Rahula

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Buddha with Rahula

Rahula ( Chinese  羅 怙 羅 ; Thai : พระ ราหุ ล ) was the only son of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and his wife Yasodhara .

According to legend, he remained in the womb for six years, but overcame all obstacles that stood in the way of his birth after his father had attained Buddhahood.

He entered his father's order at the age of seven and accompanied him on his long journeys as a novice. At the age of 20 he was accepted into the community as a full monk ( bhikkhu ), to which he then belonged for the rest of his life.

The rule, which is still practiced today, is attributed to him that admission to a Buddhist order is possible as early as seven years of age, but ordination (full ordination) as a monk is only possible from the age of 20. Before they reach this age, the young aspirants have the status of samaneras , i.e. novices .

In Burmese popular belief, Rāhula is assigned to the north-east (heaven), Sunday or the sun. The “Sunday Planet” (= Rahula) rides on Galon, which is the Burmese name for Garuda , the eternal enemy of the Naga .

According to Zen , his father is said to have transmitted the Dharma to ten of his male disciples , including Rahula. Rahula is one of the Sixteen Arhats in Tibetan Buddhism and Japan that later became popular as the Eighteen Arhats in China.

See also

Web links

  • Teachings of the Buddha to his son Rahula:

English translation

German translation

The translations from the Pali are by Karl Eugen Neumann .

personal data
SURNAME Rahula
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Indian early Buddhist and son of Siddharta Gautama ( Buddha )
DATE OF BIRTH 6th century BC BC or 5th century BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH 5th century BC Chr.