Bryan G. Levman
31
Abstract
This is an examination of the thirty-two auspicious marks of
the Buddha with reference to various Pali and Sanskrit
texts. Most are simple lists of the characteristics of the
mahpurua, but three – the Pali Lakkaa Sutta in Pali and
the Lalita Vistara and G%’ Stras in Sanskrit –
offer a more extended description and attempt to explain the
origin and/or significance of the ". This paper
focuses on a section of the G%’ Stra (Book 39 of
the Avatamsaka Stra), which lists and frequently explains
the Buddhalakaas. The study introduces a new
translation of the passage from the original Sanskrit, and
compares its descriptions to other relevant Pali, Sanskrit
and Tibetan sources. In most cases the G%’ Stra
offers the most convincing explanation of the relevance
and/or origin of the lakaa.
Introduction
The origin of the M$!$ (‘great man’) concept in Hindu
mythology i" not known, but it is evidently very ancient, although
not fully developed until Buddhist times.
1
The m$!$
manifests either as a !%!# or a buddha depending on whether
he remains a "# – a householder – or a "’",a
renunciant or homeless monk.
2
The !%!# (‘wheel-roller’) is a
world-ruler, the wheels of whose chariot roll everywhere without
obstruction. Bharata was the first !%!# and there are
allegedly 11 more who followed him.
3
He conquers the land and
possesses the seven treasures of the wheel, elephant, horse, queen,
Bryan G. Levman
Canadian Journal of
Buddhist Studies,
Number One, 2005
© 2005
by Nalanda College
Buddhist studies
T B
$ $
# G
% %’ ’
S
# #! !
Research Essay