Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.405

v1.c7.405

At the end of the First Council, the duty of handing down unimpaired the Dīgha Nikāya through his disciples was entrusted to Ānanda.¹⁰⁴ He was also charged with the duty of conveying to Channa the news that the higher penalty (brahmadaṇḍa) had been inflicted on him by the Saṅgha. Ānanda had been deputed by the Buddha himself to carry out this, his last administrative act,¹⁰⁵ but Ānanda, not wishing to undertake the responsibility alone (knowing that Channa had a reputation for roughness), was granted a number of companions, with whom he visited Channa. The latter expressed repentance and was pardoned.¹⁰⁶ Perhaps it was because both the Buddha and Ānanda’s colleagues knew of his power to settle disputes that he was chosen for this delicate task.¹⁰⁷