Significance of Ajnatakaundinya

Ajnatakaundinya is recognized as a significant disciple of Buddha in South Asia, known for being part of the five monks he sought to convert. He was the first among them to achieve enlightenment during Buddha's First Sermon. Ajnatakaundinya symbolizes the attainment of understanding and insight, earning a notable place among the earliest followers of Buddha's teachings. His name reflects the concept of "understanding the original limit," and he is believed to have made a vow to be the first to grasp the dharma across various lifetimes.

In Dutch: Ajnatakaundinya; In Finnish: Ajnatakaundinya; In Spanish: Ajnatakaundinya

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ajnatakaundinya'

Buddhism Books

Ajnatakaundinya is a pivotal figure in Buddhism, recognized as the first disciple to attain enlightenment, a vow-holder across lifetimes, and a key participant in the First Sermon, embodying deep understanding of the dharma.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) One of the Buddha's earliest disciples, noted for being the first to achieve enlightenment, whose name signifies 'understanding the original limit'.[1] (2) A key figure among the five bhikshus who first understood the teachings of the Tathagata and achieved enlightenment.[2]

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) One of the five monks who achieved understanding and insight during the First Sermon.[3] (2) A significant figure who made a vow long ago to be the first to learn the dharma and is revealed to be the same person across different lifetimes.[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

The concept of Ajnatakaundinya in local and regional sources

History Books

Ajnatakaundinya is a significant figure as one of Buddha's key disciples, recognized for his role among the five men Buddha sought to convert, highlighting his importance in early Buddhist teachings and the spread of Buddhism.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)

(1) A key disciple of Buddha, known for being part of the five men whom Buddha aimed to convert.[5]