Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c14.884

v1.c14.884

Gotama is the name by which the Buddha is addressed by brahmins and others who are not his followers. In one place, at least, the Buddha is represented as addressing the Sākiyans as “Gotamā.”⁴ The Gotamagotta is classed among the higher gottas, together with such gottas as **Moggallāna**, **Kaccāyana** and **Vāseṭṭha**.⁵ According to the Theragāthā Commentary,⁶ the Buddha’s disciples (*e.g.*, in the case of **Vaṅgīsa**) were also called Gotama, even when they did not naturally belong to that clan. See also **Sakyā**.