Meghiya Thera.– He belonged to a Sakyan family of Kapilavatthu, and having joined the Order, was for some time the personal attendant of the Buddha. Once, when the Buddha was staying with him at Cālikā (this was in the thirteenth year after the Enlightenment, BuA.3), Meghiya went to Jantugāma for alms, and, on his return, was much attracted by a mango grove on the banks of the river Kimikālā. He asked the Buddha’s permission to dwell there in meditation. Twice the Buddha refused, but, on his third request, let him go. There, however, Meghiya was consumed by evil thoughts and returned to the Buddha. The Buddha taught him on the five things which make the heart ripe for emancipation — good friends, virtuous life, profitable talks, zealous exertion, insight — and admonished him. Meghiya thereupon attained Arahantship. A.iv.354 ff; Ud.iv.1; Thag.66; AA.ii.794; DhA.i.289 says, however, that at the end of the Buddha’s discourse Meghiya became a Stream-winner.

Ninety-one world-cycles ago, on the death of Vipassī Buddha, there was a great earthquake. The people were very frightened, but Vessavaṇa explained to them the reason for it and dispelled their fears. Meghiya was then a householder, and having thus heard of the Buddha’s qualities, was filled with joy. Fourteen world-cycles ago he was a king named Samita (UdA.217 ff; ThagA.i.149 f). He is evidently to be identified with Buddhasaññaka of the Apadāna. Ap.i.151 f.

Meghiya Vagga.– The fourth section of the Udāna.

Meghiya Sutta.– Taught to Meghiya (q.v.) on the five factors that make the heart ripe for emancipation. A.iv.354 ff.

Meghiya Thera Vatthu.– The story of Meghiya Thera (q.v.) DhA.i.287 ff.