Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c18.32

v1.c18.32

In the time of Kassapa Buddha, Jaṭila was a goldsmith. One day, an arahant, seeking for gold wherewith to complete the shrine erected over the Buddha’s remains, came to the goldsmith’s house; the latter, having just quarrelled with his wife, was in a surly mood and said to the arahant, “Throw your teacher into the water and get away.” His wife told him how wicked were his words, and he, realising his fault, asked pardon of the arahant and made valuable offerings at the Buddha’s shrine, by way of amends. Of his three sons whom he asked, in turn, to help him with the preparations, only the youngest consented to go with him. Therefore it was that in seven successive states Jaṭila was thrown into the water on the day of his birth and only his youngest son could enjoy his wealth.²