Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.302

v1.c7.302

Several instances occur of Ānanda preaching to the monks of his own accord⁴⁶ and also to the laity.⁴⁷ The *Sandaka Sutta* records a visit paid by Ānanda with his followers to the paribbājaka Sandaka, and describes how he won Sandaka over by a discourse. Sometimes, as in the case of the *Bhaddekaratta Sutta*,⁴⁸ Ānanda would repeat to the assembly of monks a sermon which he had previously heard the Buddha preach. Ānanda took the fullest advantage of the permission granted to him by the Buddha of asking him any question he desired. He had a very inquiring mind; if the Buddha smiled he would ask the reason (M. ii. 45, 50, 74; A. iii. 214 f.; J. iii. 405; iv. 7).