Indian Society for Buddhist Studies

Author(s): Prachya Vidyapeeth
Publisher: Prachya Vidyapeeth

Page 51

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one mindfully conducts self. And by deduction, the Art associated with the faiths is seen to resemble in visualization and iconography. The artistic/aesthetic perspectives help one focus upon and further the understanding of Humanity.
A few slides will be projected at the time of Presentation.
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Devadatta: The First Crusader in Buddhist Sangha
Arvind Kumar Singh, Greater Noida
Devadatta is usually presented as the archetypical earthly enemy of the Buddha, in much the same fashion that Mārā is portrayed as the Buddha's heavenly opponent. Devadatta became a disciple shortly after the Buddha's enlightenment and eventually became one of the Buddha's foremost disciples, possessing great spiritual powers. Devadatta, the Buddha's cousin appears prominently in Pali literature. In most of the references, he is shown in bad light. In fact, some references go as far as declaring him as the worst enemy of the Buddha. He is an evildoer who tries, at various times, to overthrow the Buddha, to ruin the Sangha, and even to kill the Master.
All of these are driven by his hateful and ambitious intention to replace the Buddha at the head of the Sangha. Some adversaries of the Buddha not only showed their concern about the friction between the Buddha and Devadatta but some also appear to have taken advantage of the differences between the two. But, there are some references in which he does not stand condemned but he is also acknowledging as an impeccable saint. For instant, Sariputra is known to have gone about cities like Rajagṛha praising Devadatta. He is also included amongst the elected-eleven, who were found by the Buddha as particularly praiseworthy. There appears to be an undercurrent of appreciation for some