Devadatta
Buddhist monk·Male·5th century BC
Devadatta was a Buddhist monk, cousin, and brother-in-law to Gautama Siddhartha. Traditionally depicted as an antagonist, he is known for attempting to create a schism within the early Buddhist sangha and for his rivalry with the Buddha. However, Mahayana traditions, such as the Lotus Sutra, portray him as a significant figure who aided the Buddha's spiritual development and is destined for enlightenment.
Key Facts
- ›Devadatta was a cousin and brother-in-law to Gautama Siddhartha, the Buddha.
- ›He is generally portrayed as an antagonist who attempted to divide the early Buddhist monastic community.
- ›Traditional accounts describe him as seeking honor and status, even attempting to usurp leadership from the Buddha.
- ›The Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya and Theravāda Vinaya contain differing accounts of his actions and motivations.
- ›Mahayana texts like the Lotus Sutra present a more complex view, recognizing Devadatta as a past spiritual teacher who helped the Buddha on his path.
- ›Devadatta is believed to have led a breakaway group of monks, advocating for stricter ascetic practices.
Important Relationships
- Gautama Siddhartha (cousin, brother-in-law)
- Prince Ajātashatru (disciple, accomplice)
- Śāriputra (disciple)
- Maudgalyayana (disciple)
Magadha
Pali, Sanskrit
Monastic Vows
Monk, Rival
Antagonist, Schismatic Figure, Figure of Tradition
About Devadatta
Devadatta is a significant, albeit controversial, figure in Buddhist tradition. Traditionally depicted as a cousin and brother-in-law of Gautama Buddha, he was also a Buddhist monk. His narrative is complex, with accounts varying considerably across different Buddhist schools and texts.
Traditional Portrayals
In the Theravada tradition, particularly within the Cullavagga section of the Vinayapiṭaka, Devadatta is often portrayed as an antagonist. He is said to have possessed psychic powers but lacked supramundane achievement. Driven by a desire for honor and status, he allegedly conspired with Prince Ajātashatru, encouraging him to murder his father King Bimbisāra and attempting to usurp leadership of the Sangha from the Buddha. Devadatta is also credited with making several attempts on the Buddha's life, including orchestrating attacks by mercenaries and an elephant, and attempting to kill him with a rock. He is also known for advocating a set of five ascetic practices (tapas) for monks, which the Buddha allowed as optional but refused to make obligatory, leading Devadatta to foment a schism within the community.
Scholarly and Mahayana Perspectives
Modern scholarship, particularly through research into the Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya, suggests a more nuanced view. Some scholars propose that Devadatta was initially seen as a Buddhist saint who advocated for a rigorous monastic lifestyle. The Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya itself contains material depicting him as a schismatic figure, though potentially with a broader agenda than the five points attributed in Sthaviravāda texts. The presence of Devadatta legends common to multiple Vinayas suggests their origin in the pre-sectarian community.
Mahayana Buddhist traditions offer a striking reinterpretation of Devadatta. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha declares that Devadatta was his spiritual teacher in a past life, instrumental in his own path to enlightenment. This perspective highlights the potential for enlightenment even in those traditionally seen as evildoers, suggesting that Devadatta too will eventually become a Buddha. The Amitāyurdhyāna Sūtra also mentions Devadatta's influence on Prince Ajātashatru's regicide. Historical records from Chinese pilgrims to India note the continued existence of "Gotamaka" Buddhists, followers of Devadatta, who honored past Buddhas but not Shakyamuni Buddha.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Devadatta in Buddhism?
Devadatta was a Buddhist monk, cousin, and brother-in-law to Gautama Siddhartha. He is traditionally known as a divisive figure who attempted to split the early Buddhist monastic community and is often depicted as an antagonist to the Buddha.
What was Devadatta's relationship to the Buddha?
Devadatta was the cousin and brother-in-law of Gautama Siddhartha. He went forth as a monk along with other relatives of the Buddha.
What are the main traditional portrayals of Devadatta?
In Theravada traditions, Devadatta is often depicted as an evil and divisive figure who sought personal gain, attempting to harm the Buddha and create a schism. He is said to have been motivated by ambition and a desire for status.
How do Mahayana traditions view Devadatta?
Mahayana traditions, particularly the Lotus Sutra, offer a different perspective. Here, Devadatta is recognized as a spiritual teacher in a past life who was instrumental in the Buddha's path to enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra also states that Devadatta will eventually become a Buddha.
What were Devadatta's attempts to harm the Buddha?
According to traditional accounts, Devadatta made several attempts on the Buddha's life, including trying to have him killed by mercenaries, throwing a rock at him, and releasing an intoxicated elephant named Nāḷāgiri.
Did Devadatta succeed in creating a schism?
Devadatta did attempt to create a schism by gathering five hundred initiates and presenting them with stricter ascetic rules than the Buddha allowed as compulsory. However, the Buddha sent his chief disciples to persuade these monks to return to the fold, effectively resolving the schism.
What happened to Devadatta in the end?
According to Theravada tradition, Devadatta fell ill and realized his wrongdoing. While trying to apologize to the Buddha, he was reportedly swallowed by the earth and sent to Naraka (hell) as a consequence of his negative karma.
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