Sāriputta – The Wisest Disciple of the Buddha and Master of Dhamma
Introduction
Among all the brilliant disciples of Gautama Buddha, Sāriputta (Sariputra) shines as the embodiment of wisdom (paññā). Revered as one of the Buddha’s two chief disciples, alongside Mahā Moggallāna, Sāriputta was not only a master of insight and logic but also a compassionate teacher who guided countless beings toward liberation.
The Buddha himself once said,
“Sāriputta is like a mother who gives birth, and Moggallāna is like the nurse who rears the child.”
Meaning, Sāriputta gave birth to wisdom in others through teaching, while Moggallāna nurtured them with guidance.
Early Life and Spiritual Quest
Sāriputta was born in the village of Upatissa, near Rajagaha (Rajgir), in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. His birth name was Upatissa, and his parents were Brahmins belonging to a respected family. From a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a contemplative nature.
His closest friend was Kolita, later known as Mahā Moggallāna. Both young men were unsatisfied with worldly life and longed for a deeper truth. They agreed that whoever first found the path to liberation would inform the other.
Their search led them to a wandering ascetic named Sañjaya Belatthaputta, under whom they studied for some time. However, realizing that Sañjaya’s teachings could not lead to ultimate freedom, they continued their quest — until one day, fate intervened.
Encounter with the Buddha’s Teaching
Sāriputta encountered Assaji, one of the Buddha’s earliest disciples, in Rajagaha. Impressed by his serene demeanor, Sāriputta approached him and asked what his master taught.
Assaji replied humbly,
“I am new to the teaching and cannot explain much. But this is the essence of the Master’s Dhamma:
Of all things that arise from a cause,
The Tathāgata has explained their cause,
And also their cessation —
Such is the teaching of the Great Recluse.”
Upon hearing these few lines, Sāriputta attained the first stage of enlightenment (Sotāpanna). He immediately went to his friend Moggallāna, who also attained the same realization upon hearing them. Together, they decided to meet the Buddha and were soon ordained as monks in the Sangha.
Sāriputta’s Enlightenment and Recognition
Under the direct guidance of the Buddha, Sāriputta quickly advanced in meditation and insight. Within two weeks of his ordination, he attained Arahantship, the state of complete liberation.
Recognizing his supreme understanding, the Buddha appointed him as one of his Chief Disciples (Aggasāvaka), declaring:
“Sāriputta is foremost among my disciples in great wisdom.”
From then on, Sāriputta became the Right-Hand Disciple of the Buddha, while Moggallāna served as the Left-Hand Disciple.
Master of Wisdom and the Dhamma
Sāriputta was known for his analytical clarity and teaching ability. He could explain complex doctrines in simple terms that anyone could understand. His mind was vast, calm, and profoundly intuitive, capable of grasping the subtlest truths of existence.
He was especially renowned for his understanding of Dependent Origination (Paṭicca-samuppāda) — the law of cause and effect that underlies all phenomena. His expositions formed the foundation for later Buddhist philosophical works like the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Some of his most celebrated discourses include:
- Sāriputta Sutta – on mindfulness and right understanding.
- Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta (Right View Discourse) – a deep explanation of the Buddha’s core doctrine.
- Dīghanakha Sutta – a powerful teaching on the impermanence of all views.
Through these, Sāriputta became known as Dhammasenāpati — the “General of the Dhamma,” for his role in spreading and defending the Buddha’s teachings.
Character and Compassion
Despite his towering intellect, Sāriputta was never arrogant. He treated even novice monks with respect, displaying deep humility. When a young monk corrected him once in a minor matter, Sāriputta thanked him sincerely — showing that true wisdom is inseparable from humility.
He was also renowned for his compassionate patience. He took great care of sick monks, cleaning their robes, feeding them, and offering comfort. Once, when he found a monk abandoned due to illness, he personally tended to him, saying,
“Whoever would attend to me should attend to the sick.”
This act of kindness deeply moved the Buddha, who praised Sāriputta as one who truly understood the Dhamma in spirit, not just in words.
Relationship with the Buddha
The Buddha and Sāriputta shared a deep spiritual bond, rooted in mutual respect. The Buddha often entrusted Sāriputta with the task of explaining difficult teachings to the monks and lay followers.
In turn, Sāriputta always revered the Buddha as the supreme teacher. He once declared:
“If one were to carry the Buddha on one shoulder and carry the Dhamma on the other, one could never repay even a fraction of his kindness.”
When the Buddha once asked him how many qualities a true teacher possesses, Sāriputta humbly replied,
“Venerable Sir, you are the one who knows and sees. It is not for me to speak.”
This humility reflected his reverence and wisdom.
Sāriputta’s Role in the Sangha
As General of the Dhamma, Sāriputta guided the Sangha with firmness and compassion. His instructions balanced logic and faith, discipline and kindness. He trained countless monks to become arahants and ensured that the Sangha functioned harmoniously.
He was also known for his ability to summarize the Buddha’s long discourses in concise, clear statements — a skill that helped preserve and transmit the teachings effectively.
Final Days and Parinirvana
Sāriputta’s passing was as serene as his life. Knowing that his time had come, he chose to return to his birthplace, Nalaka village, to visit his aged mother, who was still a Brahmin and not yet a follower of the Dhamma.
Before his final breath, Sāriputta preached to her with gentle compassion, and she too attained enlightenment. He then entered Parinirvana peacefully, lying on his right side in meditation, perfectly composed.
When news of his death reached the Buddha, he expressed both sorrow and admiration, saying:
“Sāriputta was my chief disciple, like the moon among stars. The Sangha feels empty without him.”
Teachings and Legacy
Sāriputta’s teachings are preserved in numerous suttas and remain central to Theravāda Buddhism. His wisdom balanced the Buddha’s compassion, making him a vital pillar of the early Sangha.
His key teachings emphasized:
- Right Understanding (Sammādiṭṭhi) – knowing reality as it truly is.
- The Middle Path – avoiding extremes of asceticism and indulgence.
- Dependent Origination – understanding the interdependence of all existence.
- Humility in Wisdom – true learning blossoms only through humility.
His analytical brilliance became the seed for the Abhidhamma tradition, the highest philosophical expression of Buddhist thought.
Sāriputta in Buddhist Tradition
In Theravāda Buddhism, Sāriputta is honored as the foremost in wisdom among all disciples. In Mahayana texts, he appears as a symbol of rational understanding and deep faith, often dialoguing with Bodhisattvas in scriptures like the Lotus Sutra.
In temples across Asia, statues of Sāriputta and Moggallāna often flank the Buddha’s image — representing wisdom and spiritual power, intellect and insight.
Conclusion
Sāriputta’s life is a testament to the transformative power of wisdom balanced with humility and compassion. Though he mastered the highest truths of existence, he remained gentle, kind, and devoted to service.
His sharp intellect never overshadowed his humanity; his enlightenment was marked not by detachment from life but by deep understanding of it.
As the General of the Dhamma, Sāriputta illuminated the path of wisdom for all who seek liberation. His legacy reminds us that true knowledge is not about knowing everything, but about seeing reality clearly, loving all beings deeply, and living with unwavering mindfulness.
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