1. Arittha.-A monk. He had been subjected by the Sangha to the ukkhepanīyakamma for refusal to renounce a sinful doctrine, namely, that the states of mind declared by the Buddha to be stumbling-blocks are not such at all for him who indulges in them.
Arittha left the Order and would not come back until the ukkhepanīyakamma was revoked (Vin.ii.25-8).
He was a vulture-trainer (gaddhabādhiputta) (See note in VT.ii.377).
His case is cited as that of a pācittaya-offence because he refused to give up a wrong doctrine even after the monks had three times requested him to do so (Vin.iv.135).
In spite of the ukkhepanīyakamma the Chabbaggiya monks kept company with Arittha, thereby committing a pācittaya-offence (Vin.iv.137). We find the Buddha rebuking the nun Thullanandā for associating with Arittha after the ukkhepanīyakamma (Vin.iv.218).
It was Arittha's heresy that led to the preaching of the Alagaddūpama Sutta (M.i.130ff).
In the Samyutta Nikāya (S.v.314-15), Arittha is mentioned as having said to the Buddha that he practised concentration in breathing and as having described how he did it. The Buddha, thereupon, instructs him as to how such concentration can be done perfectly and in every detail.
In the Samanatapāsādikā Arittha is mentioned in a list of enemies of the Sāsana. Sp.iv.874.
2. Arittha.-An upāsaka mentioned in the Anguttara Nikāya (iii.451) in a list of householders and upāsakas who had seen and realised immortality and were possessed of unwavering faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. They practised Ariyan conduct and had won wisdom and liberty.
3. Arittha.-A Pacceka Buddha, mentioned in a list of Pacceka Buddhas. M.iii.69; APA.i.106; also Netti, 143.
4. Arittha.-Nephew of Devānampiyatissa. See Mahā Arittha.
5. Arittha.-Son of the Nāga king, Dhatarattha. See Kānārittha.
6. Arittha.-A messenger of Vessavana, employed by him to take his proclamations and publish them. D.iii.201.
Arittha Sutta.-Records a conversation - already referred to (s.v. Arittha 1) - between Arittha and the Buddha regarding concentration on breathing. The Buddha asks the monks whether they practise such concentration. Arittha says that he himself does and proceeds to explain his method. The Buddha, while not condemning it, explains to him how concentration could be made perfect in every detail. S.v.314-15.