Ajatashatru

1) Son of bimbisara and ruler of Magadha at the time of the Parinirvana; he provided for the needs of the First Council 2) Son of King Bimbishara of Magadha. Abetted by the rebellious Devadatta, he we usurped the throne, imprisoned his parents, and starved them to death. After he had conquered and annexed neighboring states, laying the foundation for the unification of India, he became afflicted with a skin disease. Remorseful, he went to the Buddha to repent his sin and take refuge in him. After the Buddha's parinirvana, King Ajatashatru sponsored the 500 arhats to collect the Buddha's teachings. Indian Buddhism is greatly indebted to the converted King Ajatashatru for his prevalence and prosperity. [RY]