Juudai deshi　十大弟子

KEY WORD :　 art history / iconography

Abbreviation of Shaka juudai deshi 釈迦十大弟子. The Ten Chief Disciples of the historical Buddha *Shaka 釈迦. Typically, they are depicted with shaved heads and wearing priest's robes. Each disciple is associated with pre-eminence in one power or gift: 1 Sharihotsu 舎利弗 (Pali: Sariputra) is associated with, wisdom: he expounded the law together with Shaka; 2 Makakashou 摩訶迦葉 (Pali: Kassapa), with discipline after Shaka died, he led the disciples in editing Shaka's teachings; 3 Mokkenren 目建連 (Pali: Moggallana), with supernatural powers. When his mother fell into the realm of hungry ghosts, he held services to send her soul to heaven; 4 Anaritsu 阿那律 (Sk: Aniruddha), insight: a cousin of Shaka, he took vows with Ananda, and although he lost use of his eyes, he was able to see the truth; 5 Shubodai 須菩提 (Sk: Subhuti), understanding the void: he frequently appears in Mahayama literature explaining the nature of immateriality; 6 Furuna 富楼那 (Sk: Purna), expounding Buddhist law or doctrine: he preached in the west despite the barbarous reputation of the people there; 7 Kasen'en 迦旃延 (Sk: Kaccana), understanding the fundamental principles of Buddhist law: he received initiation directly from Shaka; 8 Ubari 優婆離 (Sk: Upali), is associated with righteous conduct: although he originally worked as a lowly barber, he became Shaka's senior disciple; 9 Ragora 羅ご羅 (Sk: Rahula), religious observance: son of Shaka, when Shaka returned home, Ragora took the tonsure and became his father's youngest follower; and, 10 Ananda 阿難陀 (Sk: Ananda), is known for his memory: cousin of Shaka, he took care of Shaka for 25 years, and, after the master's death, edited Shaka's teachings into sutras based on his own recollections. Noteworthy Japanese examples of the Ten Chief Disciples include: a set of dry-lacquered kanshitsu 乾漆 images in Koufukuji 興福寺 (734), Nara, and a set of wooden sculptures in Daihouonji 大報恩寺, Kyoto, made by Kaikei 快慶 (active early 13c). Among graphic examples, Munakata Shikou's 棟方志功 (1903-75) prints of 1939 provide a modern rendering of the theme. The Ten Chief Disciples are typically shown as monks, with shaved heads and monk's robes, and with Indian features.

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