Anathapindika

Anathapindika, the Feeder of the Helpless, was a millionaire in Savatthi. His family name was Sudatta. In the course of a visit to his brother-in-law in Rajagaha, to his indescribable joy, he heard that the Buddha was living in a forest close by.

He was so eager to meet the Buddha that he rose up very early and proceeded to the spot, passing through a lonely cemetery. It seems that his faith in the Buddha was so intense that a light emanated from his body. With the aid of this light and the encouragement given to him by an invisible being in the cemetery, he reached Sitavana where the Buddha was walking up and down anticipating his visit. The Buddha summoned him to his presence, addressing him by his family name. He heard the Dhamma from the Buddha and became a Sotapanna.

Returning to Savatthi he bought the park belonging to Prince Jeta, covering, so the story goes, the whole site with gold coins, and erected the famous Jetavana Monastery at great cost. Here the Buddha spent nineteen rainy seasons. This monastery, where the Buddha spent the major part of His life, was the scene of many of His sermons.

Several discourses, which are of particular interest to laymen, were delivered to him. Owing to his unparalleled generosity he was regarded as the chief lay supporter of the Buddha. It was on his suggestion that the Ánanda Bodhi Tree, which stands to this day, was planted at the entrance to the monastery.

His wife was Punnalakkhana. He had three good daughters - Maha Subhadda, Cula Subhadda, and Sumana. The elder had attained Sotapanna, whilst the youngest was a Sakadagami. His only son Kala, who was at first irreligious, later attained Sotapanna, skillfully guided by his father. Anathapindika breathed his last after hearing a profound discourse from the Venerable Sariputta.

After death he was reborn in the Tusita Heaven. Books state that on the very day he was reborn as a Deva he visited the Buddha at night, and extolling the virtues of the Venerable Sariputta, expressed his pleasure on seeing the Buddha and His disciples residing in his Monastery.