Disciple or founding teacher
Anaritsu
阿那律
One of the Ten Great Disciples, called foremost in the divine eye (tengen 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 Anaritsu
One of the Ten Great Disciples, called foremost in the divine eye (tengen daiichi). He is said to have been a cousin of the Buddha, and his name is also written 阿泥盧豆, 阿奴律陀 and in other ways. It is said that he decided to become a monk at his elder brother's urging and left home together with his relative Anan.
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
A tradition is introduced that after being scolded for dozing during a sermon, he vowed never to sleep in the Buddha's presence and continued a practice of not sleeping and not lying down; he lost his eyesight but gained the divine eye (tengentsū) that sees through to the truth.
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：阿那律」（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）