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MakhÄdeva Sutta
The Buddha visits the MakhÄdeva ambavana, and, at a certain spot, smiles. In reply to Ä€nanda’s question, he tells him the story of MakhÄdeva, of how he renounced the world when gray hairs appeared on his head and became a recluse, enjoining on his eldest son to do likewise when the time came. MakhÄdeva developed the four BrahmavihÄrÄ and was reborn in the Brahma world. Eighty-four thousand of his descendants, in unbroken succession, followed the tradition set by him; the last of the kings to do this was Nimi, and his virtue having been remarked by the gods of TÄvatiṃsa, Sakka invited him there. Nimi accepted the invitation, but later returned to earth to rule righteously and to observe the four fast days in each month. Nimi’s son was KÄlÄrajanaka, who broke the high tradition and proved the last of the line.
MakhÄdeva’s tradition led only to the Brahma world, but the teachings of the Buddha lead to Enlightenment and nibbÄna.
MakhÄdeva is identified with the Buddha. M.ii.74 ff.; cp. MakhÄdeva JÄtaka and Nimi JÄtaka.
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