go for his last rebirth into the womb of that woman. For ten whole months she will carry about his radiant body. Then she will go to a grove full of beautiful flowers, and there, neither seated nor lying down, but standing up, holding on to the branch of a tree, she will give birth to Maitreya. He, supreme among men, will emerge from her right side, as the sun shines forth when it has prevailed over a bank of clouds. No more polluted by the impurities of the womb than a lotus by drops of water, he will fill this entire Triple world with his splendour. As soon as he is born he will walk seven steps forward, and where he puts down his feet a jewel or a lotus will spring up. He will raise his eyes to the ten directions, and ill speak these words: "This is my last birth. There will be no rebirth after this one. Never will I come back here, but, all pure, I shall win Nirvana!"

"And when his father sees that his son has the thirty-two marks of a superman, and considers their implications in the light of the holy mantras, he will be filled with joy, for he will know that, as the mantras show, two ways are open to his son: he will either be a universal monarch, or a supreme Buddha. But as Maitreya grows up, the Dharma will increasingly take possession of him, and he will reflect that all that lives is bound to suffer. He will have a heavenly voice which reaches far; his skin will have a golden hue, a great splendour will radiate from his body, his chest will be broad, his limbs well developed, and his eyes will be like lotus petals. His body is eighty cubits high, and twenty cubits broad. He will have a retinue of 84,000 persons, whom he will instruct in the mantras. With this retinue he Will one day go forth into the homeless life. A Dragon tree will then be the tree under which he will win enlightenment; its branches rise up to fifty leagues, and its foliage spreads far and wide over six Kos. Underneath it Maitreya, the best of men, will attain enlightenment- there can be no doubt on that. And he will win his enlightenment the very same day that he has gone forth into the homeless life.

Maitreya"And then, a supreme sage, he will with a perfect voice preach the true Dharma, which is auspicious and removes all ill, i.e. the fact of ill, the origination of ill, the transcending of ill, and the holy eightfold path which brings security and leads to Nirvana. He will explain the four Truths, because he has seen that generation, in faith, ready for them, and those who have listened to his Dharma will thereupon make progress in the religion. They will be assembled in a park full of beautiful flowers, and his assembly will extend over a hundred leagues. Under Maitreya's guidance, hundreds of thousands of living beings shall enter upon a religious life.

'And thereupon Maitreya, the compassionate teacher, surveys those who have gathered around him, and speaks to them as follows: "Shakyamuni has seen all of you, he, the best of sages, the saviour, the world's true protector, the repository of the true Dharma. It was he who has set you on the path to deliverance, but before you could finally win it you have had to wait for my teaching. It is because you have worshipped Shakyamuni with parasols, banners, flags, perfumes, garlands, and unguents that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have offered to the shrines of Shakyamuni unguents of sandalwood, or powdered saffron, that you have -arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have always gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Samgha, that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because, in Shakyamuni's dispensation, you have undertaken to observe the moral precepts, and have actually done so, that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have given gifts to the monks-robes, drink, food, and many kinds of medicines-that you have arrived here to hear my teaching. It is because you have always observed the sabbath days that you have arrived here to hear my teaching.". . .

'For 60,000 years Maitreya, the best of men, will preach the true Dharma, which is compassionate towards all living beings. And when he has disciplined in his true Dharma hundreds and hundreds of millions of living beings, then that leader will at last enter Nirvana. And after the great sage has entered Nirvana, his true Dharma still endures for another ten thousand years. Raise therefore your thoughts in faith to Shakyamuni, the Conqueror! For then you shall see Maitreya, the perfect Buddha, the best of men! Whose soul could be so dark that it would not be lit up with a serene faith when he hears these wonderful things, so potent of future good! Those therefore who long for spiritual greatness, let then, show respect to the true Dharma, let them be mindful of the religion of the Buddhas!'”

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: East Asia History Sourcebook sourcebooks.fordham.edu , “Topics in Japanese Cultural History” by Gregory Smits, Penn State University figal-sensei.org, Asia for Educators, Columbia University; Asia Society Museum “The Essence of Buddhism” Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius, 1922, Project Gutenberg, Virtual Library Sri Lanka; “World Religions” edited by Geoffrey Parrinder (Facts on File Publications, New York); “Encyclopedia of the World's Religions” edited by R.C. Zaehner (Barnes & Noble Books, 1959); “Encyclopedia of the World Cultures: Volume 5 East and Southeast Asia” edited by Paul Hockings (G.K. Hall & Company, New York, 1993); BBC, Wikipedia, National Geographic, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Reuters, AP, AFP, and various books and other publications.

Last updated January 2024

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