Dharmabhāṇaka

By the late fourth or early fifth century CE, instead of focusing on the memorization of entire collections, bhāṇakas instead became experts in public recitation and doctrinal analysis and interpretation of the sutras.

In their preaching they are depicted as taking questions from audiences, responding to hostile objections, and making an effort to speak in a dynamic, inspiring manner.

Many sutras contain stories (jatakas or avadanas) of dharmabhāṇakas, including some of who are identified as the past life of a great Buddha like Shakyamuni or Amitayus.

The sutra praises this figure as a true Mahayanist, and contrasts him with forest monks who live in seclusion and barely interact with laypersons.

According to the sutra, Sadaprarudita offered his own flesh in order to obtain money to donate to a dharmabhāṇaka called Dharmodgata, who then teaches him Prajñaparamita (the perfection of wisdom).

Upon arriving at a monastery led by the austere Cāritramati—an expert in vinaya but inexperienced in bodhisattva conduct—tensions arise when Viśuddhacāritra and his followers engage in active town preaching, converting countless beings to the path.

However, Viśuddhacāritra resumes his mission elsewhere, and Cāritramati’s judgmental stance leads to his karmic downfall into the Avīci hell.

While the narrative reflects a tension between preaching and forest dwelling focused practices, it ultimately validates Viśuddhacāritra's efforts, revealing his eventual attainment of Buddhahood as Akṣobhya.

The story suggests a possible historical friction between reformist Mahāyāna preachers and conservative monastics in early Indian Buddhism.

The Pratyutpanna Samadhi Sutra teaches that one should follow a dharmabhāṇaka for a period of ten years to even an entire lifetime, treating them as if they were a Buddha and donating one's property to them.