Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.621

v2.c35.621

It is said² that once Vasabha listened to Dīghabhāṇaka monks reciting the Mahāsudassana Sutta in the Ambalaṭṭhika-pāsāda, near Lohapāsāda, and applauded the Buddha’s statement contained in the sutta that all things are transient. On another occasion he went to the Katthakasāla-pariveṇa to worship an Elder named Mahāsaṭṭhivassa (this may be only a descriptive title), but as he approached the door of his cell, he heard the Elder’s groans of pain, and, disappointed that he had not yet developed the power of suppressing pain even after sixty years of monastic life, the king turned away. The Elder was told of this by his attendant, and, putting forth great effort, attained arahantship; he thereupon sent for the king. The king lay at full length on the ground and worshipped him, saying, “It is not your arahantship I worship, but the sīla you observed as a puthujjana.”³