The most outstanding example of the misuse of supernatural powers in all Buddhist history is the case of Shakyamuni’s cousin Devadatta. When Shakyamuni first visited his home country after his enlightenment, a group of young men from the Shakya clan abandoned secular life to become his followers. Among them were Ananda, who heard the Buddha’s teachings so many times that he became a learned sage; Anuruddha and Bhaddiya, who attained the enlightenment of arhats; and Bhagu, Kimbila, and Devadatta, who did not become arhats but who attained the five supernatural powers. (Though the sixth and most important power is attained only by the enlightened, ordinary Buddhist believers, the faithful of other religions, and even such sly animals as foxes and badgers are thought to be able to manifest the other five.)

Attempting to devise more effective uses for his powers, Devadatta hit upon the idea of employing them to ingratiate himself with and win the confidence of the young prince Ajatasattu, who had a brilliant future. In this way, Devadatta hoped to increase his own honor and profit.

Assuming the form of a boy girdled with serpents, Devadatta appeared before Ajatasattu, who, horrified, demanded to know the identity of this alarming creature. When he received an affirmative reply to his question as to whether the prince found him frightening, Devadatta identified himself. But the prince was unconvinced. If this serpent-girdled boy was indeed the person he claimed to be, he should appear in the form that Devadatta customarily took. Devadatta then appeared before the prince in his usual monk’s robes, begging bowl in hand.

The delighted prince came to trust and respect Devadatta and sent him many rich meals each day. Flattering treatment only poisoned Devadatta’s mind and inspired evil desires in his heart. He vowed that he would gain control of the Buddhist Order. But because of his wicked ambitions he lost his supernatural powers. And this was the start of the series of crimes and wicked acts against Shakyamuni and the Order that finally resulted in Devadatta’s destruction. (Page 170-171)