Anathapindaka

When Anāthapiṇḍaka, a rich merchant of Sāvatthi (Shravasti), came to Rajgir to visit in-laws, he came in contact with the Buddha. He offered meals to the Buddha along with his Saṅgha and then requested the Buddha to spend the next rainy retreat at Sāvatthi. On receiving his consent, he returned to Sravasti and started his search for a suitable place. He came across the pleasure park of Prince Jeta which seemed to be ideally suited for this purpose. However, he had to spread gold coins on the entire land as the price for this land. What price could be fixed for the place where the Buddha would teach Dhamma! Blessed was Anāthapiṅḍaka who built a monastery and donated it to the Saṅgha, where the Buddha spent many rainy retreats for the welfare of many! He did not make this precious donation for earning fame or for gains in his business. He did it for the benefit of many. Therefore, this donation is considered incomparable.