Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.249

v1.c7.249

Thenceforth, for twenty-five years,⁷ Ānanda waited upon the Buddha, following him like a shadow, bringing him water and toothpick, washing his feet, accompanying him everywhere, sweeping his cell and so forth. By day he was always at hand, forestalling the Master’s slightest wish; at night, stout staff and large torch in hand, he would go nine times round the Buddha’s Gandha-kuṭi in order to keep awake, in case he were needed, and also to prevent the Buddha’s sleep from being disturbed.⁸