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

PTS 1.24

AN 1.209–218 Tatiya vagga - The Chapter on the Foremost (Third)

1.209

“Etadaggaṁ, bhikkhave, mama sāvakānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ sikkhākāmānaṁ yadidaṁ rāhulo.

“The foremost of my bhikkhu disciples among those desiring to train is Rāhula.

1.210

… Saddhāpabbajitānaṁ yadidaṁ raṭṭhapālo.

among those who ordained out of faith is Raṭṭhapāla.

1.211

… Paṭhamaṁ salākaṁ gaṇhantānaṁ yadidaṁ kuṇḍadhāno.

among those who are the first to take meal tickets is Kuṇḍadhāna.

1.212

… Paṭibhānavantānaṁ yadidaṁ vaṅgīso.

among those who are eloquent is Vaṅgīsa.

1.213

… Samantapāsādikānaṁ yadidaṁ upaseno vaṅgantaputto.

among those who inspire confidence in every way is Upasena Vaṅgantaputta.

1.214

… Senāsanapaññāpakānaṁ yadidaṁ dabbo mallaputto.

among those who assign dwellings is Dabba Mallaputta.

1.215

… devatānaṁ piyamanāpānaṁ yadidaṁ pilindavaccho.

among those pleasing and agreeable to deities is Piḷindavaccha.

1.216

… Khippābhiññānaṁ yadidaṁ bāhiyo dārucīriyo.

among those with quick realization is Bāhiya of the Bark Cloth.

1.217

… Cittakathikānaṁ yadidaṁ kumārakassapo.

among those who speak articulately is Kumārakassapa.

1.218

… Paṭisambhidāpattānaṁ yadidaṁ mahākoṭṭhito”ti.

among those who have attained penetrative insight is Mahākoṭṭhika.”

Topics & Qualities:

Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction, self-assurance
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Inspiration

Inspiration

A mental quality characterized by a sudden burst of creative insight or understanding, often leading to innovative ideas or solutions.

Also known as: eloquence, intuition, ingenuity, wit, creativity
Pāli: paṭibhāna
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Tame

Tame

The quality of a mind that has been trained and disciplined, no longer wild or controlled by passions. Like a tamed thoroughbred, it is pliable, responsive, and fit for work.

Also known as: trained, mastered, subdued
Pāli: danta, dama
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Well Spoken Speech

Well Spoken Speech

Speech that accords with right speech and is also timely, beneficial, and spoken with a mind of loving-kindness.

Also known as: good speech, eloquent communication
Pāli: subhāsitā
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Last updated on October 9, 2026

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