28 Buddhas - Dhamma Wheel

28 Buddhas - Dhamma Wheel
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Coyote
Posts: 801
Joined: Mon Sep 19,
2011 12:42 pm
Location: Wales - UK
28 Buddhas
by Coyote Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:32 pm
P
o just interested to read about other
I am
s
Pali
t Canon.
peoples take on the previous Buddhas mentioned in the
As I understand it many are described as living is societies similar to India at the time of the
Buddha - so many of the places, castes ect are the same. I'm not exactly sure how much
information is given in the Canon regarding when exactly they lived - but taking this into
account do you take the accounts literally? Do you think it is possible human life has arisen
before on earth, to account for the dates that they were supposed to have lived? Are they just
stories? Are the dates exaggerations, and if so, is there any evidence that Buddhism may have
existed before the historical Buddha on earth, in other eras? Are they incompatable with
scientific evolutionary theory?
"If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they would not eat without having given,
nor would the stain of miserliness overcome their minds. Even if it were their last bite, their last
mouthful, they would not eat without having shared."
Iti 26
o
p
santa100
Posts: 1738
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2011
10:55 pm
Re: 28 Buddhas
by santa100 Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:03 pm
P
o
Actually,
modern physics no longer believes that the Big Bang
s
mathematics
of Inflation and String theories not only suggest
t
is one single unique event. The

multiple "Bang" events, but also
multiple dimensions (other than the 3 spatial and 1 time dimensions), and most interesting of
all, multiple universes (multi-verse) where there're just as many Earths as the sand grains of
the Ganges! So, with this aspect of an infinite boundless spacetime, it should has no trouble
whatsoever supporting the existence of 28 Buddhas..
o
http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=11072&p=167619[16/8/2558 22:56:43]
Re: 28 Buddhas
by Zom Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:13 pm
P
o
s
t
Zom
Posts: 1156
Joined: Fri May 08, 2009
6:38 pm
Location: Russia, SaintPetersburg
Contact:
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o
n
t
a
c
t
Z
o
m
Are the dates exaggerations, and if so, is there any evidence that Buddhism may have existed
before the historical Buddha on earth, in other eras? Are they incompatable with scientific
evolutionary theory?
Time has incredible power to destroy all evidences of human activity on earth. In some cases
even 1000 years is enough for the nature to totally wipe out once mighty and prosperous cities.
Consider what will happen if 3000 years will pass? And if 10.000? And if 50.000?? 100.000?
20.... 30... 50
300... 500.. 1.000.000 years will pass? 2.000.000? 3... 4.. 7.. 10.000.000 ???
... 100.000.000
200... 300.... 500.000.000 !!!! And the earth's age is 4.000.000.000 years.
Incredible period of time which is capable to totally destroy any evidence not only of some
human civilazition - but perhaps several thousands of them ,)
Theravada in Russia.
o
p
Coyote
Posts: 801
Joined: Mon Sep 19,
2011 12:42 pm
Re: 28 Buddhas
by Coyote Fri Jan 06, 2012 6:23 pm
P
o
s
santa100 wrote:
t
Actually, modern physics no longer believes that the Big Bang is one single unique event. The
mathematics of Inflation and String theories not only suggest multiple "Bang" events, but also
multiple dimensions (other than the 3 spatial and 1 time dimensions), and most interesting of
all, multiple universes (multi-verse) where there're just as many Earths as the sand grains of the
Ganges! So, with this aspect of an infinite boundless spacetime, it should has no trouble
whatsoever supporting the existence of 28 Buddhas..
I don't necessarily think that we would need to go as far back as the big bang, I am thinking
more on the timescale that life has arisen on this earth. Nevertheless it is my understanding
that the Buddha described existence as without a beginning, in that case I have doubt that
universes could have existed before our own, with thier own Buddhas.
Zom wrote:
Time has incredible power to destroy all evidences of human activity on earth. In some cases
even 1000 years is enough for the nature to totally wipe out once mighty and prosperous cities.
Consider what will happen if 3000 years will pass? And if 10.000? And if 50.000?? 100.000? 300...
500.. 1.000.000 years will pass? 2.000.000? 3... 4.. 7.. 10.000.000 ???
20.... 30... 50 ...
100.000.000
200... 300.... 500.000.000 !!!! And the earth's age is 4.000.000.000 years.
Incredible period of time which is capable to totally destroy any evidence not only of some
human civilazition - but perhaps several thousands of them ,)
This is very true. I am interested in what you think. Archaeological evidence suggest that
modern humans evolved 200,000 years ago - do you think the previous Buddhas were in human
civilisations that had arisen even before current modern humans evolved, or maybe in
civilisations just before the period that the current Buddha was born into - so still part of
modern human species? All speculation of course.
Just out of interest have any of you heard the theory that groups of humans evolved
independantly of each other, rather than the idea that humans evolved from one single
ancestor? If this is the case, then I see no reason why it could not have happened before, at
other times before current modern humans evolved.
Iti 26
o
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Re: 28 Buddhas
by Zom Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:27 pm
P
o
s
t
Zom
Posts: 1156
Joined: Fri May 08, 2009
6:38 pm
Location: Russia, SaintPetersburg
Contact:
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I am interested in what you think. Archaeological evidence suggest that modern humans evolved
200,000 years ago - do you think the previous Buddhas were in human civilisations that had
arisen even before current modern humans evolved, or maybe in civilisations just before the
period that the current Buddha was born into - so still part of modern human species? All
speculation of course.
My view is that all 3 previous buddhas of our kappa (I think that kappa lasts several billions of
years - from the point when Earth has formed till its destruction) - Kakusanda, Konagamana
and Kassapa - lived on our planet Earth long-long time ago. The previous Buddha Kassapa,
perhaps, lived about half a billion years ago. The future Buddha Metteya, perhaps, will appear
after many millions of years (perhaps even a billion) since present moment. As texts say, he
will be the last buddha in our kappa. Total 5 buddhas in our kappa. Very fortunate kappa -)
Theravada in Russia.
o
p
santa100
Posts: 1738
10:55 pm
Re: 28 Buddhas
by santa100 Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:07 pm
P
o
Then
chances are that the three previous Buddhas' home was on a different Earth within a
s
different
Solar System. And the Solar System could be within the Milky Way galaxy or on a
t
different galaxy. Notice on "our" Earth, the dinosaurs reign ended about 65 millions years ago.
Homo-sapiens originated in Africa about 200,000 years ago. And batches of them only started
migrating to Europe and Asia around 80,000 years ago. Human then switched from huntergatherer society to agricultural society at about 10,000BC. All these numbers are too small to
fit into the kalpa model described for the three Buddhas in DN. 14, Mahapadana Sutta. Extend
the logic to other even-more ancient Buddhas, they must've existed in previous universes
before our current 14-billion-year-old universe. Then I'll have to stop there before my head
explodes...
o
p
chownah
Re: 28 Buddhas

