What does the Sanskrit word śrāvaka mean in Buddhism and Jainism?
The Sanskrit word śrāvaka translates directly to hearer or more broadly to disciple. This term anchors the identity of followers in both Buddhism and Jainism.
Questions about Śrāvaka
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who are the Chief Disciples mentioned in the Pali canon for Theravada Buddhism?
Chief Disciples include Sāriputta and Mahāmoggallāna according to the Pali canon. These figures represent the highest level of spiritual accomplishment among early disciples.
How many stages of spiritual development exist for a śrāvaka in Jainism before becoming a monk?
A śrāvaka rises spiritually through eleven specific stages known as pratimas. After completing the eleventh step, an individual becomes a monk.
Why do Mahayana schools contrast śrāvakas negatively with bodhisattvas?
Mahayana Buddhism sometimes contrasts śrāvakas negatively with bodhisattvas because they utilize the Śrāvaka Piñka and set themselves on personal liberation alone. Asanga described those following the Śrāvaka Dharma as having weak faculties in the fourth century abhidharma work Abhidharmasamuccaya.
What are the four sections of the Jain community that define social identity?
The four sections of the Jain community consist of monks, nuns, śrāvakas, and śrāvikās. This structure defines the social identity of the faithful within the tradition.