Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c26.150

v2.c26.150

3. Nanda.—Called Nanda-Gopālaka. He was a cowherd of Kosambī. One day he heard the Buddha preach to the monks, using as simile a log of wood—how, in certain circumstances, it finds its way direct to the sea—and how, similarly, a monk may reach nibbāna. Nanda asked permission to join the Order. But the Buddha insisted that he should first return the cattle, for which he was responsible, to their owners. Nanda did so, and was then ordained, becoming an arahant soon after.¹