Selā Therī. She was born in Alavi as daughter of the king: therefore she was also called Alavikā. When she was still unmarried the Buddha visited Alavī with Alavaka, whom he had converted, carrying his begging bowl and robe. On that occasion Sela went with her father to hear the Buddha preach. She became a lay disciple, but later, agitated in mind, she joined the Order and became an arahant. After that she lived in Sāvatthi. One day, as she was enjoying her siesta in the Andhavana under a tree, Māra, in the guise of a stranger, approached her and tried to tempt her. But she refuted his statements regarding the attractions of lay life, and Māra had to retire discomfited (S.i.134; Thig.vss.57-9).

1. Somā Therī. She was the daughter of the chaplain of King Bimbisāra. When she grew up, she saw the Buddha on his first visit to Rājagaha and became a lay disciple. Later she joined the Order, developed insight, and became an arahant. One day, as she was spending her siesta at the foot of a tree in Andhavana, Māra, wishing to interrupt her privacy, approached her, invisible in the air, and teased her, remarking on the "two finger" consciousness of women. (The Commentary explains that women, when boiling rice, cannot tell if it is cooked without testing it between two fingers, hence the expression). Somā rebuked him, saying that the fact of being a woman was no obstacle to the comprehension of the Dhamma. (This incident is given also at S.i.129).

Vijayā Therī She belonged to a household in Rājagaha and was a friend of Khemā. When Khemā left the world, Vijayā went to her, and, having listened to her teaching, joined the Order under her, attaining arahantship soon afterwards (ThigA.159f.; her Udāna verses are included in Thig.169 74.). She may be identical with the Vijayā, mentioned in the Samyutta Nikāya (S.i.130) a Bhikkhunī whom Māra, assuming the form of a young main, tried unsuccessfully to tempt.

1. Cālā Therī.-Daughter of Surūpasārī and, therefore, younger sister of Sāriputta. She had two sisters, Upacālā and Sisūpacālā, and all three left the world and joined the Order on hearing of Sāriputta's renunciation. In due course they attained arahantship (ThigA.162ff; DhA.ii.188). It is said (Thig.182-8; cp. S.i.132) that one day, when Cālā was taking her siesta in the Andhavana, Māra visited her, asking her various questions and trying to tempt her. Her son was Cāla.

1. Upacālā.-Sister of Sāriputta (his other sisters being Cālā, Sisūpacālā) and mother of Upacāla. When Sāriputta left the world to join the Order of monks, his three sisters followed his example and became nuns. It is said that when Upacālā was taking her siesta in Andhavana, Māra tried to arouse in her sensual desires, but she vanquished him and became an arahant. Her conversation with Māra is recorded in the Therīgāthā vv.189-95; ThigA.165f. The Samyutta (i.133f) mentions the temptation of all three sisters by Māra and their conquest of him. But in this account, Upacālā's verses are put into Cālā's mouth, Sisūpacālā's are ascribed to Upacālā and Cālā's to Sisūpacālā.

One of the sisters of Sāriputta. Māra once tempted her with thoughts of the pleasures of the Kāmaloka (sensuous world), but she sent him away discomfited (Thig.vss.190-203; ThigA.168f.; S.i.133f). Her story resembles that of Cālā. She had a son of the same name as herself. ThagA.i.110.

2. Vajirā Therī. The Samyutta Nikāya (S.i.134f) relates that one day, when she was taking her siesta in Adhavana at Sāvatthi, Mārā questioned her as to the origin of “being" (satta), its creator, its origin, its destiny. Vajirā answers that there is no such thing as “being," apart from certain conditioned factors, like a chariot, which exists only because of its parts. Māra retires discomfited. Vajirā's verses are often quoted (E.g Kvu. 240, 626; Mil. p.28; Vsm.ii.593) both in the Canon and in later works, but they are not included in the Therīgāthā, nor do we know anything else about her.

Akkosaka-Bhāradvāja A brahmin of Rājagaha who - incensed that his eldest brother, a member of the Bhāradvāja clan and, probably its head, (KS.i.201, n. 4; see also Dhānañjānī) had been converted by the Buddha - visits the Buddha and insults him. Later he is himself converted and becomes an arahant (S.i.161f.; MA.i.808). The soubriquet of Akkosaka was given him by the Sangītikārā to distinguish him as the author of a lampoon of 500 verses against the Buddha (SA.i.177). Asurindaka-Bhāradvāja was his younger brother (SA.i.178); he had two others, Sundarī Bhāradvāja and Bilangika-Bhāradvāja, who also became converts and, later, arahants. DhA.iv.163.

One of the Bhāradvājas. His interview with the Buddha is described above, in the Asurinda Sutta. He was the third of the Bhāradvāja brothers, all of whom eventually became followers of the Buddha (MA.ii.808). "The name (demon-chief) is so pagan for a Brahmin" says Mrs. Rhys Davids (KS.i.203,n.2), and "the Buddha's reply so suggestive of Sakka's (in Samyutta i.221) that a bifurcated or transferred legend seems fairly plausible."

