The Guidelines of the Arahanta’s Role Study for Buddhism Propagation in Tipitaka

Abstract

The objectives of this article were (1) to study the origin of Arahanta in Buddhist tradition, (2) to study the roles of Arahanta for Buddhism propagation appearing in Tipitaka; (3) to present the guideline of Arahanta’s role study for Buddhism propagation in Tipitaka. The research method was qualitative focusing on documentary survey, then the data was analyzed, compiled and written in descriptive style.The research found that Guidelines for studying the role of Arahants for Buddhism propagation in the Tipitaka showed that Mahakassapa Thera plays a role in discussing Dhamma, teaching Dhamma, and answering Dhamma questions together with other monks, presiding over the first council. Sariputra Thera performed a role in teaching the four Buddhist communities and the general public to become faithful and converted them into Triple Gem widely. Mahamoggallana Thera played a role in preaching Buddhism in the form of discussion, lecture, question and answer form, and the type of use of power to subdue miscreants. Bhikkhuni, namely Mahapajapatigotami Theri played a role as the originator of the Bhikkhuni as a leader of nuns during the Buddha’s time. Khema Theri played the role of the right-hand apostle, she was very intelligent. Upalavanna Theri has a role as the left-hand apostle who is very powerful and appearing as an example for a commandment that monks must not ask for three robes from non-relatives, and how to preach Dhamma with the devil, etc. These six Thera and Theri had high leadership qualities, educated and converted the people to Buddhism, specific expertise which serve prosperity of Buddhism until today.