Shakyamuni Buddha With Disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana: Symbolism, Meaning, and Spiritual Significance

Throughout centuries and cultures, the depiction of the Buddha with his two chief disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, has been renowned as a visual teaching on devotion, discipline, and the transmission of the Dharma. Shariputra, with his deep insight, and Maudgalyayana, with his remarkable powers of meditation, are embodiments of the teaching of Buddha in life. Together, the trio signifies wisdom, practice, and realization since they are the pillars of the Buddhist Teachings.

In this blog, we will explore the symbolism, meaning, and spiritual significance of the sacred representations in Buddhist art, Shakyamuni Buddha with His two chief disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. This triad is a deep symbolism of the role of the Buddha as the enlightened teacher, surrounded by the two great sons of the Dharma, who are examples of how to be wise and a spiritual master. Their presence beside the Buddha reflects the living relationship between teacher and disciple, and the sacred continuity of the teachings. Across Stupas, statues, and thangkas, it is a timeless image that is a reminder of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the powerful path of guidance he offered to all beings. This depiction inspires practitioners and artists even today.

The Great Master, Shakyamuni Buddha

The Guru and disciple relationship is one of the most essential foundations of all Buddhist traditions. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the role of the Guru is clearly defined, and it is the essential core of the tradition. The Guru is the one who realizes awakened wisdom and compassion, guiding the disciple through personal example, direct transmission, and lineage blessings. In Vajrayana, it is said that profound teachings cannot be realized through intellect alone, they must be received through a living connection with a teacher who has walked the path and can illuminate its delicateness.

The significance of this sacred bond goes back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha himself. As the Great Master, the Buddha offered teachings to his disciples, creating a deep Guru-disciple relationship with his disciples, such as Shariputra, Maudgalyayana, Ananda, and many others. Their dedication and afterwards transformation reflect the Dharma's nature as a dynamic process, which is a living tradition, passed down from master to disciple through the cultivation of faith, instruction, and individual understanding. 

In the Mahayana tradition, the concept of the Guru represents the kalyāṇa-mitra, or "Noble Friend." The person who is a compassionate guide, and their presence helps the practitioner keep focused on the Six Paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. A Guru, or Noble Friend, serves as a bridge, taking individuals from a state of confusion to a place of awareness. 

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The Two Chief Disciples 

Shariputra and Maudgalyayana are depicted in Buddhist art as the two disciples who accompany the Buddha, and they have complementary roles as teachers. Shariputra, standing on the right side beside Shakyamuni Buddha, is famous for discipline and education, whereas Maudgalyayana, standing on the left side of Shakyamuni Buddha, is famous for magical attainments and flying in the sky.

Shariputra: The Wisdom Incarnate

Shariputra is one of the chief disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha, known for his profound wisdom and discipline. His personal name was Upatissa in his village, and he was the eldest son of a prominent family. His village name was Nalaka. His father was a Brahmin named Vanganta (or Tisya), and his mother, named Sari, was the source of his renowned name, Shariputra, or "Son of Sari." In Sanskrit texts, his name appears in various forms such as Sariputra, Saliputra, and Sarisuta, each representing his admired lineage.

Shariputra's early childhood revealed his extraordinary intelligence. By the time he was eight, he could recite eighteen different spiritual books. This ability showed his remarkable memory and also a deep understanding of spiritual teachings. His exceptional skills as a scholar and meditator guided him to become one of the Buddha's closest disciples, and he played a significant role in the early spread of Buddhism. Shariputra, a figure known for his clarity and profound understanding, was a foundation of the Buddhist community. He offered guidance to others through his insightful teachings and interpretations of the Dharma.

Shariputra's wisdom was not just study-based but also from his own experience. He demonstrated the principles of awareness, understanding, and self-control, becoming a guiding light of enlightenment for people who followed the Buddha's teachings. Shariputra's dedication and intellectual clarity contributed to his recognition as one of the Buddha's two main followers, with Maudgalyayana. This position made him a key role in preserving and sharing the Buddha's teachings. 

Maudgalyayana: The Master of Miraculous Powers

Maudgalyayana, also known as Kolita by his birth name, was one of the Buddha's two chief disciples, alongside Shariputra. The Buddha recognized him for his extraordinary supernatural abilities, making him a major practitioner of miraculous powers. Maudgalyayana was born a Brahman in the kingdom of Magadha, which is near Rajagriha, India. He and his lifelong friend Shariputra went on a spiritual journey that eventually led them to Buddhism. Before following the Buddha, both were disciples of Sanjaya Belatthiputta, an influential non-Buddhist philosopher who represented one of the six major philosophical schools of the time. However, after encountering the Buddha's teachings, Maudgalyayana and Shariputra, along with 250 of their followers, joined the Buddha’s monastic community, becoming central figures in the early Sangha.

