Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.1463

v2.c27.1463

Pāyāsi.—A chieftain (rājañña) of Setavyā, who lived on a royal domain gifted by Pasenadi. He held the view that there was no world other than this, no fruit of actions and no rebirth. But after a discussion with Kūmara-Kassapa, who was staying in the Siṃsapāvana near by, he was convinced of the error of his views. Thereupon he instituted an alms-giving to all who sought his generosity. The gifts were, however, coarse and unpalatable. A young brahmin named Uttara, who came to the almsgiving and was passed over, spoke scornfully of the gifts. Hearing of this, Pāyāsi appointed him to supervise the distribution. After death, Pāyāsi was born among the Cātummahārājika gods while Uttara was born in Tāvatimsa. Gavampati met Pāyāsi in the deva-world, and Pāyāsi instructed him to teach men to give their gifts with thoroughness and with their own hands.¹ Pāyāsi-devaputta was also known as Serīsaka-devaputta because he lived in the Serīsaka-vimāna. For details see Serīsaka-devaputta.