He belonged to a brahmin family of Kosala. His mother’s brother was an Arahant, and ordained him as soon as he grew up. Sumana soon acquired the four absorptions (jhāna) and fivefold higher knowledge (abhiññā) and, in due course, attained Arahantship.

Ninety-five world-cycles ago he gave a harītaka-fruit to a Pacceka Buddha who was ill (Thag.vss.330-4; ThagA.i.411 f). He is evidently identical with Harītakadāyaka of the Apadāna. Ap.ii.394; cf. Avadānas ii. 67-70.