Āṭavaka

Āṭavaka is a figure appearing in Buddhist literature, primarily in the Sutta Nipata of the Pali Canon. He is depicted as a powerful and fearsome yaksha, a type of nature spirit often associated with forests and wild places. Āṭavaka is known for his ruthless and demanding nature, initially presented as a malevolent being who torments and even eats those who fail to answer his riddles correctly.

According to the Āṭavaka Sutta, the Buddha encountered Āṭavaka in his forest dwelling. The yaksha challenged the Buddha with a series of increasingly difficult questions concerning ethics, happiness, and the path to liberation. The Buddha patiently and skillfully answered each question, demonstrating his wisdom and mastery of the Dhamma.

Through this interaction, Āṭavaka's initial hostility gradually transforms into respect and ultimately, faith in the Buddha's teachings. The sutta concludes with Āṭavaka becoming a devotee of the Buddha and vowing to protect his followers.

The Āṭavaka Sutta serves as an important example of the Buddha's ability to subdue even the most difficult and malevolent beings through compassion and wisdom. It also highlights the themes of overcoming adversity, the power of right understanding, and the transformative potential of the Dhamma. The figure of Āṭavaka, though initially fearsome, underscores the Buddhist principle that even those consumed by negativity can find liberation through the Buddha's teachings. The story is frequently cited to illustrate the importance of wisdom and the transformative power of the Buddha's teachings.