The Rebellion of Devadatta Another issue addressed by the Buddha was brought about by his cousin Devadatta, who had joined the Sangha. Early indicate Deva- datta was lazy and annoyed the Buddha in various ways. However, in later stories, it is said that Devadatta, stimulated with ambition, wanted to gain control of the Sangha when the Buddha had grown older, He, along with an accomplice, actually tried to kill the Buddha, but the Buddha escaped each attempt on life. For example, a rock intended to crush the Buddha is deflect