Budhas

Budhas is a plural form that appears in some English-language texts to refer to multiple Buddhas, the enlightened beings in Buddhism. In modern standard English, the plural most commonly used is Buddhas, but Budhas can be found in older or more literal transliterations of Sanskrit sources.

Etymology and usage notes: Budha is a Sanskrit term meaning an awakened or enlightened one. When rendered into English, different transliteration practices produce variants, and Budhas is one such form. In contemporary scholarship and popular writing, Buddhas is generally preferred for clarity and consistency with the root word Buddha. In some contexts, Budhas may be encountered in translations aiming to preserve an older or more philological style.

Distinction from related terms: Budha is also the name of a planetary deity associated with Mercury in Hindu astrology, as well as a term used in some Hindu and Jain traditions. These senses are distinct from Buddha, the awakened one in Buddhism. Readers should use context to determine whether Budhas refers to multiple Buddhas or to a different, separate term.

Context and usage: When discussing the historical Buddha and other enlightened figures within various Buddhist traditions, scholars typically use Buddhas. The plural Budhas remains rare and is largely a matter of transliteration choice rather than a standard term across Buddhist literature. For most readers, Buddhas is the preferred plural form, with Budhas appearing mainly in specialized or older texts.