Ancient Buddhist writings containing the following description of Śākyamuni may be accepted as typical of the rumors that were spread about him during his lifetime.

“The following is the reputation of this Gotama: Worshipful, All Wise, Perfectly Enlightened in Conduct, Well Departed, Understander of the World, Peerless Leader, Controller, Teacher of Gods and Men, the Buddha, and the World-honored One. He has himself been enlightened and teaches his knowledge to all sentient beings, including gods, demons, and ordinary mortals, as well as samanas and Brahmans. He teaches the well-ordered, formally expressed Law that is excellent in the beginning, excellent in the middle, and excellent in the end. He makes clear the perfect, indispensable, pure discipline of the Buddhist way. Thus, it is very good to associate with such a noble man.”