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Significance of Rahula

Rahula is a significant figure in Buddhism, identified as the son of Gautama Buddha and Yashodhara. His birth symbolizes a pivotal moment for the Bodhisattva, marking a bond between worldly life and spiritual aspirations. Within Mahayana and Theravada traditions, Rahula is portrayed as a child who experiences spiritual growth and embodies essential qualities such as compassion and mindfulness. He is also depicted as a disciple, reflecting on themes of impermanence and familial attachment within his interactions with the Buddha and other monks.1
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Rahula'

Buddhism Books

Rahula, the son of Gautama Buddha and Yashodhara, symbolizes the intersection of family ties and spiritual growth in Buddhism, embodying lessons of mindfulness, impermanence, and the balance between worldly desires and spiritual aspirations.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) Identified in the story as the brother cub, who is aware of the differences between his sibling's appearance and voice.[1] (2) The son of the Master, whose mother鈥檚 qualities are being praised in the story.[2] (3) The mother of whom the she-goose represents, embodying compassion and nurturing, contrasting with the crow鈥檚 greed.[3] (4) The son of the Bodhisatta in the narrative, who learns from his father and plays a role in recognizing the Monkey's deceit.[4] (5) The son of the Supreme Buddha who was concerned for his mother, Sister Bimbadevi, during her illness.[5]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The name of Prince Siddhattha's son, born to his Chief Queen Yasodhara.[6] (2) The son of the Buddha, who was encouraged by Venerable Sariputta to practice mindfulness meditation.[7] (3) The newly ordained monk who had completed twenty years of age and was being guided by the Buddha.[8] (4) The Buddha's dear son who engages in a dialog regarding the impermanence of various sensitive matters.[9]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) The name of the novice already being mentored by the venerable Sariputta.[10]

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) Rahula is the son of the Buddha, depicted as a child who was careless about his speech and displayed mischievous behavior when asked about the presence of the Buddha.[11] (2) The son of Yashodhara and the Bodhisattva, who was born on the night of the Buddha's enlightenment.[12] (3) The son of Yashodhara, born on the day of the Buddha鈥檚 enlightenment, named after a celestial event.[13] (4) A significant figure in early Buddhism, who is linked as a disciple in the lineage of Shariputra.[14]

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) The son of Gautama Buddha, also among the four great Bhikshu who pledged to keep Buddhism alive.[15]

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The son of the Buddha, who expresses a desire to follow his father into the religious life.[16]

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: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) The name given to the Bodhisat's son upon his birth, which symbolizes a new bond and a significant turning point for the Bodhisat.[17] (2) The son of the Master Buddha, illustrating the conflict between worldly desires and spiritual goals.[18]