Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.3588

v2.c36.3588

11. Sudatta Thera (*v.l.* Sudanta).—He belonged to a rich family of Velukaṇṭaka. Some give his name as Vāsula. He was a close friend of Kumāputta, and, on hearing that the latter had left the world, he, too, visited the Buddha with a similar end in view. The Buddha preached to him, and he entered the Order and lived on a hill with Kumāputta, engaged in meditation. But they were disturbed by the comings and goings of numerous monks, and, owing to the disturbance, spurred on to greater endeavour, Sudatta put forth effort and became an arahant. Ninety-four kappas ago, in the time of Siddhattha Buddha, he was a householder, and going into the forest, he made walking-sticks, which he gave to the monks.¹