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The name given to the inhabitants of Pāvā -
e.g., Pāveyyakā Mallā (E.g., D.ii.165).
Pāvā was evidently a centre of Buddhist activity even
during the lifetime of the Buddha, and mention is made of Pāveyyaka monks in the
Vinaya (E.g., Vin.i.253). During the time of the
Vajjiputta heresy, it was the
Pāveyyakā who upheld the true doctrine, their leaders being Revata,
Sambhūta
Sānavāsī, Yasa Kākandakaputta and
Sumana (Vin.ii.301ff.; Mhv.iv.17ff). In this
connection the Pāveyyakā are also described as "Pacchimikā" in opposition to the
Vajjiputtakas who are called "Pācīnakā."
It is explained (E.g., MT.166) that the Pāveyyakā were
called "Pacchimikā" because they lived to the west. West of
Kosala, according to
Buddhaghosa, on Mahā Vagga (vii.1.).
The Burmese MSS. seem to spell Pāveyyakā as Pātheyvakā.

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