A Comparative Study of the Enlightenment of Concomitants by Birth of the Buddha

Abstract

This article contains  the following purposes;  to study the history and perfection-accumulating of  7 concomitants by birth of the Buddha and to study the practical way to get enlightenment of concomitants of the Buddha. The fingings were that the perfection accumulating of 7 concomitants;  Ananda Thera, Kaludayi Thera, Channa Thera, Yasodhara Theri, Kanthaka horse, Bodhi tree and 4 treasures are done through wish-resolution with purposive intention leading them to be the Noble One as the Buddha’s excellency and completed their concomitants with birth of the Buddha in their last life. Perfection-accumulating contains of 10 virtues; 1) giving, 2) morality, 3) renunciation, 4) wisdom, 5) effort, 6) forbearance, 7) truthfulness, 8) resolution, 9) loving-kindness, and 10) equanimity. There are 3 levels of these perfections; 1) ordinary,  2) middle, and 3) absolute perfection, totally called as 30 perfections. The practical way for enlightenment of concomitant disciples of the Buddha revealed that Ananda Thera, after having listened the Buddha’s teaching, had cultivated awareness in contemplation on body, Kaludayi Thera cultivated insight with contemplating on 3 influxes, Yasodhara Theri had developed tranquility at first and insight. The said 3 disciples finally gained enlightenment with extra qualifications; 3 knowledges, 4 discriminations, 8 liberations, 6 superknowledges. Channa Thera listened teaching of dependent origination which included in Dhammanupassana and then attained Arahantaship. Kanthaka horse after death had attained Sotapanna in the form of deity because of listening of the Buddha’s teaching. Buddhi tree and 4 treasures represented the sign of the complete perfections of the Buddha.