Bhagvan Shakyamuni Buddha had identified Seven Successors of the Buddha-Shasana in Kshudra Vinaya (Minor Precepts of the Vinaya). The Kshudra-Vinaya says: The eloquent speech of Munindra (entrusted to) Kashyapa, Ananda, Sanavasa and Upagupta, Dhitika, Krishna and Sudarshana (who) Shall be the Dharma-successors When Shakyamuni Buddha – the founder of the Buddha-Shasana – was approaching Mahaparinirvana he entrusted the entire doctrine to MahasthaviraKashyapa. Mahakshyapa was appointed the ambassador of Shakyamuni Buddha. The seven successors upheld the Buddha-Shasana through absolute conformity with Shakyamuni Buddha and his deeds. The Buddha-Shasana is indebted to these seven successors. Although many of Shakyamuni’s disciples went on to become Arhats there were none like the seven successors.