..续本文上一页s mastery of the Dhamma, and its exposition, the Buddha had this to say:
"The Essence of Dhamma (dhammadhatu) has been so well penetrated by Sariputta, O monks, that if I were to question him therein for one day in different words and phrases, Sariputta would reply likewise for one day in various words and phrases. And if I were to question him for one night, or a day and a night, or for two days and nights, even up to seven days and nights, Sariputta would expound the matter for the same period of time, in various words and phrases."
— Nidana Samyutta, No. 32
And on another occasion the Master employed this simile:
"If he is endowed with five qualities, O monks, the eldest son of a World-ruling Monarch righteously turns the Wheel of sovereignty that had been turned by his father. And that Wheel of Sovereignty cannot be overturned by any hostile human being. What are the five qualities
The eldest son of a World-ruling Monarch knows what is beneficial, knows the Law, knows the right measure, knows the right time and knows the society (with which he has to deal, parisa).
Similarly, O monks, is Sariputta endowed with five qualities and rightly turns the supreme Wheel of Dhamma, even as I have turned it. And this Wheel cannot be overturned by ascetics, or priests, by deities or Brahma, nor by anyone else in the world. What are those five qualities
Sariputta, O monks, knows what is beneficial, knows the Teaching, knows the right measure, knows the right time and knows the assembly (he is to address)."
— Anguttara Nikaya, V. 132
Other Theras were not behind in their appreciation. The Elder Vangisa, in his encomium in the Theragatha (vv. 1231-3) praises Sariputta who "teaches in brief and also speaks in detail," while in the same compilation other great Elders, Maha Kassapa (vv. 1082-5) and Maha Moggallana (vv. 1158; 1176-7; 1182) also give their meed of praise. And the Venerable Maha Moggallana, at the end of Sariputta”s Discourse on Guiltlessness,[36] uttered these words of tribute to his friend”s sermon: "To (virtuous and earnest) monks who have heard the exposition of the Venerable Sariputta it will be like food and drink to their ears and mind. How well does he lift up his fellow-monks from what is unwholesome, and confirm them in what is good!"
The relationship in which the two Chief Disciples stood to one another in the matter of teaching was explained by the Buddha when he said:
"Associate, O monks with Sariputta and Moggallana, and keep company with them! They are wise bhikkhus and helpers of their fellow-monks. Sariputta is like a mother who brings forth, and Moggallana is like a nurse to what has been brought forth. Sariputta trains (his pupils) in the Fruition of stream-entry, and Moggallana trains them for the highest goal.
"Sariputta is able to expound the Four Noble Truths in detail, to teach them and make them intelligible, to proclaim, reveal and explain them, and make them clear."
— Majjh. 141, Sacca-vibhanga Sutta
And in the Anguttara Nikaya (11, 131);
"A monk of faith, O bhikkhus, should cherish this right aspiration: ”Oh, may I become such as Sariputta and Moggallana!” For Sariputta and Moggallana are the model and standard for my bhikkhu-disciples."
That the Venerable Sariputta”s great reputation as a teacher of the Dhamma long survived him, to become a tradition among later Buddhists, is shown by the concluding passages of the Milinda-pañha, written some three hundred years later. There, King Milinda compares Nagasena Thera to the Venerable Sariputta, saying: "In this Buddha”s Dispensation there is none other like yourself for answering questions, except the Elder Sariputta, the Marshal of the Law."
That grand reputation still lives today, upheld by the cherished teachings of the Great Disciple…
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