Thank you very much for the suggestion.
The first reference about washing away merit seems to be a misplaced
quotation of Pu.n.nikaa therii's verses, as Kåre A. Lie kindly pointed out.
Thanks for the suggestion that the second reference could be in the
Rasavahini. I already thought it could be because that is a book used in
Burma too where the anecdote is also known. I don't think that it is in
the Sumangalavilasini because I already checked the references to
Cittalapabbata in it. By the way, the Sumangalavilasini is the
commentary to the Diigha Nikaaya, not a devotional work.
Venerable Dhammavihari thera told me that the flying arahats are even
mentioned in the Sri Lanka National Anthem! I just like to see the
original and give the reference. I was not planning to give a harsh
criticism. It is for Ven. Dhammika's forthcoming ''Sacred Island'', a
guidebook for Buddhist pilgrims to Sri Lanka. Please ask the Sinhalese
monks there on my behalf whether they can check the Rasavahini and find
the anecdote. I would be thankful if they could find it.
I had heard from someone that you were in Situlpahuva/Cittalapabbata,
but could not verify it. Is the abililty to fly around in Cyberspace
some kind of new type of supernormal power acquired by the modern
arahats in Cittalapabbata? Did you acquire the ''Divine Modem''? I mean,
the place is in the middle of a big National Park full of elephants and
15 km to the nearest human habitation... In any case, you will certainly
not block the sunlight from reaching the farmers crops by flying around
in this way. :-)
Best wishes,
Bh. Nyanatusita