Flanking the right of the Buddha in the Chinese Mahayana tradition is young Arahant* Venerable Ananda - the personal attendant to the Buddha for 20 years. An Arahant who possessed good conduct and excellent memory, he remembered every single sermon delivered by the Buddha. At the First Council, Venerable Ananda recited most of the Buddhist scriptures delivered by the Buddha. Hence, he was known as the most knowledgeable disciple of the Buddha.

* Arahant (or Arhat): One who has attains the bliss of Nirvana, achieving freedom from Craving, Aversion and Ignorance (which cause all suffering), ending the cycle of birth and death for oneself.