He was born in a poor family in a hamlet near Sāvatthi. When he grew up, he earned his living in the fields. One day he saw Pasenadi hold a great almsgiving to the Order, and, seeing the food served to the monks, desired to enter the Order that he might lead a life of ease and luxury. A Thera to whom he confessed his desire ordained him, and sent him to the forest with an exercise for meditation. In solitude he pined and wavered, and finally returned to his village. As he went along he saw men working in the fields in the hot wind, with soiled garments, covered with dust. And thinking how miserable they were, he put forth fresh effort in his meditations, and, winning insight, attained Arahantship.

In the past he saw Siddhattha Buddha (? Atthadassī Buddha) standing in one robe, after a bath. Pleased with this sight, he clapped his hands. One hundred and sixteen world-cycles ago he was twice king, under the name of Ekacintita. Thag.vs.43; ThagA.i.111 f; Ap.i.147 f.