Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.4258

v2.c36.4258

Subhūti Thera.—He was the son of Sumanaseṭṭhi and the younger brother of Anāthapiṇḍika. On the day of the dedication of Jetavana, he heard the Buddha preach and left the world. After ordination he mastered the two categories (of Vinaya rules), and, after obtaining a subject for meditation, lived in the forest. There he developed insight, and attained arahantship on the basis of mettājhāna. Teaching the Dhamma without distinction or limitation, he was declared chief of those who lived remote and in peace (araṇavihārīnam aggo), and of those who were worthy of gifts (dakkhiṇeyyānam).¹ It is said that when he went begging for alms he would develop mettājhāna at each door, hence every gift made to him was of the highest merit. In the course of his travels he came to Rājagaha, and Bimbisāra promised to build him a dwelling-place. But the king forgot his promise, and Subhūti meditated in the open air. There was no rain, and, discovering the cause, the king had a leaf hut built for him. As soon as Subhūti entered the hut and seated himself cross-legged on the bed of hay, rain began to fall.