Sāriputta (12th century)

Sāriputta (12th century) refers primarily to one of the two chief male disciples of the Buddha Gotama, as understood and depicted within Buddhist traditions, specifically within the context of the 12th century CE.

While Sāriputta himself lived and died centuries before the 12th century, the term in this context indicates discussions, commentaries, artistic representations, and general understanding of Sāriputta as they existed during that period. This might involve:

• Commentarial Literature: Analyses and interpretations of Sāriputta's teachings and role as found in texts written or circulated during the 12th century, potentially showing how his teachings were applied and understood in that specific time.
• Artistic Representations: Statues, paintings, and other artistic depictions of Sāriputta created in the 12th century, revealing aspects of iconography and the values associated with him at that time and place. These depictions could be compared to earlier or later representations to analyze evolving perceptions.
• Historical Context: Understanding how Sāriputta's example was used to promote certain monastic practices or philosophical viewpoints prevalent in 12th-century Buddhism in particular regions or schools. This could include studying patronage related to Sāriputta and the construction of monasteries dedicated to his legacy.
• Religious Significance: How the figure of Sāriputta was viewed in terms of attaining enlightenment and his contribution to spreading the Dhamma during the 12th century. This could relate to popular religious practices and beliefs of the time.
• Manuscript Evidence: Manuscripts from the 12th century containing information about Sāriputta, providing direct evidence of the beliefs and understandings prevalent at that time.

Studying Sāriputta through the lens of the 12th century allows for a nuanced understanding of how Buddhist teachings and historical figures are reinterpreted and recontextualized across different time periods. The term emphasizes that interpretations are not static but evolve within specific historical, social, and cultural contexts.