The Story of Thera Attadattha
Verse 166: For the sake of another’s benefit, however great it may be, do not neglect one’s own (moral) benefit. Clearly perceiving one’s own benefit one should make every effort to attain it.
- Attadattham: one’s own benefit. According to the Commentary, in this context, one’s own benefit means Magga, Phala and Nibbana. (N.B. The above was uttered by the Buddha in connection with Insight Meditation.)
The Story of Thera Attadattha
While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (166) of this book, with reference to Thera Attadattha.
When the Buddha declared that he would realize parinibbana in four months’ time, many puthujjana bhikkhus* were apprehensive and did not know what to do; so they kept close to the Buddha. Attadattha, however, did not go to the Buddha and, having resolved to attain arahatship during the lifetime of the Buddha, was striving hard in the meditation practice. Other bhikkhus, not understanding him, took him to the Buddha and said, “Venerable Sir, this bhikkhu does not seem to love and revere you as we do; he only keeps to himself.” The thera then explained to them that he was striving hard to attain arahatship before the Buddha realized parinibbana and that was the only reason why he had not come to the Buddha. Continue reading