Significance of Chief disciple
The keyphrase "Chief disciple" encompasses various meanings across different traditions. In Buddhism, it often refers to prominent figures like Sariputta and Moggallana, recognized for their significant roles in disseminating the Buddha's teachings. These figures exemplify virtues and wisdom as leading monks. In Jainism, Chief disciple signifies essential followers of a teacher, while Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes main students pivotal in spreading doctrines. Likewise, in Vaishnavism and Purana, the term highlights important disciples like Shri Uddhava and the main follower of Vyasa.
In Dutch: Hoofddiscipel; In Finnish: Pääoppilas; In Spanish: Discípulo principal
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Chief disciple'
In Buddhism, the term "Chief disciple" primarily denotes Sariputta and Moggallana, the foremost followers of the Buddha, recognized for their significant roles in disseminating his teachings and guiding the monastic community.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Venerable Mahadevala, who is described as a principal follower of the Buddha and sought to join Him.[1] (2) Prominent disciples of Buddha Phussa, notably Prince Surakkhita and Dhammasena, who attained arahantship.[2] (3) The primary followers of Buddha Paduma, such as Sala Thera and Upasala Thera.[3] (4) A future disciple who may attain Enlightenment after fulfilling necessary conditions.[4] (5) The prominent disciples of the Buddha, specifically Venerable Sariputta and Venerable Maha Moggallana.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The primary followers of the Master, responsible for spreading teachings and guiding others back to wisdom.[6] (2) The two primary followers of the Buddha who were instrumental in educating the young Brethren and countering Devadatta’s influence.[7] (3) The primary followers or students of the Buddha, specifically referring to Sariputta and Moggallana in this context.[8] (4) The main followers of the Master who possess deep understanding and can convey spiritual teachings.[9] (5) The primary student or follower of a spiritual teacher, in this case referring to Sariputta, who plays a crucial role in the transmission of teachings.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A title attributed to Venerable Moggallana and Sariputta, signifying their importance in the Buddhist community.[11] (2) Refers to key followers of the Buddha, such as Venerable Sariputta, who play an important role in spreading his teachings.[12] (3) The primary followers of the Buddha who played a crucial role in disseminating his teachings.[13] (4) The principal disciples of the Buddha who accompanied him and were often present during his teachings.[14] (5) Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, who played a role in bringing back monks that Devadatta tried to lead away.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Refers to the two primary disciples of the Buddha, notable for their significant contributions and wisdom.[16] (2) The title given to the Venerable Sariputta, denoting his high status and full accomplishment in the teachings of the Buddha.[17] (3) The principal followers of each Buddha who support the teaching and dissemination of the Dharma.[18]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The highest-ranking followers of the teachings who have the capacity to recollect their past lives spanning incalculable ages and a hundred thousand eons.[19]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The principal and most trusted followers of the recluse Gotama, specifically mentioning Sariputta and Moggallana.[20]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The two brahmins who later became the primary followers and propagators of the Buddha's teachings.[21]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Refers to Sariputta and Moggallana, who were honored as the prime followers of the Buddha.[22]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A significant aspiration in the context of chanda, indicating a higher level of intention to learn and spread teachings of Buddhism.[23]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Sariputta and Moggallana, the two principal followers of Gotama who played essential roles in the early Buddhist community.[24]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Referring to the primary disciples of the Buddha, specifically Sariputta and Moggallana.[25]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The primary followers or students of the Buddha who play a significant role in the dissemination of his teachings.[26]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The title held by Iungs pa, the main follower of rgwa lo.[27] (2) Refers to the primary followers of a teacher or spiritual leader in the context of the text.[28] (3) A primary follower of a particular teacher or spiritual leader, in this context being the central figure in the teachings of 'gro mgon rin po che.[29] (4) The primary student or main follower of a spiritual or religious teacher, specifically the individual known as 'gro mgon in the context of the text.[30] (5) The principal follower or student of a master, in this case, referring to rje dgon gsar pa, who was the chief disciple of spa ri ba.[31]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The primary followers who support the Buddha and carry his teachings forward.[32] (2) Refers specifically to the foremost disciples such as Sariputta and Mahamoggallana, who were deeply associated with the Buddha.[33] (3) Nisabha, the main follower of the Glorious One Vipassi who played a significant role in Tisaranagamaniya's spiritual journey.[34] (4) Refers to Sariputta, who was recognized by the Buddha and held in high regard.[35] (5) The leading monk among Buddha Kassapa's followers, illustrating the bond between Subhadda and the monastic community.[36]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The principal followers of the Buddha, recognized for their deep understanding and commitment to his teachings.[37]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The prominent followers of Buddha Mangala, specifically named Sudeva and Dharmadeva.[38]
Hindu concept of 'Chief disciple'
In Hinduism, the Chief disciple signifies the foremost follower, exemplified by Shri Uddhava, underscoring spiritual hierarchy and reverence in the discipleship of figures like Vyasa and Shri Krishna.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The title given to Shri Uddhava signifying his preeminent position among the disciples of Shri Krishna.[39]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Refers to the main follower or student of Vyasa, highlighting the spiritual hierarchy and reverence among disciples.[40]
Jain concept of 'Chief disciple'
In Jainism, the Chief disciple is understood as the foremost follower of a teacher, crucial for spreading the teachings and knowledge of the tradition effectively among practitioners and the broader community.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The primary followers of a teacher, significant for the dissemination of knowledge within the tradition.[41]