Venerable Sīvali Thera was declared by the Buddha as etadagga—the foremost among the monks in receiving abundant offerings. He was born as a prince of the Koliya clan and later went forth into homelessness under the guidance of Venerable Sāriputta, who served as his preceptor. He attained arahantship while having his hair shaved at the time of his ordination.
Attainment of Enlightenment
Venerable Sāriputta instructed him in the basic meditation subject known as the Five Parts of the Body (Taca-pañcaka Kammaṭṭhāna):
Kesā – hair of the head
Lomā – hair of the body
Nakhā – nails
Dantā – teeth
Taco – skin
He was taught to contemplate these five parts as unattractive, impure, and not worthy of attachment or delusion.
Prince Sīvali listened to this meditation instruction and contemplated it carefully while the razor was touching his hair during the shaving ceremony:
At the first stroke of the razor, he attained Stream-entry (Sotāpanna).
At the second stroke, he attained Once-returner (Sakadāgāmī).
At the third stroke, he attained Non-returner (Anāgāmī).
Upon the completion of the shaving, he attained Arahantship.
Foremost in Receiving Offerings
After his higher ordination, it became evident that he was a disciple who received abundant offerings and support due to the vast merit he had accumulated over many lifetimes. The material gains offered to him were also shared with other monks.
Even when the Buddha led the monastic community through long and difficult journeys in remote areas, if Venerable Sīvali accompanied them, there would never be a shortage of food or lodging for the monks.
Significance
Venerable Sīvali is remembered as a shining example of how accumulated merit bears fruit. For this reason, he is widely revered in Theravāda Buddhist countries as a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and successful endeavors.