Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.692

v2.c35.692

Buddhaghosa says⁴ that Vassakāra knew well of Ānanda’s residence at Veḷuvana, but that as the place was under his special protection, he wished to hear his work praised. Then follows a curious tale. Vassakāra once saw Mahā Kaccāna descending Gijjhakūṭa and remarked that he was just like a monkey. The Buddha, hearing of this, said that, unless Vassakāra begged the Elder’s forgiveness, he would be born as a monkey in Veḷuvana. Vassakāra, feeling sure that the Buddha’s prophecy would come true, had various fruit and other trees planted in Veḷuvana, to be of use to him as a monkey. After death he was actually reborn as a monkey and answered to the name of Vassakāra.