Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.456

v2.c29.456

1. Buddha.—A generic name, an appellative—but not a proper name—given to one who has attained Enlightenment¹; a man superior to all other beings, human and divine, by his knowledge of the Truth (Dhamma). The texts mention two kinds of Buddha: viz., Pacceka Buddhas (q.v.)—i.e., Buddhas who also attain to complete Enlightenment but do not preach the way of deliverance to the world; and Sammāsambuddhas, who are omniscient and are teachers of Nibbāna (Satthāro). The Commentaries, however,² make mention of four classes of Buddha: Sabaññu-Buddha, Pacceka-Buddha, Catusacca-Buddha and Suta-Buddha. All arahants (khīṇasavā) are called Catusacca-Buddha and all learned men Bahussuta-Buddha. A Pacceka-Buddha practises the ten perfections (pāramitā) for two asaṅkheyyas and one hundred thousand kappas, a Sabaññu Buddha practises it for one hundred thousand kappas and four or eight or sixteen asaṅkheyyas, as the case may be (see below).