Bhāṇaka

A bhāṇaka (Sanskrit and Pali) refers to a reciter or a specialist in the memorization and oral transmission of Buddhist texts, particularly the sutras. In early Buddhism, before texts were widely written down, the preservation and transmission of the Buddha's teachings relied heavily on oral recitation and memorization. Bhāṇakas were individuals or groups who specialized in memorizing and reciting specific sections of the Buddhist canon (Tripitaka).

The bhāṇakas were organized into lineages or schools based on the texts they specialized in. For example, there were Dīgha-bhāṇakas who specialized in the Dīgha Nikāya (Collection of Long Discourses), Majjhima-bhāṇakas for the Majjhima Nikāya (Collection of Middle Length Discourses), and so on.

The role of the bhāṇaka was crucial in ensuring the accurate transmission of the Buddha's teachings across generations. They underwent rigorous training to memorize vast amounts of text, and their recitations were often performed in communal settings, allowing others to learn and verify the accuracy of the memorized texts. The system of bhāṇakas gradually declined with the advent of widespread writing, but their importance in the early history of Buddhism and the preservation of its literature cannot be overstated. They represent a vital link to the oral tradition that formed the foundation of the Buddhist canon.