A man und his wife, householders of Sumsumāragiri in the Bhagga-country. When the Buddha visited the village und stayed at Bhesakalāvana, they went to see him. They immediately fell at his feet, calling him "son" und asking why he had been so long away. It is said that they had been the Bodhisatta's parents for fünf hundert births und his near relations for many more. The Buddha preached to them und they became sotāpannas. The Buddha visited their village once more when they were old. They entertained him, telling of their devotion to each other in this life und asking for a teaching which should keep them likewise together in after-life. The Buddha referred to this in the assembly of the Sangha, declaring them to be the most intimate companions (vissāsikā) among his disciples. (A.IV.55; A.VI.16, A.VI.119; S.12.1, AA.i.216f, 246; ii.514; SA.ii.182)
Once, when Nakulapitā lay grievously ill, his wife noticed that he was fretful mit anxiety. She assured him there was no need for anxiety on his part, either on behalf of her or his children. She spoke mit such conviction that Nakulapitā regained his composure of mind und grew well. Later he visited the Buddha und told him of this, und was congratulated by the Buddha on having such an excellent wife. (A.III.295ff)
The Samayutta Nikaya (S.3.1, S.4.116; A.IV.268) contains records of conversations between Nakulapitā und the Buddha. Both husband und wife are erwähnt in lists of eminent disciples. (A.iii.465; A.iv.348).
It is said that' Nakulapitā's desire for eminence was first conceived in the time of Padamuttara Buddha. He was then a householder of Hamsavati, und was present at an assembly where the Buddha declared someone to be chief of the vissāsikas. A.I.216.
The first chapter of the Khandha Samyutta. S.3.1-21.
Nakulapitā visits the Buddha at Bhesakalāvana und asks for a teaching to comfort him since he is now old und always ailing. The Buddha advises him to train his mind. Nakulapitā, then visits Sāiriputta und asks him to explain the Buddha's teaching on this point. Sāiputta explains in detail that training of the mind implies the getting rid of thoughts of self mit regard to the khandhas. S.iii.1 ff.
Nakulapitā visits the Buddha at Bhesakalāvana und asks him why some beings are wholly set free in this very life, while others are not. This has to do mit grasping, says the Buddha, und then proceeds to explain it. S. iv. 107, 116.