by chownah Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:34 am
P
o
s
Coyote wrote:
t
Posts: 3666
Joined: Wed Aug 12,
2009 2:19 pm
Are they just stories? Are the dates exaggerations, and if so, is there any evidence that
Buddhism may have existed before the historical Buddha on earth, in other eras?
No evidence has been found to support any kind of Buddhism or other Buddha having existed
before the historical Buddha.
"Just stories" is a definite possibility.
chownah
o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas
I
by DarwidHalim Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:41 am

P
o quite curious with the title.
am
s
t
what does it mean with 28 Buddhas?
DarwidHalim
Posts: 537
Joined: Thu Sep 08,
2011 11:49 am
Location: Neither
Samsara nor Nirvana
I am not here nor there.

I am not right nor wrong.
I do not exist neither non-exist.
I am not I nor non-I.
I am not in samsara nor nirvana.
To All Buddhas, I bow down for the teaching of emptiness. Thank You!
o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas
by bodom Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:08 am
P
o
s
DarwidHalim wrote:
t
I am quite curious with the title.
bodom
Posts: 4863
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2009
6:18 pm
Location: San Antonio,
Texas
what does it mean with 28 Buddhas?
See this:
28 Buddhas
There have been 28 samma-sam-buddhas (teaching Buddhas who rediscover the Dhamma and
teach the masses when the Dhamma has died-out), ending in the historical Buddha of our time.
The Buddha was not the first Buddha, nor the last.
In most Theravada countries it is the custom for Buddhists to hold elaborate festivals to honor 28
Buddhas. For example, in various parts of Myanmar, festivals are held to pay homage to 28
Buddhas, especially in the fair weather season. The twenty eight Buddhas are said to have
attained enlightenment from the time Gotama Buddha attained his first definite prophecy
(assurance that one will definitely become a Buddha one day) from Dipankara Buddha.
According to most Buddhist traditions, Metteyya (Maitreya, in Sanskrit) is expected to be the
next Buddha.
The names of the 28 Buddhas

