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The ten principal disciples were the main disciples of Gautama Buddha. [1] Depending on the scripture, the disciples included in this group vary. In many Mahāyāna discourses, these ten disciples are mentioned, but in differing order.
It is known that prominent early Christians were aware of Buddha and some Buddhist stories. Saint Jerome (4th century AD) mentions the birth of the Buddha, who he says "was born from the side of a virgin."
The ten principal disciples were the main disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha. Depending on the scripture, the disciples included in this group vary. Vimalakirti Sutra includes; Śāriputra (Sanskrit), or Sāriputta (Pāli), is a top master of Wisdom. In Heart Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha preaches to him. Maudgalyayana.
- Shariputra. Śāripūtra was foremost in the development of wisdom (prajna).
- Maudgalyayana. Maudgalyāyana was formost in the development of supernatural powers.
- Mahākāśyapa. Mahākāśyapa was foremost in ascetic training. After the death of Shakyamuni Buddha, he led the First Buddhist council which codified the Buddha's teachings.
- Subhuti. In the Pali tradition, Subhuti is considered the disciple who was foremost in being "worthy of gifts" and "living remote and in peace". In the Sanskrit tradition, he is considered foremost in understanding emptiness (śūnyatā).
The Buddha was the first religious teacher who meant his message to be proclaimed to all humankind and who made a concrete effort to do this. The Buddha was the first religious Universalist. He told his first disciples to spread the Dharma far and wide.
Both Jesus and the Buddha made harsh demands on their disciples and instructed them to abandon thoughts of family, personal pleasure and security. Jesus and the Buddha spoke in parables to those followers who did not lose faith.
Our knowledge of the Buddha's disciples is primarily derived from scriptural sources, and the growth of the initial body of disciples is documented in the first part of an important vinaya text of the TheravĀda tradition called the Mahāvagga.
