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The Buddha and the Generous Anathapindika
Anathapindika In Shravasti, the capital of Koshala Kingdom, there lived a very wealthy merchant by the name of Sudatta. Generous in nature, he often gave food and shelter to the orphans, the old and the poor. Hence, he was popularly known as Anathapindika, which means “one who is charitable to the needy”. While he was attending to some business in Rajagriha, Anathapindika heard about the Buddha from his brother-in-law and wanted to meet Him. His brother-in-law, however, was too busy to lead him to the Buddha. So eager was Anathapindika to meet the Buddha that he got up and set off to see Him in the middle of the night. On the way, he had to walk through a cemetery but he continued his journey in spite of his fear. By daybreak, he reached the park where the Buddha called out to him, “Come Sudatta.” Anathapindika was surprised the Buddha knew his name. He was glad to see the Buddha that he at once prostrated himself before Him and said, “I hope the Buddha is living at ease.” “Yes, always at ease He lives. Untouched by desire, He has entered the ideal state of Nirvana. While being free from all attachments, He has removed all suffering. In his mind, He is calm,” the Buddha replied.