Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.2653

v1.c6.2653

When the man with the lotuses asked the thief’s assistance in proving his innocence, he was advised to await the *peta*’s arrival that night and to get his counsel. This the man did, and when, the next day, he was summoned before Ambasakkhara, he cited the *peta* as witness for his defence. Ambasakkhara agreed to test the truth of the story, and in the night he saw the *peta* and learnt all that had happened. Greatly marvelling, he offered to help the *peta* in getting rid of his nudity. He was asked to seek the holy Elder Kappitaka who lived in Kapinaccanā in the Vajji country and give him robes in the *peta*’s name. This was done, and the *peta* immediately appeared before them clad in heavenly robes. From that time Ambasakkhara was converted to the Faith, and after having listened to a sermon by Kappitaka became a *Sotāpanna*. The impaled thief was set free and was cured by the royal physician; he later attained to the state of an arahant.¹