Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2180

v2.c35.2180

Once when Vessavaṇa was travelling through the air, he saw Sambhūta Thera wrapt in samādhi. Vessavaṇa descended from his chariot, worshipped the Thera, and left behind two Yakkhas with order to wait until the Elder should emerge from his trance. The Yakkhas then greeted the Thera in the name of Vessavaṇa and told him they had been left to protect him. The Elder sent thanks to Vessavaṇa, but informed him, through the Yakkhas, that the Buddha had taught his disciples to protect themselves through mindfulness, and so further protection was not needed. Vessavaṇa visited Sambhūta on his return, and finding that the Elder had become an arahant, went to Sāvatthi and carried the news to the Buddha.⁸