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Shariputra
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Shariputra

disciple of the Buddha
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Also known as: Sariputta
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Article History
Quick Facts
Pali:
Sariputta
Given name:
Upatissa
Also Known As:
Sariputta
Notable Works:
“Niddesa”
See all related content

Shariputra, was a Brahman ascetic and famous early disciple of the Buddha. Shariputra first heard of the Buddha and his new teaching from Assaji, one of the original 60 disciples. Quickly achieving enlightenment, he developed a reputation as a master of the Abhidhamma (scholastic writings about the nature of reality). His disciples included Ananda, the Buddha’s personal attendant; Rahula, the Buddha’s son; and Moggallana. The Niddesa (“Exposition”) is attributed to him; its two parts give a philological exegesis of the last two (fourth and fifth) sections of the Suttanipata. He is said to have died shortly before the Buddha, and his relics were taken to Savatthi.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.