Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja
Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is an Arhat revered in Buddhism, known for his mastery of psychic powers and his role in propagating Buddhist dharma. He is one of the four Arhats instructed by the Buddha to remain in the world to spread the teachings. Across various Buddhist traditions, he is depicted holding a book and begging bowl, and is associated with healing and blessings.
Key Facts
- ›One of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhist law.
- ›Associated with the West among the four cardinal directions.
- ›Renowned for his mastery of occult and psychic powers.
- ›Preached to the women of Udena's palace along with Ananda.
- ›In Tibetan Thangka paintings, usually depicted holding a book and begging bowl.
- ›In Japan, known as Binzuru and popular for his reputed gift of healing.
Important Relationships
- The Buddha
- Ananda
- King Udena
Dharma Propagation Teachings
Udena's Palace At Kosambi, GhositāRāMa, PūRva Videha, Eastern Continent
the Buddha
Sanskrit, Pali
Monastic Vows
Arhat, Teacher, Healer
Active Practitioner, Legendary Figure
About Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja
Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is an esteemed Arhat within Buddhism, recognized for his profound mastery of psychic and occult powers. According to early Indian Buddhist sutras, he was among a select group of four Arhats who were specifically asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to ensure the continued propagation of Buddhist law, or dharma. Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is associated with the cardinal direction of the West.
Life and Teachings
Historical accounts suggest Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja once faced remonstration from the Buddha for misusing his extraordinary abilities to impress ordinary people. Alongside Ananda, he is noted for preaching to the women of King Udena's palace in Kosambi on two separate occasions. His lineage traces back to the Brahmin Bhāradvāja gotra, and he is said to have originated from Pūrva Videha. While the earliest texts mention his presence in Ghositārāma, preaching to King Udena, later traditions place him residing in a mountain cave on the eastern continent with a thousand other Arhats.
Regional Significance
Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja holds significant veneration across various Buddhist cultures.
In Japan, he is known as Binzuru, a shortened form of his name. He is arguably the most popular Arhat there, with statues often worn down by devotees who rub them on their bodies corresponding to their ailments, believing he possesses the gift of healing. He is also invoked for the protection of infants, leading to his statues being frequently adorned with bibs and children's caps.
In Chinese Buddhism, Bīntóulú, as he is called, is considered the "First in Blessings" disciple of Sakyamuni Buddha. His image is sometimes placed in prominent positions during monastic gatherings, especially for vegetarian feasts.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is counted among the Sixteen Arhats. He is depicted holding a scripture in his right hand and an alms bowl in his left, which are used to aid beings in lower realms, confer wisdom, grant wishes, and protect from misfortune.
In Korean Buddhism, the deity Dokseong or Nabanjonja is thought to be Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja, though some traditions suggest it might be Tan'gun. This deity is characterized by white hair, long eyebrows, and a smile, and is often enshrined within specific temple structures alongside other deities.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja?
Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is an Arhat in Buddhism. He is recognized as one of the disciples who were instructed by the Buddha to remain in the world to continue teaching the dharma.
What is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja known for?
He is known for his exceptional mastery of psychic and occult powers. He was also admonished by the Buddha for misusing these powers to impress people. Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is also associated with healing and blessings in various Buddhist traditions.
What is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja's role in Buddhist teachings?
He is one of the four Arhats who were asked by the Buddha to stay in the world to propagate Buddhist law (dharma). He is associated with the West among these four Arhats.
How is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja depicted?
In Tibetan Buddhist Thangka paintings, he is typically shown holding a book and a begging bowl. In Japan, statues of him are often adorned with bibs and children's caps, and he is sometimes depicted holding a sceptre or a sutra box and feather fan.
What is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja's significance in Japanese Buddhism?
In Japan, he is known as Binzuru and is considered one of the most popular Arhats. Devotees often rub parts of his statues corresponding to their ailments, believing he possesses the gift of healing. He is also invoked for the health of babies.
What is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja called in Chinese Buddhism?
In Chinese communities, he is typically called Bīntóulú. He is regarded as the 'First in Blessings' disciple of Sakyamuni Buddha and his image is sometimes prominently placed during monastic vegetarian feasts.
Related Buddhists
Kātyāyana
Kātyāyana was a prominent disciple of Gautama Buddha, renowned for his ability to elaborate on the Buddha's teachings. He is considered foremost in explaining brief statements of the Buddha and is associated with the propagation of Buddhism in regions like Avanti and Roruka. In some traditions, he is also credited with authorship of significant Buddhist texts and grammatical works.
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).
Phoolan Devi
Phoolan Devi, popularly known as the Bandit Queen, was an Indian dacoit who transformed into a politician and served as a member of parliament. She rose from poverty and caste oppression to become a symbol of resistance for marginalized communities, often portrayed as a Robin Hood figure. Her life was marked by violence, imprisonment, and eventual political career, culminating in her assassination.