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The Bodhisatta was once the son of the chaplain of
Brahmadatta, king of Benares. He was brought up with the king's son, and they
studied together in Takkasilā, becoming great friends. When the prince succeeded
to the throne, the Bodhisatta, not desiring to live a householder's life, became
an ascetic and lived in the Himālaya. As time passed, the king began to think of
him, and sent his minister, Sayha, to fetch the ascetic, that he might become
the royal chaplain. But the Bodhisatta refused to come, saying that he had no
need of such honour.
The story was related in reference to a monk who, loving a
woman, was discontented. The king is identified with Ananda, and Sayha with
Sāriputta. J. iii.30 33.

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