Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c12.2899

v1.c12.2899

At the conclusion of the discourse Kuṭadanta declares himself to be a follower of the Buddha.¹ 1. Kūṭavāṇija Jātaka (No. 98).—The Bodhisatta was once a merchant named Paṇḍita and entered into partnership with a dishonest man, Atipaṇḍita. When the time came for dividing the profits the latter claimed a larger share, for he, as his name showed, was the "brains" of the business. To settle the dispute he hid his father in a hollow tree, and feigning to consult a Tree-sprite, referred the matter to the Tree. Paṇḍita suspecting the ruse, lighted a fire at the foot of the tree and thus exposed the cheat.