Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.1893

v2.c35.1893

Buddhaghosa says⁷ that Vepacitti’s original name was Sambara (q.v.). When Sambara refused to give to the seers, who visited him, a pledge that the Asuras would not harm them, the seers cursed him, and from that time onwards he slept badly and was plagued by nightmares. This so deranged his mind (cittam vepati) that he came to be called Vepacitti (“Crazy-nerve”). When Vepacitti lay ill of this disease, Sakka visited him and offered to cure him if he would teach him Sambara’s magic art. Vepacitti consulted the Asuras, and, as they were unwilling, he refused Sakka’s offer, warning him that Sambara, having practised magic, was suffering in purgatory and that he should avoid a similar fate.⁸