Maudgalyayana is often known in Buddhist scriptures for his mastery of siddhis and the supernatural powers that allowed him to perform extraordinary acts. These powers, which vary from the ability to walk on water and the ability to see into the past and future, make him one of the most spiritually advanced monks in the Buddha’s circle. His abilities helped him as a teaching tool, showing him the way to demonstrate the potential of enlightenment and the effectiveness of the Buddha's path. He was also instrumental in reuniting the monastic community after the disruptive actions of Devadatta, further cementing his role as a central figure in early Buddhist history.

Maudgalyayana’s legacy as a wise, powerful, and compassionate disciple remains central to the teachings of Buddhism, with his life and powers still inspiring monks and lay practitioners alike.

The Journey of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana: From Seekers to Chief Disciples of the Buddha

The story of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana’s journey to becoming the chief disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha is one of profound spiritual awakening and dedication. These two childhood friends, both searching for spiritual truth from a young age, eventually found their way to the Buddha after following different teachers. Their paths to enlightenment were connected, and it was their passionate dedication to the Buddha’s teachings that guided them to become the two foremost disciples in the Buddha’s Sangha.

Shariputra had been on a long spiritual journey before he met Aśvajit, a monk who introduced him to the teachings of the Buddha. Shariputra was deeply moved by the monk’s serene demeanor and the profound wisdom in his teachings. Curious to know more, Shariputra inquired about his teacher and the teachings he followed. Aśvajit, upon hearing Shariputra’s earnest questions, spoke of the Buddha, calling him "the Great Recluse, the scion of the Sakyas" and shared a core teaching of the Buddha: "Of those dharmas which arise from a cause, the Tathāgata has stated the cause, and also the cessation." This teaching touched Shariputra deeply, and he immediately sought out his childhood friend Maudgalyayana, and together, they embarked on the journey to meet the Buddha and seek ordination under him. 

The Enlightenment of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana: Becoming the Buddha’s Pillars

Once Shariputra and Maudgalyayana were ordained by the Buddha, their commitment to his teachings and the path of enlightenment became unwavering. Within two weeks of ordination, Shariputra attained the state of Arhat, gaining profound insight into the Four Noble Truths and the nature of suffering. As the chief disciple, Shariputra took on leadership within the Sangha, guiding other monks, assigning objects of meditation, and helping clarify the Buddha’s teachings. He was the first disciple to be entrusted with the power to ordain other monks, solidifying his crucial role in preserving and transmitting the Buddha's teachings.

Maudgalyayana, on the other hand, was known for his supernatural powers, or siddhis. He was praised by the Buddha for his abilities and was considered the greatest of the Buddha's disciples in terms of miraculous powers. Maudgalyayana’s role in the Sangha extended beyond his spiritual abilities; he was often called upon to use his powers to help solve disputes or issues within the monastic community. Together, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana formed a dynamic and powerful duo, leading the Buddha’s teachings and ensuring their proper transmission to the next generations.

The Death and Legacy of the Chief Disciples

The lives of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana were as remarkable as their teachings. While Shariputra passed away peacefully at the age of eighty in his hometown, Rājagaha, his death marked the end of an era for the Buddha’s closest disciples. His relics were gathered by his brother and fellow monk, Cunda, and brought to the Buddha in Savatthi, where the Buddha ordered them to be enshrined in a stupa at the Jetavana monastery, ensuring that Shariputra’s teachings would live on.

Maudgalyayana, unlike Shariputra, met a tragic end. He was killed at the age of eighty-four by a rival sect, which was a direct result of the karmic retribution from his previous life. Despite this violent death, Maudgalyayana’s legacy lived on in the profound impact he had on the monastic community. The Buddha’s teachings on karma and the impermanence of life became even more tangible through Maudgalyayana’s death. His relics were enshrined in stupas in various locations, including Mathura, and were the subject of devotion for many generations to come.

Conclusion

The journey of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, from spiritual seekers to becoming the chief disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha, is a story of dedication, transformation, and spiritual leadership. Their unwavering commitment to the Buddha’s teachings and their deep understanding of the Dharma made them indispensable pillars in the early Buddhist Sangha. Shariputra’s profound wisdom and Maudgalyayana’s supernatural powers were key in ensuring the preservation and transmission of the Buddha's teachings. Their respective lives and deaths serve as an enduring reminder of the impermanence of life and the transformative power of enlightenment.

Their legacy, captured in Buddhist art and scripture, continues to inspire practitioners around the world, offering insight into the importance of both wisdom and spiritual power in the journey toward liberation. Through their lives, the unbroken chain of Dharma transmission is solidified, and their story remains a beacon for all those seeking to understand the profound path of the Buddha.

Shariputra and Maudgalyayana exemplify the essential qualities of a true disciple wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication, and their stories remind us of the profound impact that a true Guru-disciple relationship can have on the path to enlightenment. Their continued reverence and the preservation of their teachings show that their spiritual contributions remain as relevant today as they were in the time of the Buddha.

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