34 Facts About Anathapindika

Anathapindika, born Sudatta, was a wealthy merchant, banker, and philanthropist, believed to have been the wealthiest merchant in Savatthi in the time of Gautama Buddha.

Anathapindika is considered to have been the chief male patron of the Buddha.

Anathapindika founded the Jetavana Monastery in Savatthi, considered one of the two most important temples in the time of the historic Buddha, the other being Migaramatupasada.

Anathapindika was born into a wealthy merchant family in Savatthi with the birth name Sudatta, and was a relative of Subhuti, one of the Buddha's principal disciples.

Anathapindika became widely known by the nickname Anathapindika, literally "one who gives alms to the unprotected ", due to his reputation of loving to give to those in need.

Anathapindika met the Buddha while on a business trip in Rajagaha after being told about him by his brother-in-law.

Anathapindika reached sotapanna, a stage of enlightenment, after listening to the Buddha preach.

Anathapindika is known as the male lay disciple of the Buddha who was foremost in generosity.

Anathapindika's wish was fulfilled in this lifetime when he was reborn as Anathapindika and became the chief patron of Gautama Buddha.

Anathapindika was born with the given name Sudatta and was the son of a wealthy merchant named Sumana.

Anathapindika was a relative of Subhuti, who would later become the disciple of the Buddha who was foremost in being worthy of gifts.

Anathapindika had one son, Kala, and three daughters, Maha-Subhadda, Cula-Subhadda and Sumana.

Anathapindika's daughter-in-law was Sujata, the youngest sister of his female counterpart, Visakha.

Anathapindika still continued however, after a friendly yakka whispered in his ear and urged him to continue.

Anathapindika eventually reached a figure which called him "Sudatta" and asked him to come forward.

The Buddha then had a discussion with him and expounded the Four Noble Truths, afterwards Anathapindika achieved the state of sotapanna, a stage of enlightenment.

Shortly after, Anathapindika went back to Savatthi to search for a place to build the monastery.

Anathapindika offered to buy the park from the prince but the prince refused, after Anathapindika persisted, the prince said he will sell him the park if he covers it with coins, thinking nobody would accept such a price.

The coins Anathapindika brought covered all of the park except for one spot at the entrance.

Anathapindika sent the order for more pieces to be brought, but having been inspired by the merchant's resolve and wanting to share in the merit of the offering, Prince Jeta donated the remaining land and offered to build a wall and gate for the monastery as well as provide trees for timber.

Anathapindika is considered to be the male Buddhist lay disciple who was foremost in generosity.

Buddhist texts relate that throughout his life, Anathapindika regularly sent food, medicine and supplies to Jetavana monastery, as well as received monks at his house for alms daily.

Whenever the Buddha was in Savatthi, Anathapindika would visit him twice a day.

Anathapindika was well versed in the Dhamma, and an excellent debater.

Buddhist scriptures describe a time when he visited a temple of another religious tradition and a debate ensues, with Anathapindika skillfully defeating the followers of the other religious tradition.

Annoyed by this, the deva appeared before Anathapindika and suggested he preserve his remaining treasure and stop his patronage of Buddhism since he was no longer wealthy.

Appalled by this suggestion, Anathapindika explained that the only treasures he knew of were the Three Jewels; the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, and that he would continue to support Buddhism so long as he had something to give.

Anathapindika then ordered the deva to leave his house, stating that enemies of the Buddha were not welcome, forcing the deva to find a new place to live.

The homeless deva went to several authorities, eventually reaching Sakka, the king of the devas in Trayastrimsa, who suggested he must atone by retrieving Anathapindika's lost gold, convincing his debtors to repay their debts, and by giving Anathapindika a buried treasure, which had no owner.

Kalakanni was a childhood friend of Anathapindika who was impoverished.

Anathapindika ignored this superstition and his status however, and granted his friend a job.

Sariputta delivered a sermon, recommending Anathapindika focus on freeing his mind from clinging and to reflect on the impermanence of existence.

Anathapindika is considered to be one of the most exemplary adherents of the Buddhist virtue of generosity.

Anathapindika's wealth was eventually restored to him however, due to the power of the merit of his generosity.