Page "Ananda" Paragraph 11

Despite his long association with and close proximity to the Buddha, Ananda was only a stream-winner prior to the Buddha ’ s death.

However, Buddha said that the purity of his heart was so great that, " Should Ananda die without being fully liberated ; he would be king of the gods seven times because of the purity of his heart, or be king of the Indian subcontinent seven times.

But ... Ananda will experience final liberation in this very life.

" ( AN 3. 80 )