He was born of a Sakyan family in Kapilavatthu. When the Buddha visited his family, Usabha saw his power and wisdom and entered the Order. However, he fulfilled no religious duties, passing the day in society and the night in sleep. One night he dreamt that he shaved, put on a crimson cloak, and, sitting on a elephant, entered the town for alms. There, seeing the people gathered together, he dismounted, full of shame. Filled with anguish at the thought of his own muddleheadedness, he strove after insight and became an Arahant (Thag.197-8; ThagA.i.319 f).

In the time of Sikhī Buddha he was a householder and gave to the Buddha a kosamba-fruit. He is evidently identical with Kosambaphaliya of the Apadāna. Ap.ii.449.