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Significance of Five Bhikkhus

The Five Bhikkhus, as interpreted by Mahayana, include five monks who witnessed Buddha's teachings and experienced sorrow at his message, as well as ascetics who initially joined him but later abandoned him, illustrating spiritual fickleness. In Theravada, the Five Bhikkhus consist of monks previously served by the Buddha, a necessary minimum for certain ordinations, and a group led by Venerable Kondanna that anticipated the Buddha's enlightenment. The concept emphasizes both companionship and the challenges within spiritual journeys.

Synonyms: Five monks, Five ascetics

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Five Bhikkhus'

Buddhism Books

The Five Bhikkhus in Buddhism symbolizes various aspects of monastic life, including the initial disciples of the Buddha, their emotional journey, the essence of companionship, and the foundational requirements for community gatherings, reflecting spiritual dynamics and teachings.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) The group of monks who previously served the Blessed One and whom he decides to address with his teachings.[1] (2) A minimum number of Bhikkhus required to hold Pavarana in a regular chapter according to the Blessed One's prescription.[2]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) A group of five ascetics led by the Venerable Kondanna, who anticipated the Prince would achieve Buddhahood and dedicated themselves to the Bodhisatta.[3]

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) The initial group to whom the Buddha explains the law of Dependent Origination, perceived as ready for attaining Arahatship.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Five monks (bhikshus) who were associated with Shariputra and witnessed various teachings and occurrences involving the Buddha.[5] (2) The companions of the Buddha who left him before he journeyed to the bodhi tree, highlighting his solitude.[6]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) A group of five ascetics who were the first to hear the Buddha's teachings after his enlightenment.[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) A group of practitioners who adhered to strict moral principles and seeking liberation through asceticism.[8] (2) The five ascetics who obtained reason and subdued their senses after being taught by Tathagata, likened to five stars.[9]

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) A group of five monks who once followed the Bodhisat and later abandoned him, doubting his ability to attain enlightenment.[10]