Buddhist Philosophy - Essential Readings - Khamkoo Access

Ages ago, long before he was known as the Buddha, a young hermit named lay in the mud to serve as a living bridge for a passing Buddha. In that moment of profound humility, he did not merely wish for his own peace; he made a mighty resolve . While he could have crossed the "ocean of existence" alone into Nirvana, he chose instead to endure countless lifetimes of trial so he might eventually become a Buddha and redeem all of humanity.

For the next several eons, the being who would become the Buddha practiced —doing more than duty requires. He did not just learn the Ten Perfections (such as giving, morality, and patience); he "mastered them forwards and backwards". Buddhist Philosophy - Essential Readings - Khamkoo

Sumedha's story illustrates , a central pillar of this philosophy: Ages ago, long before he was known as