Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c18.529

v1.c18.529

Jetavana.—A park in Sāvatthi, in which was built the Anāthapiṇḍikārāma. When the Buddha accepted Anāthapiṇḍika’s invitation to visit Sāvatthi the latter, seeking a suitable place for the Buddha’s residence, discovered this park belonging to Jetakumāra.¹ When he asked to be allowed to buy it, Jeta’s reply was: “Not even if you could cover the whole place with money.” Anāthapiṇḍika said that he would buy it at that price, and when Jeta answered that he had had no intention of making a bargain, the matter was taken before the Lords of Justice, who decided that if the price mentioned were paid, Anāthapiṇḍika had the right of purchase. Anāthapiṇḍika had gold brought down in carts and covered Jetavana with pieces laid side by side.² The money brought in the first journey was found insufficient to cover one small spot near the gateway. So Anāthapiṇḍika sent his servants back for more, but Jeta, inspired by Anāthapiṇḍika’s earnestness, asked to be allowed to give this spot. Anāthapiṇḍika agreed and Jeta erected there a gateway, with a room over it. Anāthapiṇḍika built in the grounds dwelling rooms, retiring rooms, store rooms and service halls, halls with fireplaces, closets, cloisters, halls for exercise, wells, bathrooms, ponds, open and roofed sheds, etc.³