Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.696

v2.c29.696

**Belaṭṭhasisa Thera.**—An arahant, preceptor of Ānanda. He was once afflicted with scurvy and his robes clung to him. The monks thereupon applied water to the robes, but when the Buddha heard of it he made a rule allowing necessary therapeutic measures.¹ At one time this Thera would lie in the forest where he kept a store of dried boiled rice. When he needed food, after samāpatti he would sprinkle water on the rice and eat it instead of going for alms. When this was reported to the Buddha, he blamed Belaṭṭhasīsa for storing up food and promulgated a rule forbidding this.² The Dhammapada Commentary,³ however, states that the offence was committed after the rule was laid down, and, because the food was stored, not because of greed but through lack of covetousness, the Buddha declared Belaṭṭhasīsa free from guilt.