Majapaarit

Majapaarit, also known as the "Five Great Monks," were a group of prominent Buddhist monks who lived in the 5th century CE in the ancient Indian kingdom of Magadha. They are considered to be among the most influential figures in the early development of Mahayana Buddhism. The group consisted of Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Sudhana, Vasubandhu, and Asanga. Each monk made significant contributions to the Buddhist canon and philosophical thought.

Nagarjuna, often referred to as the "Master of Madhyamaka," is best known for his work "Mulamadhyamakakarika," which presents the Madhyamaka school of Buddhism. Aryadeva, another prominent figure, is credited with the compilation of the "Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma," a foundational text for the Sarvāstivāda school. Sudhana is known for his commentary on the "Abhidharma," which provides insights into the philosophical and doctrinal aspects of Buddhism.

Vasubandhu, a contemporary of Nagarjuna, is renowned for his "Abhidharmakośa," a comprehensive work on the Abhidharma, and his "Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra," a foundational text on the Yogacara school. Asanga, the last of the Majapaarit, is credited with the compilation of the "Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra," a key text in Mahayana Buddhism.

The Majapaarit are celebrated for their intellectual prowess and their role in shaping the philosophical and doctrinal landscape of Buddhism. Their works continue to be studied and revered by scholars and practitioners of Buddhism today.