Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.375

v1.c7.375

In spite of Ānanda having been the constant companion of the Buddha—probably because of that very fact—it was not until after the Buddha’s parinibbāna that Ānanda was able to realise Arahantship.⁸⁵ Though he was not an arahant he had the paṭisambhidā, being among the few who possessed this qualification while yet learners (Sekhā).⁸⁶ When it was decided by Mahā Kassapa and others that a Convocation should be held to systematise the Buddha’s teachings, five hundred monks were chosen as delegates, among them, Ānanda. He was, however, the only non-arahant (sekha) among them, and he had been enjoined by his colleagues to put forth great effort and repair this disqualification. At length, when the convocation assembled, a vacant seat had to be left for him. It had not been until late the previous night that, after a final supreme effort, he had attained the goal.⁸⁷