1. Tahakara
2. Medhakara
3. Saraakara
4. Dipankara
5. Koaa
6. Magala
7. Sumana
8. Revata
9. Sobhita
10. Anomadassi
11. Paduma
12. Nrada
13. Padumuttara
14. Sumedha
15. Sujta
16. Piyadassi
17. Atthadassi
18. Dhammadassi
19. Siddhattha
20. Tissa
21. Phussa
22. Vipassi
23. Sikhi
24. Vessabh
25. Kakusandha
26. Kogamana
27. Kassapa Buddha
28. Gotama Buddha
(from the Khuddaka Nikaya, Buddhavamsa)
http://www.dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=28_Buddhas
The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love
and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try
to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not
become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing.
Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi
and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over
here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah
o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas
I

P
o
read
the link, but I am not very clear.
s
t
Are these 28 buddhas the total buddha who have realized his buddhahood up to now or it
means something else?

DarwidHalim
Posts: 537
Joined: Thu Sep 08,
2011 11:49 am
Location: Neither
Samsara nor Nirvana
I dont see for example Buddha Amitabha.

The name of Boddhisattva Maitreya is also not in.
Btw, any Pali information regarding how many Buddha will come to this earth before this earth
destroy?
From the sutra tradition, it is mentioned 1001 Buddhas will appear before this earth destroy,
and Buddha Sakyamuni is No. 4 who has come to this earth.
This is for comparative study.
o
p
fabianfred
Posts: 156
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009
7:06 am
Location: Fang,
Chiangmai
Re: 28 Buddhas
by fabianfred Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:49 am
P
o
Since
the past and future are both infinite...there
s
......and
will be....
t
have been an infinite number of Buddhas
The Buddha Gotama was the fourth in this Aeon (Mahakappa)...meaning on this very Earth
planet as we know it now.
The Fifth and final buddha in this aeon will come before the eventual destruction of the planet
and end of the aeon.
An aeon is the length of time from one big-bang ..to the next...(everything in nature is cyclic).
What ever is born will be destroyed and reborn...people, planets, universes, galaxies, etc.
The only thing not subject to this is Nibbana.
The 24 buddhas before this aeon were upon earlier Earths....in earlier universes..... before this
aeon...before this big-bang.
Four asongkaya and 100,000 aeons ago 4 to the power of 140 = 4 followed by 140 zeros; plus an
extrra 100,000 thrown in for good luck............... aeons we are talking about here, not years
or lives.....aeons= big-bangs...... there once was a city called Amaravati...where lived a
Brahmin called Sumedha.....this is when the Buddha of that time was Dipankara ...the fourth
Buddha in that aeon which had four Buddhas. Making the aspiration to become a future Buddha
in the presence of Dipankara Sumedha had it confirmed that he would become a Buddha....4
asongkaya and 100,000 aeons hence...the present buddha Gotama.
The three Buddhas in that aeon before Dipankara, Sumedha did not meet...but are counted as
relevant because they were in that aeon.....he then, whilst a Boddhisatva, met 24 other
Buddhas in that long time practicing the ten perfections.
3 Buddhas before Dipankara+ Dipankara+ 24 more= 28 buddhas ...relevant to the time the
Buddha Gotama spent practicing as a Boddhisatva.
Only 28 buddhas in all those billions of aeons......they are very rare and precious indeed!!!
Do not waste this precious chance you have now!!!!
o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas

P
InoPali Canon, do you have a sutta that tell us this kind of history or background?
s
t
In Mahayana, they have Lotus Sutra, which tell all these stories. The name of Dipankara is also
there.
DarwidHalim
Posts: 537
Joined: Thu Sep 08,
2011 11:49 am
Location: Neither
Samsara nor Nirvana

o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas
by bodom Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:21 am
P
o
s
DarwidHalim wrote:
t
In Pali Canon, do you have a sutta that tell us this kind of history or background?
bodom
Posts: 4863
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2009
6:18 pm
Location: San Antonio,
Texas
In Mahayana, they have Lotus Sutra, which tell all these stories. The name of Dipankara is also
there.
Buddhavamsa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhavamsa
The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love
and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try
to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not
become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing.
Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi
and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over
here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah
o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas
P
o
Thank
you.
s
t
DarwidHalim
Posts: 537
Joined: Thu Sep 08,
2011 11:49 am
Location: Neither
Samsara nor Nirvana

o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas

Coyote
Posts: 801
Joined: Mon Sep 19,
2011 12:42 pm
by Coyote Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:44 pm

