In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

He was the son of a wealthy setthi of Rajagaha and was called Sundara on account of his beauty. While yet young, he realized the majesty of the Buddha, when he visited Rajagaha, and Samudda entered the Order. He once went to Savatthi, where he stayed with a friend, learning how to practise insight. On a festival day his mother thought of him and wept, seeing the sons of other families enjoying themselves with their wives. A courtesan offered to entice him back, and the mother promised that should she succeed she would make her Samuddas wife and give her many gifts. The courtesan went, well attended, to Savatthi and took lodgings in a house to which Samudda frequently came for alms. She saw that he was well seen to and showed herself to him, decked and adorned and wearing golden slippers. One day, slipping off her sandals at the door, she saluted him with clasped hands as he passed, and invited him in with seductive manner.

Then the Thera, realizing that the heart of a worldling is unsteady, made then and there a supreme effort and attained arahantship (Thag.vss.459-65; ThagA.i.467f).

According to the Dhammapada Commentary (DhA.iv.194ff.; cf. the story of Cullapindapatikatissa), Samudda accepted the invitation of the courtesan and went with her to the top floor of her seven storied house. There she provided him with a seat and practised her wiles. Samudda suddenly realized what he was doing and was much distressed.

The Buddha, seated in Jetavana, forty five leagues away, saw what was happening and smiled. On being asked by Ananda why he smiled, he said: A battle royal is being waged between Sundarasamudda and a courtesan, but Samudda will win. So saying, he sent forth a ray of light to Samudda and preached to him. At the end of the sermon Samudda became an arahant.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Full-text: Vatamiga Jataka.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Sundarasamudda; (plurals include: Sundarasamuddas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Dhammapada (Illustrated) (by Ven. Weagoda Sarada Maha Thero)

Verse 415 - A Courtesan tempts a Monk (Sundara Samudda) < [Chapter 26 - Brāhmaṇa Vagga (The Brāhmaṇa)]

show preview