Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c18.634

v1.c18.634

Jotidāsa Thera.—A wealthy brahmin of Pādiyattha (Pāniyattha). One day, seeing Mahā Kassapa going for alms, he entertained the Elder and requested him to preach. On a hill near the village Jotidāsa built a vihāra for Kassapa and provided him with the requisites. Moved by the Elder's teaching, he left the world and soon after became an arahant. After ten years—during which he learnt the Three Piṭakas, being specially proficient in the Vinaya—while on his way to Sāvatthi to see the Buddha, he entered a Paribbājakārāma, and there had a discussion with the Paribbājakas on how to burn away evil. At the end of the discussion, they were ordained under him.