The Characteristics of Paccekabuddhas in Apadāna Literature : หน้า 65/141

In the Apadāna literature, besides the life history of the Buddha and his disciples, a section is devoted to a depiction of the characteristics of Paccekabuddhas. This - section is entitled 'Paccekabuddhāpadāna.' At verse 52 of the section, there is a mention of 'dhammakāyā' in relation to Paccekabuddhas: Mahantadamma bahuddhammakāyā, cittissarā sabbadukkhogatinnā; udaggacitṭā paramatthadassī, sihopamā khaggavisānakappā. Ap.I.13. (The Paccekabuddhas) whose dhamma(s) is great, having many dhammas as body (or having many dhamma-bodies), whose mind is independent (without attachment), have crossed beyond the flood of all sufferings, delighted minded, the seers of supreme welfare, comparable to siha (the king of forest), and the horn of a rhinoceros. In this verse, many words seem to carry various connotations in themselves. The term 'mahantadamma' is a bahubbi hi compound meaning 'whose dhammas are great,' qualifying 'Paccekabuddhas' To consider what is meant by the term dhamma(s) in this compound, it is helpful to look at the preceding verses of the same story. Immediately preceding the verse in question, two other verses refer to Paccekabuddhas in general as follows: 98 Visuddhasīla suvisuddhapāṇñaṃ samāhita jāgariyānyutṭā Vipassakā dhammavisesadassi maggaṅabojjhaṅgagate vijāñña. Puññappanidhiṅ (sunnātāpanihitā) ca tāthānimittaṃ asevayitvā Jinasānamhi ye sāvakattam na vajanti dhīrā bhavanti paccekajina savambhū. They whose virtue and wisdom are supremely purified, composed minded, vigilant, gifted with introspection, the seers of superior dhammas, cognizing dhammas included in path-constituents and elements of enlightenment. The wise, having cultivated three deliverances, do not proceed to discipleship in the Buddha's teaching, [but] become Paccekabuddhas, the self-enlightened. 98 Ap.I.13.