Vidura College

Buddhism - Grade 5 (Student Note) - 2nd Term

Chief Attendant of the Buddha Venerable Ananda

Venerable Ananda was the chief personal attendant of the Buddha. He was
the son of Amitodana a younger brother of King Suddhodana.
In the second year of Buddha’s ministry he joined the order with
Bhaddiya, Anuruddha Bhagu, Kimbila and Devadatta. The teacher of venerable
Ananda was Manthani Puttha Punna Thera. The Buddha did not have a
permanent personal attendant till he was fifty-five years of age. Several monks
used to attend on the Buddha. Finally, the Buddha announced the need to have a
permanent personal attendant. Many monks volunteered to offer their services.
Venerable Ananda did not come forward, but thought if the Buddha feels that I
am suitable for the post, he would select me.
The Buddha selected Ananda as his chief attendant. Then venerable
Ananda agreed to serve the Buddha regularly subject to eight conditions. There
were four declines and four requests.
4 Declines
1. He should not be given the robes received by the Buddha.
2. He should not be given the food received by the Buddha.
3. He should not sleep in the fragrant chamber of the Buddha.
4. He should not be asked to go with the Buddha to accept alms on
invitation.

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 4 Requests
1. The Buddha should consent to invitations received by him.
2. The Buddha should give him permission to introduce visitors who
come from far to meet the Buddha.
3. He should be allowed to consult the Buddha whenever he had any
doubts to clarify.
4. The Buddha should repeat to him the discourses preached in his
absence.
After the Buddha consented to these eight conditions venerable Ananda
became the regular attendant of the Buddha. He served for 25 years, till the
passing away of the Buddha.
Venerable Ananda had many special qualities. He had a very high
standard of memory power. After listening to a semon once, he could remember
the whole sermon. He was able to give very good sermons. He was very learned,
mindful and well behaved. He was greatly responsible for the establishment of
the order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni sasana) and the planting of the Ananda Bodhi tree
which still survives today near the Jetavana Monstrey.
There were many positions he held other than being the chief
attendant.
1. Custodian of the Dhamma (Dhamma Bhadagarika)
2. Foremost among the erudite Bhikkhus.
3. The foremost in memory power among the Bhikkhus.
4. Foremost in comprehending the Dhamma.
5. Highest determination to achieve things than the others.
Venerable Ananda was very humble and subordinate to the Elders. He never took
pride in being the personal attendant to the Buddha. He never wanted special
recognition or favors. He assisted the Buddha in all his social activities.

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 There are some examples that we can absorb to our lives.
1. Honor the teacher without any limitations
2. Do not go in search of positions.
3. Receive the position given with honor.
4. Fulfill well the tasks assigned.
5. Do not try to be proud due to the position held.

Let’s learn some values that we can absorb to our lives from the good
qualities of venerable Ananda .
1. Venerable Ananda was very humble and subordinate to the Elders.
2. He never took pride in being the personal attendant to the Buddha.
3. He never wanted special reorganization or favors.
4. He assisted the Buddha in all his social activities.

Activities (home work)

If the statement is correct put a √ or if incorrect put a X
1. The Buddha’s permanent personal attendant was Venerable Ananda.
2. The teacher of Ananda Thero was Sariputta Thero.
3. Ananda Thero made a request to be appointed as the chief
attendant.
4. Ananda Thero made eight conditions before accepting.
5. The Ananda Bodhi tree is at the Jethavana Monastery.
Answer briefly
1. Name the others who joined the Sasana along with venerable Ananda.
2. At what age did the Buddha ask for a personal attendant?
3. Write four good qualities Venerable Ananda possessed
4. Name 3 other positions held by Venerable Ananda.
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VIDURA COLLEGE- BUDDHISM -G 5 - (STUDENT NOTE) LESSON 09 - NEW 4