The Buddha describes the foremost of his bhikkhu disciples in various categories.

PTS 1.23

AN 1.188–197 Paṭhama Etadagga vagga - The Chapter on the Foremost (First)

1.188

“Etadaggaṁ, bhikkhave, mama sāvakānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ rattaññūnaṁ yadidaṁ aññāsikoṇḍañño.

“The foremost of my bhikkhu disciples in experience is Aññāsi Koṇḍañña.

1.189

… Mahāpaññānaṁ yadidaṁ sāriputto.

among those with great wisdom is Sāriputta.

1.190

… Iddhimantānaṁ yadidaṁ mahāmoggallāno.

among those with psychic powers is Mahāmoggallāna.

1.191

… Dhutavādānaṁ yadidaṁ mahākassapo.

among those who advocate ascetic practice is Mahākassapa.

1.192

… Dibbacakkhukānaṁ yadidaṁ anuruddho.

among those with divine eye is Anuruddha.

1.193

… Uccākulikānaṁ yadidaṁ bhaddiyo kāḷigodhāya putto.

among those from eminent families is Bhaddiya Kāḷigodhāyaputta.

1.194

… Mañjussarānaṁ yadidaṁ lakuṇḍaka bhaddiyo.

among those with sweet voice is Bhaddiya Lakuṇḍaka.

1.195

… Sīhanādikānaṁ yadidaṁ piṇḍolabhāradvājo.

among those who roar a lion’s roar is Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja.

1.196

… Dhammakathikānaṁ yadidaṁ puṇṇo mantāṇiputto.

among those who speak on the Dhamma is Puṇṇa Mantāṇiputta.

1.197

… saṅkhittena bhāsitassa vitthārena atthaṁ vibhajantānaṁ yadidaṁ mahākaccāno”ti.

among those who explain the meaning of what has been said in brief is Mahākaccāna.”

Qualities:

Patience

Patience

A quality of calm endurance that bears hardship, delay, and harshness without resentment. It is the strength to remain composed and gentle under provocation, grounded in wisdom and compassion.

Also known as: endurance, tolerance, forbearance
Pāli: khanti, khama
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Psychic power

Psychic power

Supernormal capacities resulting from a practice of collectedness rooted in aspiration, determination, purification of mind, and investigation of phenomena.

Also known as: supernormal abilities, psychic ability, spiritual power
Pāli: iddhi, iddhimant
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on October 26, 2026

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