Citta
Upāsaka Citta was a prominent male lay disciple of the Buddha, alongside Hatthaka of Alavi, and is recognized as the foremost among lay followers in teaching the Dharma. A wealthy merchant from Savatthi, Citta achieved the status of an Anāgāmi (Non-Returner) and demonstrated a profound understanding of Buddhist teachings through his own practice and enlightened experience.
Key Facts
- ›Considered the chief male lay disciple of the Buddha, foremost in teaching the Dharma.
- ›A wealthy merchant from the city of Savatthi.
- ›Achieved the spiritual attainment of an AnāgāMI (Non-Returner).
- ›The Buddha regarded him as the most learned and lucid of all lay Dhamma teachers.
- ›Converted five hundred citizens of Savatthi to Buddhism.
- ›Served as a model for devoted lay disciples, alongside Hatthaka.
Important Relationships
- The Buddha
- Hatthaka of Alavi
- Nigantha Nataputta (Mahavira)
- Sāriputta
- Mahāmoggallāna
Savatthi
the Buddha
Pali
Lay Vows
Eminent Disciple
About Citta
Upāsaka Citta
Upāsaka Citta (Sanskrit: Citra) was a highly esteemed male lay disciple of the Buddha, renowned for his exceptional ability to teach the Dharma. He was a wealthy merchant residing in Savatthi, and his spiritual purity was such that it was said he could have become a universal monarch near his death, a temporal wish he declined.
Spiritual Attainment and Teaching
The Buddha himself recognized Citta as the foremost among lay disciples in teaching the Dhamma, deeming him the most learned and lucid. Citta achieved the profound spiritual stage of an Anāgāmi, or 'Non-Returner,' indicating his imminent attainment of final liberation. His understanding of the Buddha's teachings was so deep that he could discern subtle aspects of the Dhamma from his own meditative experience, even engaging with concepts like concentration free from deliberation.
Model for Devotees
Citta's exemplary life and teachings made him a significant figure in early Buddhist communities. Early Buddhist texts, such as the Saṃyutta Nikāya, present him and Hatthaka of Alavi as models for devoted lay followers. The Buddha encouraged lay disciples to aspire to be like them, just as devoted monks were encouraged to emulate Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna. The Citta Saṃyutta, a collection of instructive discourses, further illustrates his profound grasp of the Dhamma through his interactions and personal insights.
Contributions to the Sangha
Citta actively spread the Buddha's teachings within his community, converting five hundred citizens of Savatthi. He facilitated their engagement with the Buddha's teachings by taking them to visit the monastic community. His role as a lay Dhamma teacher underscores the importance of lay practitioners in the dissemination and understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Upāsaka Citta?
Upāsaka Citta was a prominent male lay disciple of the Buddha, renowned for his exceptional ability to teach the Dharma. He was a wealthy merchant from Savatthi and is considered a model for lay followers.
What spiritual attainment did Citta achieve?
Citta achieved the status of an Anāgāmi, which translates to a Non-Returner. This signifies a highly advanced stage of spiritual development within Buddhism.
How did Citta demonstrate his understanding of the Dharma?
Citta demonstrated his profound grasp of the Dharma through his own direct experience, particularly in practicing the jhanas (meditative states). He was able to teach and explain the Buddha's teachings with great clarity and insight.
What was Citta's role in relation to other lay disciples and monks?
The Buddha designated Citta and Hatthaka as models for devoted lay disciples to aspire to. For monks, the models were Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna, establishing distinct standards for both lay and monastic practitioners.
What is the significance of the Citta Saṃyutta?
The Citta Saṃyutta is a collection of ten instructive discourses in the Tipitaka. These discourses highlight Citta's deep engagement with Buddhist teachings, featuring questions he posed to monks and queries directed at him by monks, as well as accounts of personal events.
Related Buddhists
Aśvajit
Aśvajit was one of the first five arhants, or enlightened disciples, of Gautama Buddha. He is particularly known for his role in converting Śāriputra and Maudgalyāyana, who became the Buddha's chief male disciples. Aśvajit lived in northern India during the 6th century BCE.
Ānanda
Ānanda was a principal attendant and one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha, renowned for his exceptional memory. He is credited with recalling and reciting the Buddha's teachings, forming the basis of the Sutta-Piṭaka, and is thus known as the Treasurer of the Dhamma. Ānanda also played a significant role in the establishment of the order of bhikkhunīs (female monastics).
Chandaka
Chandaka, also known as Channa, was a royal servant and head charioteer to Prince Siddhartha, who would become the Buddha. He played a crucial role in Siddhartha's encounters with the Four Sights, which prompted his renunciation of worldly life. Later, Chandaka became a Buddhist monk himself and achieved the status of an arahant.