Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c8.271

v1.c8.271

According to the Samyutta Nikāya,⁵ Isidatta was once staying with a number of senior monks at Macchikāsaṇḍa in the Ambāṭaka grove. Citta-gahapati invited the monks to a meal. On this occasion Citta asked a question regarding the Buddha's teaching on the diversity of the elements. The chief Elder, being unable to answer, remained silent. Isidatta, though the most junior of the whole company, obtained the chief Elder's permission, and answered the question to the satisfaction of Citta. Citta likewise asked questions regarding various views, such as the infinity of the world, etc. At the end of the discourse, Citta discovered, by accident, that the Elder who had preached to him was none other than his unseen friend, Isidatta. Delighted with the discovery, he invited Isidatta to spend his time at Macchikāsaṇḍa, promising to provide him with all requisites. But that same day Isidatta left Macchikasaṇḍa and never returned.⁶