Hellmuth Hecker [info icon]
Ananda: The Guardian of the Dhamma, by Hellmuth Hecker (2006; 56pp./130KB) [PDF icon]
A biography in the BPS's "Lives of the Disciples" series. Of all the Buddha's disciples, his cousin Ananda was the one most often mentioned in the suttas. For 25 years Ananda served as the Buddha's personal attendant. He played a crucial role in preserving (in his own prodigious memory) the Buddha's discourses for later generations. Although Ananda did not become an arahant until after the Buddha's death, the Buddha repeatedly praised him both for his understanding of the Dhamma and for his tireless efforts in its service.
Anathapindika: The Great Benefactor, by Hellmuth Hecker (2005; 23pp./68KB)
A biography in the BPS's "Lives of the Disciples" series. Anathapindika was one of the Buddha's chief lay disciples and a generous patron of the monastic Sangha. A wealthy householder, Anathapindika discovered an even richer inner treasure when he attained stream-entry during his first encounter with the Buddha. He lived out his life freely sharing both kinds of wealth: he provided the Buddha and countless other monks with food and shelter, and he taught Dhamma to others. Drawing on passages from the suttas, this engaging biography tells the story of an exemplary lay Buddhist.
Angulimala: A Murderer's Road to Sainthood, by Hellmuth Hecker (2007; 12pp./37KB)
A biography in the BPS's "Lives of the Disciples" series. A brief biography of Angulimala, the notorious bandit who was transformed by the Dhamma and eventually became an arahant.
Buddhist Women at the Time of The Buddha, by Hellmuth Hecker, translated from the German by Sister Khema (1994; 36pp./108KB)
A biography in the BPS's "Lives of the Disciples" series. A collection of biographical sketches, including stories of Khema of Great Wisdom; Kisagotami, the mother with the dead child; Nanda, the Buddha's half-sister; and Patacara, the preserver of the Vinaya.
Maha Kassapa: Father of the Sangha, by Hellmuth Hecker, revised and enlarged translation from the German by Nyanaponika Thera (1995; 22pp./67KB)
A biography in the BPS's "Lives of the Disciples" series. Biography of the Buddha's disciple best known for his meditative powers.
Maha-Moggallana, by Hellmuth Hecker (1994; 29pp./88KB)
A biography in the BPS's "Lives of the Disciples" series. A biography of the Buddha's second chief disciple, whom the Buddha praised for his supranormal knowledge and psychic powers.