Bilangika Bhāradvāja One of the Bhāradvāja brothers. On hearing that the eldest of the clan had entered the Order, he went to the Buddha, and, unable to speak for rage, sat on one side, sulking. The Buddha preached to him, and he was pleased and entered the Order, becoming an arahant in due course (S.i.164; DhA.iv.163). The Commentary explains (SA.1.178f) that he had earned large profits by running a shop for different kinds of excellently prepared "congey" (kañjikā). The name Bilangika (bilanga being another name for such preparations) was given him by the Recensionists at the Third Council.

Ahimsaka Bhāradvāja One of the Bhāradvāja brothers. He came to the Buddha at Sāvatthi and the Buddha suggested to him the desirability of living up to his name by practising ahimsā. It is said that later he became an arahant (S.i.164). Buddhaghosa (SA.i.179) is uncertain as to the reason for the name which he says was given to him by the Recensionists. He suggests that he was so called, either because his actual name was such, or because of the nature of the discussion between him and the Buddha.

Jatā-Bhāradvāja A brahmin of the Bhāradvājagotta. He goes to the Buddha and asks him the questions given in the Jatā Sutta. The Buddha gives the same answer (S.i.165). The Commentary (SA.i.179) says that he was given this name by the Recensionists because he asked a question about jatā (tangle).

Suddhika-Bhāradvāja A brahmin who visited the Buddha at Jetavana and stated that a man can be purified only by knowledge of the Vedas. The Buddha answered that it is not knowledge of runes, but the purity of heart of a man, which is important, of a man who has put forth effort to win supreme purity of conduct (S.i.165). Buddhaghosa says (SA.i.179) that the brahmin was called Suddhika to distinguish him from other Bhāradvājas by the nature of his enquiry.

2. Aggika-Bhāradvāja.-A brahmin of Rājagaha, evidently different from the above, also a fire-tender. He prepares a meal for sacrifice, and when the Buddha, out of compassion for him, appears before his house for alms, he says the meal is meant only for one who has the "threefold lore" (the three Vedas). The Buddha gives the brahmin another interpretation of the "threefold lore"; (see Aggika Sutta). The brahmin, thereupon, becomes a convert, enters the Order, and, in due course, attains arahantship. S.i.166f.; SA.i.179.

A brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, living at Ekanālā, in Dakkhināgiri. The Buddha visited him in the eleventh year after the Enlightenment (Thomas, op. cit., p.117). The brahmin was so called on account of his profession of agriculture. On the day of his festive sowing (mangalavappa), the Buddha visited him alone (having seen his upanissaya for arahantship), and stood near the place where food was being distributed to a very large number of people engaged in the festival. The brahmin, seeing the Buddha begging for alms, suggests that the Buddha should work for his living - plough and sow just as he does. (The Sūtrālankāra says the brahmin threw water on the Buddha in order to drive him away; Sylvain Levy, JA.1908, xii.99).

1. Udaya.-A brahmin of Sāvatthi. One day the Buddha came to his house and he filled the Buddha's bowl with the food prepared for his own use. Three days in succession the Buddha came, and Udaya, feeling annoyed, said to the Buddha: "A pertinacious and greedy man is the Samana Gotama that he comes again and again." The Buddha pointed out to him how, again and again, the furrow has to be sown to ensure a continuous supply of food, how over and over again the dairy-folk draw milk, and how again and again birth and death come to the slow-witted. At the end of the sermon both Udaya and his household became followers of the Buddha. S.i.173f; SA.i.199-200.

A brahmin of Sāvatthi. Once when the Buddha was ill with cramp and desired hot water Upavāna obtained from Devahita hot water and molasses, which he sent on a pingo by a serving man. Hot fomentations and the administering of molasses cured the Buddha's complaint. Devahita came later to the Buddha, and after some conversation he was converted (S.i.174f; DhA.iv.232). Devahita was said to be a friend of Upavāna (ThagA.i.311f).

1. Mānatthaddha. A brahmin of Sāvatthi who, because of his great pride respected no one. One day he came upon the Buddha preaching to a large crowd of people and stood near, on one side. The Buddha, seeing him, preached on the vanity of pride; Mānatthaddha understood, and, falling at the Buddha's feet, worshipped him. And then, in answer to his question, the Buddha told him of those to whom respect should be shown, among whom the arahants are perfect. Mānatthaddha became the Buddha's follower. S.i.177f; cp. Jenta.

Once the brahmin Paccanīkasāta of Sāvatthi visited the Buddha and asked him to recite a doctrine. But the Buddha refused, saying that there was no use in trying to teach one whose heart was corrupt and full of animosity. This refusal seems to have pleased the brahmin. S.i.179.

Navakammika Bhāradvāja One of the Bhāradvājas. Once, when the Buddha was staying in a forest in Kosala, Navakammika, who was there seeing about some timber work, saw the Buddha at the foot of a tree and asked him what pleasure he found in his contemplations. When the Buddha explained to him how he had found liberty, the Brahmin was pleased and accepted the Buddha as his teacher (S.i.179). The Commentary (SA.i.205) explains that this Brahmin had forest trees cut, and out of the timber had the framework for gables, roof terraces, etc., fitted, and these were then carried to the town and sold.

