16. Ven. Soṇa Koḷivisa

100,000 aeons ago under Buddha Padumuttara, a wealthy householder observed a monk declared foremost in exerting energy. Inspired, he offered grand seven-day alms and aspired for the same title under a future Buddha, receiving a prophecy of fulfillment under Buddha Gotama. In his final existence, he was born into vast wealth with extraordinarily delicate feet that grew soft hair. After ordaining under Buddha Gotama, he practiced walking meditation so relentlessly that his feet bled, yet he failed to attain liberation. The Buddha visited him and taught the famous simile of the lute: just as strings sound best when properly tuned, energy must be balanced with tranquility. Applying this advice, Soṇa attained Arahatship and was declared foremost in energetic exertion.