Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c45.38

c45.38

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, Chullavagga, VI. 4. 9, the case of the Anātha-Piṇḍika *versus* Jeta, the Prince Royal, which was decided by the Court of Śrāvasti, the then capital of Oudh, is related to show the great devotion of the Anātha-Piṇḍika to the Sākya Teacher and not to record any extraordinary judicial decision. Sudatta, who was generally called the Anātha-Piṇḍika ("Orphans' co-parcener"), on account of his kindness to orphans, was an ordinary citizen—a *grihapati*—a leading and rich merchant; Jeta was one of the princes of the blood. The latter had a garden "not too far from the town and not too near, convenient for going "and coming . . . well-fitted for a retired life." The liberal Anātha-Piṇḍika thought of buying this garden for the use of the Buddha whom he had invited from Rājagṛiha. He went to the Prince Jeta and said to him, "Your Highness, let me have "your garden to make an Ārāma (rest-house) on it." "It is not, "O gentleman, for sale, unless it is laid over with crores (of "money pieces)." "I take, Your Highness, the garden (at this "price)."