Shakyamuni's Ten
Major Disciples

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There were ten remarkably gifted men among Shakyamuni’s disciples who were renowned for their keen intelligence and virtue. Shariputra best understood the Buddha’s lectures, and was therefore known as the foremost in wisdom. Mahakashyapa was named foremost in ascetic practices because he cared little about food, clothing or shelter and could attain the most profound meditation. Ananda constantly attended to the Buddha’s needs and listened to more of the Buddha’s lectures than anyone else. He was therefore known to be foremost in hearing the Buddha’s teachings. Subhuti best understood the doctrine of Emptiness (non-substantiality; Jp. ku) and was therefore known to be foremost in his understanding of the concept of non-substantiality.

             Purna, a gifted lecturer, was known as the foremost in his ability to expound the Law. Maudgalyayana possessed extraordinary paranormal abilities and was therefore known as foremost in the occult. Katyayana excelled at refuting the non-Buddhist teachings, and was therefore known as foremost in debate. Aniruddha could see to the heart of any given matter and was therefore known as foremost in divine insight. Because Upali strictly followed the Buddha’s rules of conduct, he was known as foremost in keeping the precepts. Rahula devoted himself to observing the precepts and was known as foremost in inconspicuous practice. 

King Bimbisara donated the Bamboo Grove Monastery as an offering to the Buddha and asked him to instruct the people in his kingdom. There was also a very rich and profoundly devout merchant named Sudatta, who donated, among other things, the Jetavana Monastery. There were many others who became disciples and patrons after hearing Shakyamuni’s noble teachings. 
Circumstances Leading to the Founding of Jetavana Monastery

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