Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.2149

v2.c36.2149

The story of Sānu is given also in the Saṃyutta and Dhammapada Commentaries,³ but the details differ. There, Sānu’s human mother is portrayed as encouraging him to return to the lay life. His Yakkha-mother went to his human mother’s home, where Sānu was waiting for a meal, took possession of his body, twisted his neck, and felled him to the ground, where he lay foaming at the mouth. Sānu’s mother was filled with despair. The Yakkhinī then revealed herself and exhorted Sānu not to behave foolishly by disregarding the Buddha’s teaching. When he regained his senses, his human mother, too, pointed out the disadvantages of household life. When he declared his intention of not returning to lay life, he fed him with choice food and gave him a set of three robes that he might receive the upasampadā ordination. He then sought the Buddha, who urged him to fresh and strenuous effort. Sānu was famous as a mighty teacher throughout Jambudīpa. He lived to one hundred and twenty years.