Samyaksambuddha

Samyaksambuddha, sometimes rendered Sammāsambuddha, is a title in Buddhist literature for a fully awakened Buddha who discovers the path to liberation by his or her own insight and then teaches it to others without relying on a teacher. The term comes from Sanskrit and Pali roots: sammā meaning perfectly or wholly, and sambuddha meaning awakened or enlightened.

Role and characteristics: A Samyaksambuddha awakens under conditions of the world’s suffering, realizes the Four Noble Truths and dependent origination, and proclaims the entire path to liberation. They establish a complete system of ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom that can be taught to both monastic and lay followers. Their dispensation is said to be self-sustaining; after awakening, they teach extensively and leave a framework for others to practice and preserve the Dharma.

Distinction from other awakened beings: A Pacceka-buddha (solitary buddha) also attains enlightenment but does not teach the Dhamma widely. In contrast, a Samyaksambuddha awakens and then publicly disseminates the Dhamma to “all beings,” shaping the spiritual landscape of the world for a period of time.

Examples and cosmology: In Theravada Buddhism, the historical Gotama Buddha is regarded as a Samyaksambuddha. In Mahayana and later traditions, future Buddhas such as Maitreya are described as Sams or Sammāsambuddhas when they appear to teach anew. The concept emphasizes autonomous awakening and universal teaching, rather than dependence on a teacher.