ASSAJI
Contents
. Introduction
. Birth and Early Living
. Enlightenment
. Conclusion
Introduction
Assaji was one of the five monks the others being Bhadiya, Kondanna, Mahanama and Vappa who were the first batch of Buddha’s disciples after he became enlightened. It was due to his teachings and advice that Sariputra and Moggallana became Buddha’s disciples.
Birth and Early Living
Assaji was born into a Brahmin family and his father was one of the scholars who were present after Siddhartha Gautama’s birth to predict his future in the court of King Shudhodhana of the Shakya Empire in Kapilavastu. All the five monks were Gautama’s friends and when he decided to leave home in search of truth, all of them joined him. After Buddha became enlightened he sought them out and taught them the way of the Dhamma and all five of them attained Sainthood.
Enlightenment
They then formed the first Sangha and Assaji began preaching to the other disciples being one of the senior most disciples of the Sangha. Among the five monks it is said that he was the last to attain sainthood and the Buddha lovingly and patiently guided him on the path.
Conclusion
Assaji was known for his humility and compassion and when Buddha’s chief disciples Sariputta and Moggallana approached him he gave a brief gist of the Buddhist doctrines but such was his greatness and spiritual glory that both the disciples realised that Buddha’s path was the true path of seeking the truth and rushed to Buddha’s monastery. This reflects on the exalted levels of spiritual heights that Assaji existed in due to which he was able to transmit that power and knowledge to Sariputta and Moggallana. He was an embodiment of wisdom and purity and reflected the greatness of his Master, the Buddha.
