The Study On The Belief Of Arhat In Samyuktagama

The belief of Arhat is the core of early Buddhism. Samyuktagama is one of the earliest Buddhist scriptures. The study on the Belief of Arhat in Samyuktagama could help us understand the history of Arhat and the characteristics of early Buddhism.Samyuktagama was translated in Chinese in the middle of the fifth century. Mahayana and Hinayana were input to China together in this period. Mahayana got the advantage. However, Arhat belief survived in China. To explore the Arhat in Samyuktagama could help us understand the characteristics of Arhat belief in China. The Arhat belief in China has two kinds of model, the worship of monks with Riddhi-saksatkriya and the belief of Arhans group. The worship of monks is related to Dhyana. Arhans group changed from four to sixteen. There are also Arhans group of eighteen and five hundred. The Arhat belief in China is compound with the worship of saints, divine monks and founders about Chan school.According to the Samyuktagama, people live in trouble. We have desire, love, jealousy and anger, etc. These negative mental activities give us rebirth. Rebirth is bound and we should pursue nirvana. When you attained the Arhat-phala, you got nirvana.The composition of sangha is complex. Commandments and rules is essential. Some monks practice abstinence and like living alone. For asceticism, Buddha valued substance rather than form. Challenge from the pagan is severe. The Buddhists’ response is positive and effective. Shariputra is the most important Arhat in Samyuktagama. He is appreciated by Buddha. It was a pity that he died before Buddha. Mahakashyapa and Ananda were also important in Samyuktagama. There were contradiction between them. After the death of Buddha, both of them wanted to master the leadership of sangha.The relationship between Shakya clan and Buddhism is close. Many arhans is from the Shakya clan. The earliest bhiksuni is Buddha’s aunt. The famous Devadatta is son of Dronodana-raja and cousin of Buddha. The study of interactive relationship between Buddhism and society from the view of family is very interesting.