1. Sukha. A monk, generally known as Sukha
Samanera. In his past life he had been Bhattabhatika (q.v.). In his last life he
was born in the house of a supporter of Sariputta. During her pregnancy, his
mother gave alms to five hundred monks, with Sariputta at their head. When he
was seven years old, he entered the Order under Sariputta, on which occasion his
parents held a special almsgiving lasting for seven days.
Once, while going with Sariputta for alms, he noticed
several things, and like the novice Pandita (q.v.) asked the Elder numerous
questions. Then he expressed a wish to return to the monastery. Sariputta
agreed, and Sukha turned back saying, Sir, when you bring my food, pray bring
me food of one hundred flavours. If you cannot obtain it through your own merit,
you can obtain it through mine. So saying, he returned to his cell and
meditated on the nature of the body. Sakkas throne was heated, and he sent the
Four Regent Gods to keep away all noise from Sukhas cell. He also bade the Sun
and Moon stand still. Sukha, helped by this silence, became an anagami.
Meanwhile, Sariputta had gone to a house where he knew he
could get the food desired by Sukha, and, having eaten there, returned with
Sukhas portion to the monastery. The Buddha, thinking that Sariputtas arrival
might impede Sukhas attainment of arahantship, appeared near the gate of
Sukhas cell and stood guard. As he stood there, the Buddha asked Sariputta four
questions. When the last question was answered, Sukha became an arahant.
Thereupon Sariputta opened the door and gave Sukha his food. Sukha ate it and
washed the bowl. The Four Regent Gods left their post, Sakka let go the rope of
the door of the novices cell, and the Sun and Moon started once more on their
course. Evening at once came on, and the Buddha, on being asked the reason,
explained that it was a usual occurrence when they who possess merit engage in
meditation. DhA.iii.95ff.; op. the story of Pandita.
2. Sukha. A general of Manabharana (2).
Cv.lxxii.123f.
3. Sukha. A Jivitapotthaki, one of the generals of
Parakkamabahu I. Cv.lxx.174.
