Foremost in Wisdom: The Liberation Path of Venerable Śāriputra

Supreme in Wisdom: From an Outsider to a Disciple of the Buddha

Venerable Śāriputra, also known as Sariputta, was born into a Brahmin family in the ancient Indian kingdom of Magadha. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary wisdom and learning abilities, mastering various scriptures and sciences. Before meeting the Buddha, Śāriputra was a skeptic. Along with his close friend Maudgalyāyana (later known as "Foremost in Psychic Powers"), he studied under Sañjaya Belaṭṭhiputta. However, he was not fully satisfied with the teachings he had learned and was constantly searching for the ultimate truth.

One day, Śāriputra met the Buddha's disciple, Assaji (also known as Aśvajit), on the road. Śāriputra was deeply attracted by Assaji's dignified and serene demeanor and approached him to ask about his teachings. Assaji briefly explained the law of dependent origination taught by the Buddha: "Of all things that arise from a cause, the Tathāgata has told the cause; and of all things that cease, the great ascetic has likewise told the cause."

These few short sentences struck Śāriputra like a bolt of lightning, illuminating his mind. He instantly grasped the profound truth within them and developed immense faith in the Buddha's teachings. Subsequently, he and Maudgalyāyana took refuge in the Buddha, becoming two of his most capable disciples.

Foremost in Wisdom: Interpreter and Propagator of the Buddha's Teachings

Venerable Śāriputra was renowned as "Foremost in Wisdom," and for good reason. He not only had a deep understanding of the Buddha's teachings but was also skilled at using various expedient means to transmit profound principles in an easily understandable way. His clear thinking and eloquent speech enabled him to answer all kinds of difficult questions, earning him a very high reputation within the Sangha.

Venerable Śāriputra's contributions to the Dharma are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Interpretation of the Teachings: Venerable Śāriputra was able to explain the Dharma spoken by the Buddha in a more detailed and systematic way, making it easier for people to understand and grasp.
Leadership in the Sangha: Venerable Śāriputra was the Buddha's right-hand man and held a high leadership position in the Sangha. He assisted the Buddha in managing the Sangha, establishing precepts, and resolving internal issues.
Compilation of Scriptures: It is said that many important sutras, such as the Heart Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra, were requested from the Buddha by Venerable Śāriputra. In the Heart Sutra, it is to Venerable Śāriputra that Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva explains the doctrine of emptiness.

Founder of the Abhidharma: A Pioneer in Systematizing the Dharma

Another important contribution of Venerable Śāriputra to the Dharma was his foundational role in the development of the Abhidharma. The Abhidharma, meaning "higher Dharma" or "about the Dharma," is a systematic and theoretical exposition of the Buddha's teachings.

Venerable Śāriputra was skilled at summarizing, organizing, and analyzing the Buddha's teachings scattered throughout various scriptures, forming a complete theoretical system. This research method of his laid the foundation for the later development of Abhidharma studies. Therefore, Venerable Śāriputra is also considered a pioneer of the Abhidharma.

Humble and Diligent in Practice: Attaining Arhatship

Despite his supreme wisdom, Venerable Śāriputra was never arrogant. He always maintained a humble and cautious attitude, practiced diligently, and continuously improved his spiritual state. He had immense respect for the Buddha and was very friendly to his fellow practitioners.

Under the guidance of the Buddha, Venerable Śāriputra diligently practiced the three trainings of precepts, concentration, and wisdom, eventually attaining the fruit of Arhatship and becoming a completely liberated sage. His liberation was not only a testament to his own practice but also the best proof of the Buddha's teachings.

Entering Nirvāṇa Before the Buddha: A Demonstration of Impermanence

Venerable Śāriputra had a very close relationship with the Buddha, and his respect and love for the Buddha were evident. He had expressed many times his willingness to give everything for the Buddha, even his life.

Just before the Buddha was about to enter parinirvāṇa, Venerable Śāriputra requested to enter nirvāṇa first, as he could not bear to see the Buddha leave the world. The Buddha granted his request. Venerable Śāriputra returned to his hometown, gave his final teachings to his relatives and disciples, and then peacefully entered nirvāṇa.

Venerable Śāriputra's passing was the best interpretation of "impermanence." With his own life, he showed the world the brevity and impermanence of life, reminding people to cherish the present and practice diligently.

The Embodiment of Wisdom: An Eternal Inspiration

The life of Venerable Śāriputra was a perfect combination of wisdom and compassion. With his extraordinary wisdom, he profoundly understood and explained the Dharma, guiding countless beings towards liberation. With his humble and cautious attitude, he practiced diligently and eventually attained the holy fruit. With his infinite loyalty to the Buddha, he demonstrated the impermanence of life.

The story of Venerable Śāriputra is not only a precious treasure of Buddhist history but also a motivation for us to continuously learn and improve. His wisdom, compassion, and spirit of practice will forever illuminate our path forward. Let us learn from Venerable Śāriputra, to use wisdom as our guide and compassion as our driving force, to constantly explore and transcend on the journey of life, and ultimately to achieve the perfection and liberation of life.