The Buddha's True Name: Myth, Legend, and History

Despite countless Buddhist stories and legends, the question of what the Buddha's true name was before he became enlightened is a subject shrouded in mystery. Historical records, the earliest of which date back less than a millennium from the time of the Buddha, fail to provide us with a definitive answer.

Historical Context and Textual Analysis

The journey to uncover the Buddha's true name begins with the understanding that history, as we know it, is largely defined by written records. In India, the earliest known writing dates to the mid-3rd century BCE, yet the earliest surviving Pāli text is from the 5th century CE. Manuscripts found in Gandhāra from the first century CE, though existing, already included Mahāyāna texts.

It is in these later texts, written perhaps 1000 years after the events allegedly took place, that we find the earliest mention of the Buddha. According to these mythological accounts, the Buddha is portrayed as a thoroughly supernatural being, god-like or an actual god. The actual name of the Buddha, if he had one, is lost to time.

The Ariyapariyesana Sutta

A milestone in the understanding of the Buddha's name is the Ariyapariyesana Sutta (MN 26). This text, which is part of the early Buddhist canon, reveals that shortly after his enlightenment, the Buddha instructed his followers not to call him by his name or use terms like 'friend'. Instead, he was to be referred to as 'tathāgata'

“Bhikkhus, do not address the Tathāgata by name or by calling him ‘friend’. The Tathāgata is an arahant, an exalted one, a perfected Buddha.” — SuttaCentral

Mythological References and Early References

In the myths, the Buddha is often referred to as Gotama, "the supreme cow," a name reserved for the highest Brahmins. This was likely due to his mother, Māyā Gotamī, who was herself a Brahmin or at least bore a Brahmin name. 'Māyā' means 'creatrix,' and she was said to have a sister named Prajāpatī, or 'Lady of Beings,' who was a feminine version of what some Brahmins called their god.

Brahmin Influences

Later texts, like the Mahāvastu and the Lalitavistara, introduce the names Siddhārtha and Sarvārthasiddhi. Siddhārtha means "his purpose is accomplished," a name that echoes the religious duty of Brahmin men to have a son who accomplishes his purpose. Despite these names appearing in later hagiographies, they do not seem to have been used by the early Buddhists.

Pāli Texts and Sanskrit

The names mentioned in Pāli texts, such as Siddhāttha, are not found there. Pāli is an artificial language that was created centuries later, and at the time of the Buddha, it would not have been used. Brahmins were the only ones who used Sanskrit, and thus, the name Siddhāttha Gotama is unlikely to be the true name of the Buddha.

Conclusion

Given the absence of specific textual evidence and the mythological nature of early references, it is safe to conclude that the Buddha's 'real name' remains unknown. The name he was called in historical and religious texts is not necessarily a reflection of his true identity.

Further Reading

SuttaCentral - Ariyapariyesana Sutta (MN 26) The Mahāvastu The Lalitavistara

Understanding the Buddha's name is not just an academic exercise; it is a window into the cultural and religious world of early Buddhism. While we may never know his true name, the quest to uncover the truth is a fascinating journey through history and legend.