Disciple or founding teacher
Anan
阿難
One of the Ten Great Disciples, regarded as foremost in hearing the teachings (tamon daiichi).
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
The name and role of Anan
One of the Ten Great Disciples, regarded as foremost in hearing the teachings (tamon daiichi). He is also called Ananda, and it is explained that because he served in something like a secretary's role to the Buddha for about 20 years, he heard the most sermons. Like Anaritsu, he is said to have been a cousin of the Buddha.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing the figure and traditions
He is said to have been about 30 years younger than the Buddha, handsome, gentle and caring, and the beginning of the order of nuns is attributed to his efforts. It is explained that after the Buddha's passing he became the one responsible for compiling the sutras, and through that duty he attained enlightenment.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Those who learned the teaching and passed it on
The Ten Great Disciples are regarded as people who excelled among the Buddha Shaka's disciples in fields such as wisdom, preaching and the precepts. The practice or work in which each excelled is expressed in the title "foremost."
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Until the sutras were handed down
It is said that after the Buddha Shaka's passing, his disciples held a council (ketsujū) to gather and confirm the teachings. A Sōtō school explanation describes Makakashō as leading the gathering, Anan reciting the sermons, Upari reciting the precepts, and the other disciples checking them.
Source: 曹洞宗
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：阿難」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：十大弟子」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 曹洞宗「経典」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 鹿鳴文庫「仏像図彙：十大弟子」（2026-10-16 確認）