[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Dictionary of Pali Proper Names](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937) › v2.c29.506 # Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.506 Dictionary of Pāli Proper Names v2.c29.506 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c29.506](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c29.506) The typical career of a Buddha is illustrated in the life of Gotama (q.v.). He renounces the world only after the birth of a son. This, the Commentary explains,³⁶ is to prevent him from being taken for other than a human being. He sees the four omens before his Renunciation: an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a recluse. Some Buddhas see all four on the same day, others, like Vipassī, at long intervals.³⁷ On the night before the Enlightenment, the Bodhisatta dreams five dreams.³⁸ After the Enlightenment the Buddha does not preach till asked to do so by Mahā Brahmā. This is on order that the world may pay greater attention to the Buddha and his teaching.³⁹ A Buddha generally travels from the Bodhi-tree to Isipatana for his first sermon, through the air, but Gotama went on foot because he wished to meet Upaka on the way.⁴⁰ - [Previous: v2.c29.505](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c29.505) - [Next: v2.c29.507](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c29.507) - [Up: v2.c29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c29) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c29.506](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c29.506) · Pramāṇa