Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.700

v2.c35.700

1. Vassakāra Sutta.—Vassakāra visits the Buddha at Veḷuvana and tells him that, among brahmins, a man is considered great and wise if he understands a thing as soon as uttered, has a good memory, is skilled and diligent in business, and resourceful and capable in investigation. The Buddha mentions four other qualities of greatness: to be given up to the welfare of many, to be master of the mind in the domain of thought (*cetovasippatta*), to be able to enter into the four *jhānas* at will, to have comprehended Nibbāna by the destruction of the *āsavas*. The Buddha acknowledges, in answer to Vassakāra’s question, that he himself possesses these four qualities.¹