Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.687

v2.c35.687

Vassakāra.—A brahmin, chief minister of Ajātasattu. He and Sunidha¹ were in charge of the fortifications of Pāṭaligāma, built against the Vajji. At Ajātasattu’s suggestion, Vassakāra visited the Buddha to discover, indirectly, whether, in the Buddha’s view, there were any chance of Ajātasattu conquering the Vajjians in battle. The Buddha said that as long as the Vajjians practised the seven conditions of prosperity which he had taught them at Sārandada-cetiya, they would prosper rather than decline, and this gave Vassakāra the idea that the downfall of the Vajjians could be brought about by diplomacy (upalāpana) or disunion (mithubheda). He thereupon conspired with the king² and, by agreement, the latter expelled him on the charge of showing favour to the Vajjians during discussions in the assembly. Vassakāra then went to the Vajjian country, and the Licchavis, all unsuspecting, welcomed him and appointed him as the teacher of their children. By means of cunning and questioning the children in secret, he made them quarrel with each other, and these quarrels soon spread to the elders. In three years the Licchavis were completely disunited, and when the assembly drum was beaten, they failed to appear. Vassakāra then sent a message to Ajātasattu, who was able to capture Vesāli without meeting any resistance.