The Buddha and Ánanda

Ánanda was a cousin of the Buddha. He entered the Order together with the Sakya Nobles - Anuruddha, Bhaddiya, Bhagu, Kimbila, and Devadatta. Hearing a discourse from the Venerable Mantaniputta on the nature of things, he became a Sotapanna.

As he possessed a powerful retentive memory, and as he had the rare privilege of listening to all the discourses of the Buddha owing to his close association with Him, he was later appointed the "Treasurer of the Dhamma-Dhamma-Bhandagarika."

From the 55th year of the Buddha, until His Parinibbana in the 50th year, the Venerable Ananda ministered to all His needs acting as His favourite attendant. It was he who pleaded for the establishment of the Order of Nuns. At the First Council he was chosen to rehearse the Dhamma. Thus every Sutta begins with his words - "Evam me sutam. - Thus have I heard."

As he was expected to take a leading part in the First Council, which was composed only of Arahants, he strove hard and attained Arahantship on the night preceding the Convocation while he was about to lie down on his couch. It is stated that he was the only disciple who attained Arahantship free from the postures of sitting, standing, walking or sleeping.