Katthahāra Sutta Some pupils of a Bhāradvāja brahmin; faggot-gatherers (katthahārakā), came across the Buddha engaged in meditation in a forest in Kosala and informed their teacher of it. He went to the Buddha and questioned him as to his purpose in dwelling in the forest. The brahmin expressed himself as being pleased with the information (S.i.180).

A brahmin of Sāvatthi visits the Buddha and, having told him that he supports his mother with food obtained from begging, asks if his action is worthy. The Buddha declares his action to be very good and one which will bring him birth in heaven. See also the Sāma Jātaka. S.i.181.

A mendicant brahmin of Sāvatthi asks the Buddha if there be any difference between the Buddha and himself, they both being mendicants. Mere mendicancy does not make a "Bhikkhu," answers the Buddha; the true Bhikkhu is he who has cast out all wickedness. S.i.182.

6. Susīma. A Paribbājaka (skilled in the Vedangas, says Buddhaghosa, SA.ii.93) of Rājagaha. When the Buddha's fame spread and his gains increased, Susīma's followers suggested that he should learn the Buddha's doctrine and preach it to the laity so that he and his followers, too, could reap some of the advantages. Susīma agreed, and sought, Ananda, who, with the Buddha’s sanction, ordained him. In discussion with the monks who declared that they had obtained complete emancipation, etc., Susīma discovered that all of them did not possess supernatural powers, but thought they had gained nibbāna "through insight." He thereupon sought the Buddha to have the matter explained. The Buddha asked him many questions, and made him realize the truth of their statement. Susīma confessed his original purpose in joining the Order and asked for forgiveness (S.ii.119ff). He developed insight and became an arahant. SA.ii.96.

Timbaruka.-A Paribbājaka who visited the Buddha at Sāvatthi and discussed with him the origin of pleasure and pain. The Buddha explained to him how ignorance was at the root of all conditioned existence. It is said that Timbaruka became a follower of the Buddha (S.ii.20f).

Thulla-Tissā A nun. She was present when Mahā-Kassapa, in the company of Ananda, visited the nuns and preached to them. She expressed resentment that Kassapa should dare to preach in the presence of Ananda. It was, she said, "as if the needle-pedlar should try to sell a needle to the needle-maker." Ananda afterwards asked Kassapa to ignore Tissā's outburst, but she later left the Order. S.ii.215ff.

3. Lakkhana Thera. Mentioned as having stayed with Mahā Moggallāna on Gijjhakūta. Once, when they were going down to Rājagaha for alms, Lakkhana noticed that at a certain spot Moggallāna smiled; on asking him why, he was told to wait till they saw the Buddha. When the question was repeated in the Buddha's presence, Moggallāna said that he had smiled on seeing various Petas with gruesome forms flying through the air. From the text it would appear that these visions were seen again on several occasions. S.ii.254; Vin.iii.104ff.; the stories of some of the Petas seen and of their past lives are given in detail in DhA.ii.68ff.; iii.60ff.; 410ff., 479.

Theo quan niệm của Hindu giáo, Phạm thiên hay Đại Phạm thiên là vị thần sáng tạo của vũ trụ này, giống như Thượng đế hay Sáng tạo chủ. Vị thần Brahma là một trong ba vị thần nổi tiếng của đạo Hindu, hai vị còn lại là thần Vishnu và thần Shiva. Brahma là cha của Manu, con người đầu tiên trên thế gian này và từ đó loài người được sinh ra. Do đó, Phạm thiên được tôn thờ như là đấng sáng tạo và sinh ra loài người. Hình tượng Phạm thiên trong Hindu giáo luôn là một vị thần có bốn mặt và bốn cánh tay. Bốn mặt chính là tượng trưng cho bốn bộ Veda (Vệ-đà)[2] và bốn cánh tay đại diện cho bốn hướng chính (Đông, Tây, Nam, Bắc). Không giống như nhiều vị thần Hindu khác, thần Brahma không mang bất kì vũ khí nào trong tay. Một tay cầm vương trượng, tay còn lại ông cầm quyển sách, tay cầm một chuỗi tràng hạt, và tay nữa còn lại cầm kinh Veda. Ý nghĩa của các tay và các pháp khí được lý giải như sau:

Suddhavāsa A Pacceka Brahmā who, with Subrahmā, went to visit the Buddha, but, finding him in meditation during the noonday heat, went to see a certain Brahmā who was infatuated with his own importance. They told him of the greater power and majesty of the Buddha, whom they persuaded him to visit. S.i.146.

2. Subrahmā. A Pacceka Brahmā. He was a follower of the Buddha, and, after visiting him together with Suddhavāsa, he went on to another Brahmā, who was infatuated with his own importance. There, by a display of magic power, Subrahmā convinced him that he was far more powerful than the Brahmā, but declared that his own power was as nothing compared with that of the Buddha (S.i.146f). On another occasion, Subrahmā visited the Buddha to declare the folly of Kokālika and of Katamoraka Tissa (S.i.148). Subrahmā was present at the preaching of the Mahāsamaya Sutta. D.ii.261.