Sudatta (merchant of Shravastiin Kosala, India)
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Sudatta
[須達] (Skt, Pali; Jpn Shudatsu)
A merchant of Shravastiin Kosala, India, and a lay patron of Shakyamuni Buddha. He is said to have been one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom of Kosala. Since he often made donations of food and clothing to the poor and friendless, he was also called Anathapindada (Pali Anathapindika), Supplier of the Needy. Hearing Shakyamuni preach at Bamboo Grove Monastery in Rajagriha, he converted to Buddhism. Sudatta decided to invite Shakyamuni to Shravastiand, with the assistance of Prince Jetri, built Jetavana Monastery as an offering to the Buddha. Shakyamuni often visited Jetavana Monastery to preach, which contributed greatly to the spread of Buddhism in Kosala.
