A Study of the Way to be a Foremost Disciple (Etadagga) for Great Wisdom in Theravāda Buddhism: A Case Study of Venerable Sāriputta Thera

Name: Pannananda

keyword: Foremost Disciple (Etadagga)

; Great Wisdom

; Venerable Sāriputta Thera

Abstract: This research has three objectives as follows: (1) To study the foremost disciple (etadagga) in Theravāda Buddhist Scriptures; (2) To study Venerable Sāriputta Thera's history, life, and wisdom; and (3) To study the way to be a foremost disciple (etadagga) for Great Wisdom of Venerable Sāriputta Thera in Theravāda Buddhism, with special reference to Venerable Sāriputta Thera. This study is qualitative and based on a documentary research model. The sources of data include primary Pāḷi canonical texts, commentaries (Aṭṭhakathā), sub-commentaries (ṭīkā), and scholarly secondary works. Research tools include textual analysis, comparative interpretation, and thematic synthesis. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative methods, particularly hermeneutic and content analysis, to extract doctrinal, ethical, and pedagogical insights relevant to the research objectives. The results of the research found that: (1) The concept of etadagga represents the Buddha’s official recognition of disciples who excel in particular spiritual qualities, such as wisdom, virtue, or supernatural power. This status is based on both accumulated merit from past lives and present-life cultivation, as reflected in canonical classifications. (2) Venerable Sāriputta Thera, honored as etadagga paññāya (foremost in wisdom), embodied the highest degree of analytical clarity, moral discipline, and compassionate instruction. His life reflects a synthesis of doctrinal mastery, humility, meditative depth, and selfless service, making him an exemplary model of spiritual leadership in the early Buddhist Saṅgha. (3) The path to becoming etadagga involves kamma determination, fulfillment of pāramī (perfections), association with a qualified teacher (Satthā), and continuous refinement through ethical training, meditative insight, and wisdom development. Venerable Sāriputta’s method of structured teaching, his role as Dhammasenāpati (General of the Dhamma), and his unwavering devotion to the Buddha illustrate the holistic integration of wisdom and leadership. This research concludes that venerable Sāriputta's spiritual journey offers an enduring paradigm for ethical leadership and Dhamma transmission in both monastic and lay contexts. His humility, clarity, and doctrinal excellence continue to serve as a vital model for Buddhist education, moral training, and community development in contemporary Theravāda Buddhism.

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Central Library

Address: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Email: library@mcu.ac.th

Name: Sanu Mahatthanadull

Role: อาจารย์ที่ปรึกษา

Name: Ven. Neminda

Role: อาจารย์ที่ปรึกษา

Created: 2568

Modified: 2025-09-23

Issued: 2025-09-23

วิทยานิพนธ์/Thesis

application/pdf

eng

DegreeName: Master of Arts Degrees

Level: Master's Degree

Descipline: Buddhist Studies

Grantor: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

©copyrights Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

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