What is known about enlightenment before the lifetime of the Buddha? Are there any claims that he was the first? I am a non-Buddhist who is curious about Buddhism.
In modern times, Eckhart Tolle reports spontaneous awakening as a result of a sudden realisation that came out of intense suffering. As far as I am aware he was uninfluenced by Buddhism and underwent none of its training or techniques.
I understand that the Buddha sat under a tree &quot;until he was enlightened&quot;. This suggests to me that he knew of the phenomenon beforehand.
Are there any claims that he was the first to achieve this state? What, if anything, do we know historically of the phenomenon of enlightenment before the life of Buddha?
Good householder,
there had been serial Buddhas before our Gotama Buddha. In a world/cosmos-period there might appear a Samma-Sambuddha who is capable to point out the way out of suffering, Samsara. When there is no full self-awakened Buddha and the Dhamma (his teaching) is unknown, there may appear so called Paccekabuddhas (Privat-Buddhas), who, althought having found the way out by themselves, are not capable to teach the path in sufficient way for others. While a Samma-SamBuddha apears or his Dhamma through direct originated disciples (Sangha of recluses) is still alive in the world awakened people (Arahats) would just arise within his Sangha, join his fellowship, hold refuge into the heritage.
There might be such as the first stages of awakening without having come direct contact with the Tripple Gems, but such happens just for those who might have gained certain access in previous existances and in every case such &quot;reborn minor awakened&quot; would join the Sangha.
Paccekabuddhas would not appear as long as a Sublime Buddhas teaching is still alive.
Collection of text which provide ideas about &quot;our&quot; Sublime Buddhas life might be found here.
[Note that this isn't given for stacks, exchange or what ever world-binding trade but for an escape from this wheel.]