He belonged to a commoner’s family in Kosala, and when, for some reason, his clan fell into disfavour with the king, Mudita ran away into the forest and came across the dwelling of an Arahant. The latter, noting Mudita’s terror, comforted and ordained him at his request. Mudita practiced insight, and refused to leave his cell until he had attained Arahantship.

In the time of Vipassī Buddha he was a householder and gave the Buddha a bed (Thag.311-14; ThagA.i.401 f). He is identified with Mañcadāyaka (wrongly called Sajjhadāyaka) of the Apadāna. Ap.i.284 f.