Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c16.543

v1.c16.543

4. Citta called Hatthirohaputta (Hatthisāriputta).—A thera, son of an elephant trainer, who, having entered the Order, studied under the Buddha and gained special proficiency in distinguishing subtle differences in the meanings of words. Six times he left the Order and six times returned. His last quarrel was with Mahā Koṭṭhita, who objected to his constant interruptions of the Elder's discussions regarding the Abhidhamma.¹ It is said² that in the time of Kassapa Buddha, Citta and a friend entered the Order. When the friend expressed a desire to return to household life, Citta encouraged him to do so, coveting his belongings. This was the reason for Citta's inability to remain in the Order. He was a friend of Poṭṭhapāda, and when he had returned for the sixth time to a householder's life, Poṭṭhapāda brought him to the Buddha. Citta listened to their conversation and asked questions regarding personality. At the end of the discourse (recounted in the Poṭṭhapāda Sutta) Citta once more joined the Order, never again to leave it, for he soon after became an arahant.³