Revata

Elder Revata

Elder Revata, also known as Soreyya Revata, was a distinguished Buddhist monk who played a pivotal role in the Second Buddhist Council. He was a direct disciple of Elder Ānanda and is recorded as having encountered the Buddha himself. His life and activities are primarily known through his significant participation in resolving disputes within the monastic community during a critical period in early Buddhism.

Key Contributions

Revata is most renowned for his involvement in the Second Buddhist Council, convened to address the "Ten Points" of practice that were being followed by the Vajjiputian monks. These points included issues such as storing salt in a horn, eating after midday, and using gold and silver. Revata, after investigating these practices, condemned them as incorrect and took the lead in settling the dispute. His efforts culminated in the "Seven Hundred" recital of the Dhamma, a monumental event where seven hundred monks, chosen from a vast assembly and headed by Revata, collectively recited the teachings for eight months. This recital is considered a significant canonical event and affirmed the orthodox interpretation of monastic discipline.

Life and Associations

Revata's origins are linked to Soreyya, from which he derives one of his names. He traveled extensively, passing through places like Sankassa, Kannakujja, Udumbara, and Aggalapura, before reaching Sahajāti, where the council was to take place. He also visited Sabbakāmī, an elder monk and a disciple of Ānanda, in Vesāli, further highlighting his engagement with the prominent figures of his time. The text notes that the Vajjiputtakas attempted to sway Revata to their side, and when they failed, they tried to influence him through his pupil, Uttara, whom Revata subsequently dismissed as unworthy. Revata's prominence in settling the dispute led to the eventual formation of the Mahāsanghika school by ten thousand monks who disagreed with the council's decision.