Incorrigible Evildoers: The Story of Devadatta and Ajatashatru - In the 37th year of the Buddha’s teaching his cousin Devadatta, in collusion with Prince Ajatashatru, schemed to take over the Sangha and set in motion many tragic events. This series of articles tells that story.

• Devadatta’s Ambition - Devadatta had long been jealous of his cousin Siddhartha, who was now Shakyamuni Buddha, and plotted to take over the Sangha with Prince Ajatashatru.

• Denunciation of Devadatta - The Buddha minced no words in denouncing Devadatta and later explains to Prince Abhaya that sometimes it is necessary to speak something true and beneficial but that is nevertheless unwelcome and disagreeable to others, but one must know the right time and place.

• The Schism of Devadatta - The Buddha proposes stricter rules for the Sangha and when these are rejected by the Buddha he uses them as a pretext to initiate a schismatic movement.

• Reconciliation of the Schimatic Monks - Shariputra and Maudgalyayana teach the true Dharma to the schismatic monks and they return to the Buddha’s Sangha.

• Palace Coup - Devadatta instigates a palace coup so that his patron Prince Ajatashatru will become the King of Magadha.

• Devadatta’s First Attempt to Kill the Buddha - Devadatta and Ajatashatru send an assassin to kill the Buddha.

• Devadatta’s Second Attempt to Kill the Budda - Devadatta tries to kill the Buddha himself.

• Devadatta’s Third Attempt to Kill the Buddha - Devadatta uses a rampaging elephant to kill the Buddha.

• Queen Vaidehi Aspires to the Pure Land - To help her overcome her despair, the Pure Land discourses are taught to Queen Vaidehi by the Buddha.

• The Death of King Bimbisara - King Bimbisara dies and King Ajatashatru goes to war with his uncle King Prasenajit of Koshala.

• King Ajatashatru Sees the Buddha - Wracked with guilt over his evil deeds, Ajatashatru goes to see the Buddha.

• Devadatta’s End - Devadatta kills the nun Utpalavarna, an arhat, and then tries once more to kill the Buddha but falls into hell. In the Lotus Sutra the Buddha predicts that Devadatta will eventually attain buddhahood.

• Sources – Sources for the story of Devadatta.