Sāriputta

The chief disciple of Gotama- Buddha. He is also called Upatissa, which was evidently his personal name. MN.i.150 Sāriputta was a great friend of Mahāmoggallāna. After going forth together under Sañjaya, he heard the essence of the Dhamma from Assaji, and together with Moggallāna they became monks under the Buddha. This was shortly after the Buddha’s Awakening. Sāriputta soon became enlightened, and became a popular teacher, well respected by the other monks, and often praised by the Buddha. He features in many Suttas as a teacher. He passed away shortly before the Buddha.