How Many Buddhas Are There? A Guide to the Buddhas in Buddhism

The word "Buddha" comes from the Sanskrit word, which means "to awaken." It refers to someone who has reached complete enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of birth and death. 

But here many people do not feel this—it's not just about one person. "Buddha" is a title, the state of awakening that anyone can achieve. 

Now, let’s dive in and explore all Buddhas honored across different Buddhist traditions.

Historical Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama

Siddharth Gautama, also known as Shakyamuni Buddha, is the most widely known and historical Buddha. He lived in the 5th to 6th century BC, in what is now Nepal.

You can also explore our Buddha Thangkas from Buddha's Art of Healing.

1. The 28 Historical Buddhas (Theravada Tradition)

According to Buddhavamsa, a Pali canon text, Theravada Buddhism recognizes 28 Buddhas who appeared in various world chakras (kalpas), each independently acquiring enlightenment and teaching religion to free religion.

List and Brief Explanation of Each:

1. Tanhankara: The first Buddha in the list, known for beginning the cycle of enlightenment.
2. Medhankara: A sage who inspired reflection and wisdom.
3. Saranankara: Taught renunciation and moral conduct.
4. Dipankara: Prophesied Gautama’s future Buddhahood; often depicted with a flaming lamp.
5. Kondanna: Introduced teachings of impermanence.
6. Mangala: Known for teachings on auspicious living.
7. Sumana: Emphasized the purity of mind.
8. Revata: Preached about detachment and monastic discipline.
9. Sobhita: Spread clarity and illumination in the Dharma.
10. Anomadassi: Focused on fearlessness and the path beyond suffering.
11. Paduma: Associated with the lotus of spiritual purity.
12. Narada: A great teacher who clarified the Noble Path.
13. Padumuttara: Known for making predictions about future Buddhas.
14. Sumedha: His name inspired Gautama's Bodhisattva name.
15. Sujata: Symbolized excellent birth and good karma.
16. Piyadassi: Means "pleasant to behold"; taught ethics and beauty in life.
17. Atthadassi: Embodied wisdom in daily living.
18. Dhammadassi: A seer of Dharma and truth.
19. Siddhattha: Predecessor to Tissa Buddha; taught the path of mindfulness.
20. Tissa: His teachings emphasized equanimity.
21. Phussa: Known for peaceful practices.
22. Vipassi: Practiced and taught insight meditation.
23. Sikhi: Brought forward compassion and discipline.
24. Vessabhu: His teachings emphasized self-realization.
25. Kakusandha: The first Buddha of the current Bhadda Kalpa.
26. Konagamana: Continued teachings of the Dharma in the current aeon.
27. Kassapa: Preceded Gautama; emphasized generosity and detachment.
28. Gautama: The historical Buddha who lived in the 6th century BCE and taught the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.

2. Maitreya: The Future Buddha

Maitreya Buddha is predicted to appear in the future when Siddhartha's teachings have completely faded. He will again find and teach religion, starting a new era of spiritual awakening.

Explore the Maitreya Thangka Collection

• Meaning of the name: “love-oppression”
• Presently Tushita lives in heaven.
• Hope is a symbol of hope, renewal, and compassion for future generations.

3. Celestial Buddhas (Mahayana Tradition)

Mahayana Buddhism introduces the celestial Buddhas that exist beyond our physical world. They preside over pure land and are invited to blessings and spiritual progress.

Notable Celestial Buddhas:

1. Amitabha (Amida): Buddha of Infinite Light; rules over the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati).
   
   
   Discover Amitabha Buddha Thangka Paintings 
   
2. Akshobhya: Buddha of the East; symbol of knowledge, like stability and a mirror.
3. Vairocana: The universal cosmic Buddha; central figure in many tantric mandalas.
4. Ratnasambhava: Buddha of the South; symbol of equality and abundance.
5. Amoghasiddhi: Buddha of the North; represents success and fearlessness.
   
   

4. The Five Dhyani Buddhas 

These are symbolic Buddhas found in Vajrayana Buddhism. They represent five aspects of enlightened consciousness and help transform negative emotions.

 

5. Tantric Buddhas (Vajrayāna Tradition)

In Vajrayana, or Tibetan Buddhism, the Tantric Buddhas are wrathful, peaceful, or semi-destructive manifestations of enlightened energy used in advanced meditation. These Buddhas help in rapid change and ultimate feeling.

Major Tantric Buddhas:

1. Vajradhara: The primordial Buddha, the source of all mechanisms.
   
   
2. Kalachakra: Time-wheel Buddha is associated with the cycles of time and cosmic change.
3. Samantabhadra: represents the union of emptiness and awareness; often shown in the Yab-Yum posture with the consort.
4. Hevajra: An angry tantric Buddha who cuts through confusion.
5. Heruka (Chakraamara): A terrible form symbolizing the union of joy and emptiness.
   
   

6. Symbolic & Philosophical Buddhas

Beyond named Buddhas, Buddhism recognizes archetypal or symbolic forms:

1. Adi-Buddha: The "Primordial Buddha," sometimes identified with Vajradhara or Samantabhadra, representing the original state of enlightenment.
   
2. Dharmakaya Buddha: The truth-body or ultimate reality; beyond form and comprehension.
   
3. Nirmanakaya: A manifestation body, such as Gautama Buddha.
   
4. Sambhogakaya: Enjoyment body; experienced in deep meditative states or Pure Lands.

These concepts come from the Trikaya (Three Body) doctrine in Mahayana/Vajrayana Buddhism.

Summary Table: Types of Buddhas in Buddhism

Conclusion

The concept of Buddha in Buddhism is vast and multifaceted. From the 28 historical Buddhas in Theravada texts to the infinite Buddhas of Mahayana cosmology, each plays a unique role in guiding sentient beings.

Whether you connect with Amitabha's radiant compassion or the fierce wisdom of Hevajra, understanding these forms deepens your appreciation for the boundless ways awakening can manifest.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How many Buddhas are there in total?

In Buddhism, there is not just one Buddha, but many Buddhas. Theravada Buddhism recognizes 28 historical Buddhas, including Siddhartha Gautama. Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism teach that there are countless Buddhas existing throughout infinite worlds and time. Thus, Buddhism sees Buddhahood as a universal potential, not limited to one person. 

2. What did Buddha say about suffering?

The Buddha taught that suffering (dukkha) is a fundamental part of existence, but it can be understood and overcome. Understanding suffering is the key to liberation. His teaching on suffering is summarized in the Four Noble Truths:

• Suffering exists in all conditioned life
• Suffering has a curse: craving, attachment, and ignorance
• Suffering can end by removing its cause
• The path to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path. 

3. Are all Buddhas human?

Not all Buddhas are human. While Shakyamuni Buddha was born as a human prince, Buddhism teaches that Buddhas can manifest in many forms: human, celestial, or even symbolic, depending on the need of sentient beings. Thus, while some Buddhas appear in human form to teach, their enlightened nature transcends human limitations. 

For more, explore our Buddhist deity thangkas collection and learn how thangkas represent these divine forms in visual meditation.

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