The Story of Venerable Sāriputta: The Chief Disciple

The Story of Venerable Sāriputta: The Chief Disciple 

(For Our 'Buddhism for Kids' Class)

By Bhante Sumitta

Once upon a time, in ancient India, there lived a young brahmin boy named Upatissa. He was incredibly intelligent and loved to learn about everything around him. Even as a child, he could understand difficult teachings that puzzled grown-ups!

The Search for Truth

Upatissa grew up to become a wandering seeker, searching for the deepest truths about life. He had a best friend named Kolita (who would later become Venerable Moggallāna), and together they promised: “Whoever finds the true path to happiness first will share it with the other.”

One day, Upatissa met a calm, peaceful monk named Assaji walking quietly through the town. Something about this monk’s gentle manner caught Upatissa’s attention. He respectfully asked, “Venerable sir, what does your teacher teach?”

Assaji humbly replied with a simple verse about how all things arise from causes and how suffering can end. When Upatissa heard these words, his mind immediately understood the profound truth! This was what he had been searching for.

Meeting the Buddha

Upatissa rushed to find his friend Kolita and together they went to meet the Buddha. As soon as they arrived, the Buddha looked at them with compassion and said, “Welcome, monks! Come and learn the Dhamma.” Just by hearing the Buddha’s voice, both young men’s hearts filled with peace and wisdom.

The Buddha gave Upatissa the new name “Sāriputta,” and he quickly became known as the monk with the sharpest understanding of the teachings.

The Wise Helper

Sāriputta had many wonderful qualities that children can learn from:

Great Wisdom: He could understand the deepest teachings and explain them simply so everyone could learn. Just like a good teacher helps students understand difficult lessons!

Humble Heart: Even though he was very wise, Sāriputta never boasted. He always gave credit to the Buddha and helped other monks learn with patience and kindness.

**Loyal Friendship**: He remained the Buddha’s most trusted helper for over 40 years, always ready to teach when the Buddha asked him to help.

**Gentle Nature**: Sāriputta spoke softly and kindly to everyone. He never got angry, even when people disagreed with him.

## The Great Teacher

The Buddha often asked Sāriputta to give teachings to the monks and laypeople. Sāriputta would carefully organize his thoughts and present the Dhamma in a clear, step-by-step way that everyone could follow. He was like a bridge that helped people understand the Buddha’s profound wisdom.

## The Loving Son

Near the end of his life, Sāriputta decided to return to his hometown to see his elderly mother one last time. Even though he was now a great teacher, he still honored his parents. He gently shared the Dhamma with his mother, and she too found peace in the Buddha’s teachings.

## The Moral Lessons

From Venerable Sāriputta’s life, children can learn:

1. **Keep Learning**: Always be curious and ready to learn new things

1. **Be Humble**: No matter how smart you become, stay modest and kind

1. **Help Others**: Use your knowledge to help friends and family understand important things

1. **Be Loyal**: Stand by your teachers and friends who guide you well

1. **Honor Your Parents**: Always respect and care for your family

1. **Speak Gently**: Use kind words even when others might be upset

Venerable Sāriputta showed that true wisdom comes not just from being smart, but from having a kind heart and using our abilities to help others find happiness and peace. His life reminds us that the greatest students become the greatest teachers when they share their knowledge with love and compassion.

*May all children grow in wisdom and kindness like Venerable Sāriputta, using their gifts to bring happiness to themselves and others.*