Nanda

After the death of Siddhartha’s mother Mahamaya King Shudhodhana married her younger sister Maha Pajapati Gotami who looked after Siddhartha as her own son. She then bore a son by name Nanda who was thus the half brother of Siddhartha. Seven years after his enlightenment Buddha returned to Kapilavasthu at the request of his father. When Buddha visited the palace it is said that three events were being celebrated by Nanda namely, his consecration to the throne, his marriage and his housewarming ceremony. After the meal Buddha handed over his bowl to Nanda and returned to the monastery. Due to his great reverence and love for Buddha, he had no choice but to follow him. Buddha knew that Nanda had the potential to become an Arahant so he asked him if he would like to be ordained. Nanda was torn with indecision. He wished to return back to his betrothed but at the same time he could not refuse his brother. So he reluctantly agreed. But as a monk he was deeply unhappy. Buddha knew the cause of his unhappiness and wished to help him. With his psychic powers he transported Nanda to the Tavatimsa heaven. On the way Nanda saw a female monkey which had lost her nose, ears and tail in a forest fire. Then Nanda saw the celestial nymphs in heaven and was amazed by their beauty. He felt that his bride was like the singed female monkey in comparison to the beautiful numphs. Reading the immature mind of Nanda Buddha said that he could possess the nymphs if he persevered and followed the Buddhist teachings to which Nanda childishly agreed.

Enlightenment

Nanda set about diligently practising the tenets taught to him and he soon achieved Arahantship. He realised how foolish his request had been as the experience of the bliss of Nirvana could never be equalled to the satisfaction of any of the baser desires. His heart was filled with joy and gratitude to Buddha for encouraging him on the path.

Past Lives

Nanda had been close to the Buddha even in earlier lives as mentioned in the Jataka Tales and the Anguttara Nikaya is a discourse between Nanda and the Buddha where the Buddha preaches on self control.

Conclusion

Buddha praised Nanda and declared him chief among his disciples in the practice of self control. Due to his perseverance on the path and the grace of Buddha he transcended attachments and desires and attained sainthood.