Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c9.833

v1.c9.833

2. Upaka Maṇḍikāputta.—He once visited the Buddha at Gijjhakūṭa and stated before him his view that whoever starts abusive talk of another, without being able to make good his case, is blameworthy. The Buddha agrees and says that Upaka himself has been guilty of this offence.¹ Upaka protests against being caught in a big noose of words, like a fish caught as soon as he pops up his head. The Buddha explains that it is necessary for him to teach with endless variations of words and similes. Upaka is pleased with the Buddha's talk and reports the conversation to Ajātasattu. The king shows his anger at the man's presumption in having remonstrated with the Buddha,² and the Commentary adds that he had him seized by the neck and cast out.