There
are three types of Buddha: Arahat Buddha, Pacceka Buddha, and Sammasambuddha.
All
three are born human with the highest virtue and supernormal wisdom, they
develop from being a Bodhisatta, develop spiritually over countless aeons, and
are motivated by compassion.
The
first is a disciple who perfects the Paramis over hundreds or thousands of
lives, achieves the pre-requisites for becoming an enlightened being, meets the
Buddha or a disciple, hears the teaching, grasps the teaching of the four Noble
Truths and becomes an Arahat.
The
second fulfils the 10 Paramis over two cycles, appears when the teachings are
lost and beings are living in ignorance, becomes enlightened on their own, and
lives in seclusion as a hermit.
The
third fulfils the 10 Paramis over three cycles, becomes supremely enlightened
by hearing and understanding the Dhamma from previous Buddhas, enlightens
others and makes significant impacts on world history.
