Anathapindika

In the 5^th century BCE, caravans travelled from one city to another. Trade and commerce were already highly developed and financial houses began to give money for loan. Many people began to be involved in business and became millionaires. One such person was Anathapindika, one who gives alms(Pinda) to the unprotected(Anatha). His real name was Sudatta.

Meeting Buddha

After Buddha set up the Order the monks lived homeless in fields, mountains and forests practising the Buddhist teachings. A wealthy merchant who was the brother in law of Anathapindika became a lay disciple of Buddha and requested permission from Buddha to erect dwellings for the monks and when Buddha agreed he proceeded to do so. One day Anathapindika went to meet his brother in law at Rajagriha the capital of Magadha and was surprised to see everyone awaiting the ‘Enlightened One’. Hearing these words he was thrilled and eagerly wishing to meet Buddha and seeing the monastery began to walk towards it. When he heard a voice calling him by his name Sudatta he was stunned as no one knew him by his birth name. When he saw the noble countenance of the Buddha he fell at his feet and Buddha saw that he was ripe for his teachings. When Anathapindika heard the Dhamma his inner eye opened. He then asked Buddha whether he could build a monastery for them at Savitthi. He was overjoyed when the Buddha agreed. He found a beautiful glade in the forests surrounding the city which belonged to Prince Jeta, the son of King Pasenadi which seemed ideal for the purpose. He then purchased it from the Prince and built a beautiful monastery and called it the Jetavana monastery and dedicated it to the Sangha with his heart filled with joy. The Monastery contained a meeting hall, dining hall, sleeping cells, wells, lotus ponds and he also surrounded it with a great wall for maximum peace and privacy.

Service to the monks

Anathapindika supplied the monks with all necessities and since it was given with such love and devotion it was gladly accepted by the monks. But the monks never accepted alms where it was being given without devotion or sincerity. They were not attracted to the quantity or quality of food, only the heart with which the alms were given. When Buddha and his monks left Savitthi for some other monastery Anathapindika felt bereft and decided to build a shrine. But Buddha stated that such memorials were built only after the lifetime of the person venerated so a shoot from the Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment was planted and when the tree grew big Anathapindika would sit under it and contemplate on the Buddha and his teachings. Generally Buddha and his monks lived in one particular place only during the rainy season devoting themselves to intensive study and practice for which the Jetavana Monastery was used for many years. The other times were spent in travelling from one place to another, teaching the Dhamma and begging for their food.

Anathapindika remained a student throughout his life. Most of the Buddha’s teachings and advice that are specifically for laymen are taken from his instructions to Anathapindika.

Past Lives

Anathapindika was also connected to the Buddha in many past lives as can be seen in the Jataka Tales. He was always benevolent and charitable and had a very helpful and kind nature.

Last days

Anathapindika’s wife and children too were followers of the Buddha’s teachings. When he was on his deathbed Sariputra imparted to him some more advanced teachings and Anathapindika died peacefully recollecting Buddha’s teachings and compassion towards all.

Conclusion

Anathapindika was an embodiment of piety and generosity. His love and devotion towards the Buddha and the Sangha was unparalleled and he aided Buddha in many endeavours by donating generously.