Somamitta Thera untranslated

Somamitta Thera. He belonged to a Brahmin family of Benares and was expert in the Vedas. Later, owing to his association with Vimala Thera, he entered the Saṅgha and lived with him (but according to Thag­a.i.377, Vimala was ordained by Somamitta). But finding Vimala given to sloth and laziness, Somamitta left him and joined Mahā Kassapa, under whose direction he soon attained Arahant-ship. Later he visited Vimala and rebuked him. Vimala then put forth effort and became an Arahant.

Somamitta was a householder in the time of Sikhī Buddha, and, very pleased with the Buddha, he picked some kiṁsuka-flowers from a tree and offered them to him (Thag.vs.147f; Thag­a.i.267f).

He is perhaps identical with Kiṁsukapupphiya Thera of the Apadāna. Ap.ii.435; but see Thag­a.i.87.