Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c18.627

v1.c18.627

Jotika was a very pious follower of the Buddha. Once, when he was away listening to the Buddha’s preaching, Ajātasattu—who even when visiting the palace as a boy with his father had coveted Jotika’s wealth—went with his soldiers to attack the palace in an attempt to take possession of it. But the Yakkha Yamakoḷi routed the army, and Ajātasattu fled for refuge to the vihāra where Jotika was listening to the Dhamma. On being charged by Ajātasattu with hypocrisy in that he was there listening to the Dhamma, after having charged his guards to set upon the king, Jotika’s answer was that he had no need of guards since nobody could take anything of his without his sanction. He then challenged the king to remove the rings from his (Jotika’s) fingers. Ajātasattu, trying with all his might, failed. Jotika then held out his hands and his rings all fell off.