POSTGRADUATE INSTITUTE O F PALI AND BUDDHIST STUDIES
THE ASPECT OF MAHÔPURISA
by
VEN. ASHIN REVATA (2004/MA/E/882)
AN ESSAY
SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE INSTITUTE OF PALI AND
BUDDHIST SUDIES, UNIVERRSITY OF KELAYA
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTRS
2004
Contents
Page
1. Preface
2. Abbreviation
3. Chapter - I ….. The idea of Mahāpurisa 1
4. Chapter - II….. Definition of the Mahāpurisa in PAli canon 3
5. Chapter - III…. Characteristic Features of the Cakkavatti 6
6. Chapter - IV… Cakkavatti and Buddha 10
7. Chapter - V…. The Thirty-Two Characteristics 15
8. Conclusion 18
9. Bibliography 19
Preface
It is well known in Buddhist tradition that the Buddha is called MahApurisa
as he possessed thirty-two characteristics on his body. It is note-worthy that these
characteristics are possessed only by a Buddha or a Cakkavatti, universal monarch,
whose appearance is a very rare event in this world.
The present work is a study of the concept of Mahāpurisa in Buddhism based
essentially on the Pāli texts. This essay consists of five chapters entitled (I) the idea
of Mahāpurisa, (II) the definition of Mahāpurisa, (III) Characteristic features of
Cakkavati,(IV) Cakkavatti and Buddha, (V) Characteristics of Mahāpurisa. A
Preface, a Conclusion, an Abbreviation and a Bibliography are also added.
The first chapter is devoted to some views of Mahāpurisa in the light of
Brahamanical and Jaina sources. The two different types of interpretations of the
Mahāpurisa are distinguished-one identifies the Great Man by spiritual progress, the
other by physical accomplishment. The changing attitude towards the person of the
Buddha and its relation to the Mahāpurisa aspect is elucidated in the second chapter.
The third chapter presents characteristic features of the Cakkavatti. He has seven
treasures and four gifts. In the fourth chapter, the comparison of the Buddha and the
Cakkavatti is discussed. The fifth chapter deals with the thirty-two characteristics of
the Mahāpurisa.
I wish to take this opportunity of recording my deep sense of gratitude to all
who have given me very valuable suggestions and assistance in various ways.
ABBREVIATIONS
A ANguttara Nikāya.
AA ANguttara nikāya Atthakathā
Ap Apadāna.
ApA Apadāna Atthakathā
D Dīgha Nikāya
DA Dīgha Nikāya Atthakathā
Dh Dhammapada
M Majjhima Nikāya
MA Majjhima Nikāya Atthakathā
Mil Milindapañhā
MV Mahāvastu
S SaMyutta Nikāya
SA SaMyutta Nikāya Atthakathā
Sn Suttanipāta
Sn A Suttanipāta Atthakathā
