The Cloud of Witnesses

Born to the Shakya clan in Lumbini. Husband of Yashodhara, father of Rahula. Left the palace at twenty-nine after the four sights — old age, sickness, death, and the wandering ascetic. Six years of austerity in the forest, then awakening under the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya on the full moon of Vaisakha. Taught for forty-five years. Died at Kushinagar between two sal trees.

Cousin of the Buddha and his attendant for the last twenty-five years of his life. The one with the perfect memory; he heard every sutta. Recited the Buddha's teachings at the First Council at Rajagriha after the Parinirvana — "Thus have I heard." Pressed for the women's ordination on Mahapajapati's behalf.

Tibetan yogi of the Kagyu lineage. As a young man, learned black magic at his mother's command and killed thirty-five at his cousin's wedding feast. Walked to Marpa the Translator and was broken by the master — three towers built and torn down — before receiving the Mahamudra teachings and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Lived in caves on nettles. Sang the Hundred Thousand Songs.