P
o
s
santa100 wrote:
t
Then chances are that the three previous Buddhas' home was on a different Earth within a
different Solar System. And the Solar System could be within the Milky Way galaxy or on a
different galaxy. Notice on "our" Earth, the dinosaurs reign ended about 65 millions years ago.
Homo-sapiens originated in Africa about 200,000 years ago. And batches of them only started
migrating to Europe and Asia around 80,000 years ago. Human then switched from huntergatherer society to agricultural society at about 10,000BC. All these numbers are too small to fit
into the kalpa model described for the three Buddhas in DN. 14, Mahapadana Sutta. Extend the
logic to other even-more ancient Buddhas, they must've existed in previous universes before our
current 14-billion-year-old universe. Then I'll have to stop there before my head explodes...
The thing is, they are described in the terms of ancient India - coming from Brahmin and
Khattiya caste ect. - Maybe the Buddha was putting it all into terms that the people at the
time could understand - so Brahmin means the ruling group and so on. Saying that, as far as I
can see there is no time scale stated in the Sutta, it just says that the 3 previous Buddhas
arose in "our aeon", so I don't see why they could not have come from earliar civilisations.
Iti 26
o
p
santa100
Posts: 1738
10:55 pm
Re: 28 Buddhas
by santa100 Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:46 pm
P
o
There's
no doubt the 3 Buddhas must've come from earlier civilizations. But with all the
s
scientific
data we've known "so far" (you could google to verify those numbers in my post
t
above), it's highly unlikely all three could've taken "our" Earth for home within such short time
frame. Remember there are other "Earths" within this 14-billion-year-old universe (our Earth is
about 4.5 billion years old) and it's statistically impossible to say we're the only "human" realm
within this boundless space. Beside, if there're only 4 Buddhas who visited this fortunate aeon,
and one already took residence on "our" Earth, it's only fair if the other 3 took up residence
somewhere else to help E.T's cross their own ocean of suffering right??...
o
p
Coyote
Posts: 801
Joined: Mon Sep 19,
2011 12:42 pm
Re: 28 Buddhas
by Coyote Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:20 pm
P
o
s
santa100 wrote:
t
There's no doubt the 3 Buddhas must've come from earlier civilizations. But with all the
scientific data we've known "so far" (you could google to verify those numbers in my post
above), it's highly unlikely all three could've taken "our" Earth for home within such short time
frame. Remember there are other "Earths" within this 14-billion-year-old universe (our Earth is
about 4.5 billion years old) and it's statistically impossible to say we're the only "human" realm
within this boundless space. Beside, if there're only 4 Buddhas who visited this fortunate aeon,
and one already took residence on "our" Earth, it's only fair if the other 3 took up residence
somewhere else to help E.T's cross their own ocean of suffering right??...
The only trouble with that is that places on "our" earth are named, in India and Nepal. Unless
you are suggesting that each earth is exactly the same..? Even so, if they were born on other
planets, wouldn't that make then Buddhas of other word system rather than our own?
Iti 26
o
p
santa100
Posts: 1738
10:55 pm
Re: 28 Buddhas
by santa100 Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:56 pm
P
o
Statistically
speaking, I'm willing to bet that "India" or "Nepal" are not single and unique names
s
exclusively
used
only for "our" Earth. Even on this very Earth, how many John's or Smith's or
t
Coyote's or Santa's out there? Also, what criteria to be used to differentiate "their" world
system versus "our" world system?
o
p
fabianfred
Posts: 156
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009
7:06 am
Location: Fang,
Chiangmai
Re: 28 Buddhas
by fabianfred Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:59 am
P
o
I would
tend to believe that the 28 Buddhas
s
incarnations
of it in previous aeons.
t
reffered to were all on this Earth..... or previous
Also i would think that if other planets out there have sentient beings...then they also probably
have hell realms, animal realms, heaven realms etc. and perhaps also buddhas to help them
escape their own cycles of rebirth in their samsaras......(my own logic here....nothing
written.)
o
p
Re: 28 Buddhas
by ground Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:00 am
P
o
s
Coyote wrote:
t
ground
Posts: 2592
Joined: Wed Nov 25,
2009 6:01 am
I am just interested to read about other peoples take on the previous Buddhas mentioned in the
Pali Canon.
A metaphor which means that wisdom has always been occuring, is always occuring and will be
always occuring ... somewhere ... most times fluctuating, arising and fading away in one
instant and rarely abiding across many instants. It has nothing to do with fictions like
reincarnations or some trancendent Buddha manifesting as individuals.
Kind regards
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peoples take on the previous Buddhas mentioned in the

is one single unique event. The