Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.3560

v1.c6.3560

Assa Sutta.—Once Assa, the “Jockey” (assāroha) of Rājagaha came to the Buddha to ask if it were true that a horse-trainer, if he exerted himself in the performance of his duties, would be born among the Sarañjita devas? The Buddha tells him that such a view is a perverted one and that its result is rebirth either in purgatory or as an animal. Assa expresses his consternation and declares himself thenceforth a follower of the Buddha.¹ 1. Assaka.—A king mentioned in the Nimi Jātaka, in a list of kings, such as Dudīpa, Sāgara, Sela, etc., who, in spite of all their great sacrifices, were not able to go beyond the Peta-world.¹