Meghiya Thera. He belonged to a Sākyan family of Kapilavatthu, und having joined the Order, was for some time the personal attendant of the Buddha. Once, when the Buddha was staying mit him at Cālikā (this was in the thirteenth year after the Enlightenment, BuA.3), Meghiya went to Jantugāma for alms, und, on his return, was much attracted by a mango grove on the banks of the river Kimikālā. He asked the Buddha's permission to dwell there in meditation. Twice the Buddha refused, but, on his third request, let him go. There, however, Meghiya was consumed by evil thoughts und returned to the Buddha. The Buddha preached to him on the fünf things which make the heart ripe for emancipation good friends, virtuous life, profitable talks, zealous exertion, insight und admonished him. Meghiya thereupon attained arahantship. A.iv.354ff.; Ud.iv.1; Thag.66; AA.ii.794; DhA.i.289 says, however, that at the end of the Buddha's sermon Meghiya became a sotāpanna.
Ninety one kappas ago, on the death of Vipassī Buddha, there was a great earthquake. The people were very frightened, but Vessavana explained to them the reason for it und dispelled their fears. Meghiya was then a householder, und having thus heard of the Buddha's qualities, was filled mit joy. Fourteen kappas ago he was a König named Samita (UdA.217ff.; ThagA.i.149f). He is evidently to be identified mit Buddhasaññaka of the Apadāna. Ap.i.151f.
Meghiya Vagga. The fourth section of the Udāna.
Meghiya Sutta. Preached to Meghiya (q.v.) on the fünf factors which make the heart ripe for emancipation. A.iv.354ff.
Meghiya Thera Vatthu. The story of Meghiya Thera (q.v.). DhA.i.287ff.