SÅ«ra-Ambattha
An eminent lay disciple, declared by the Buddha foremost among his followers in unwavering loyalty (aggaṃ aveccappasannÄnaṃ) (A.i.26; cf.iii.451). He resolved to acquire this eminence during his birth in the time of Padumuttara Buddha. He was born, in this Buddha age, in a banker’s family in SÄvatthi and became a follower of the heretics. One day the Buddha, seeing SÅ«ra’s fitness for conversion, went to his door for alms. Out of respect for the Buddha, SÅ«ra invited him in, and, giving him a comfortable seat, entertained him to a meal. At the end of the meal, when the Buddha returned thanks, SÅ«ra became a Stream-winner. Some time after the Buddha had left, MÄra, disguised as the Buddha, visited SÅ«ra and, in reply to SÅ«ra’s questioning, said that he had returned to contradict a wrong statement which he had made earlier. He had said that all the formation were impermanent, etc., but, on further reflection, he had come to the conclusion that only some were of that nature. SÅ«ra recognized MÄra and drove him away. AA.i.215; cf. DA.iii.864.
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