Part 6 - The Story of Kāladevila The Hermit

[Reference: The Story of Kāḷadevila the Hermit]

(The name of this hermit is given as Devala in the Sinhalese version. In the Myanman version it is shown as Devila). The account of Devila will be reproduced from the Sutta Nipāta Aṭṭhakathā, Volume II:

This Devila the Hermit was the purohita (foremost adviser) of King Sīhahanu, King of

Kapilavatthu and father of King Suddhodāna. Because of his dark complexion, the brahmin hermit was also called Asita. He was the King’s instructor and counsellor who served King Sīhahanu by giving him advice so as to enable him to carry all undertakings through, be they political, administrative or otherwise that confronted him.

During the reign of King Sīhahanu, he was tutor and guardian to Prince Suddhodāna who was simply, a crown prince and unconsecrated as yet. Devila taught him various royal manners and palace customs and educated him in statecraft and trained him in all skills.

When Prince Suddhodāna ascended the throne and was consecrated after King Sīhahanu, it was also the former royal teacher who again became advisor to King Suddhodāna.

After his ascension to the throne and his consecration, King Suddhodāna did not show profound respect to his teacher as he had done when is was a young prince. During court meetings, he merely raised his joined hands in adoration, according to the tradition of consecrated Sakyan kings.

As he no longer received the King’s special reverence as before, his birth as a brahmin and his pride as a teacher generated displeasure and dissatisfaction. Unhappy and disgusted with his obligations to attend the palace, he sought the King’s permission to become an ascetic.

Knowing his teacher’s firm decision, Suddhodāna requested: “You may become an ascetic. But after becoming an ascetic, please do not go far away. Kindly stay ever in my garden for my convenience in seeing you.” After giving his consent, saying: “Very well, let it be so,” and having made himself an ascetic and receiving the King’s favourable treatment, he stayed in the royal garden. Repeatedly engaging himself in meditation on kasiṇa device for mental concentration, he gained the five mundane psychic powers. After his acquisition of these powers, he usually had his meal each day at King Suddhodāna’s palace, and visited the Himalaya, Catu-Mahārājā abode, Tāvatiṃsa abode, and other places, where he spent his daytime.

All this is about Kāladevila the Hermit otherwise named Asita.