PART I : THE MEETING OF THOSE NEAR AND DEAR
1. The Centres of His Preachings.
2. The Places He Visited.
3. Last Meeting between Mother and Son and between Wife and Husband.
4.Last Meeting between Father and Son.
5.Last Meeting between the Buddha and Sariputta.
§1. The Centres of His Preachings
1. It is not that after the appointment of the missionaries the Lord sat at one place. He too continued to be his own missionary.
2. The Lord seems to have made certain places chief centres of his missionary work.
3. Of such centres, the chief were Shravasti and Rajagraha.
4. He visited Shravasti about 75 times and Rajagraha about 24 times.
5. Certain other places were made minor centres.
6. They were Kapilavastu, which he visited 6 times, Vesali which he visited 6 times, and Kamas-sadhamma, 4 times.
§ 2. The Places He Visited
1. Besides these main and minor centres the Blessed Lord visited many other places during the course of his missionary tour.
2. He visited Ukkatha, Nadika, Sal, Assapura, Ghoshitaram, Nalanda, Appana, Etuma.
3. He visited Opasad, lccha-naukal, Chandal Kuppa, Kushinara.
4. He visited Devadaha, Pava, Ambasanda, Setavya, Anupiya and Ugunma.
5. The names of the places he visited show that he travelled over the Sakya Desa, the Kuru Desa and Anga Desa.
6. Roughly speaking, he travelled over the whole of Northern India.
7. These appear to be a few places. But what distance do they cover ? Rajagraha from Lumbini is not less than 250 miles. This just gives an idea of distances.
8. These distances the Lord walked on foot. He did not even use a bullock-cart.
9. In his wanderings he had no place to stay until later on when his lay disciples built Viharas and resting places which he and his Bhikkhus used as halts on their journeys. Most often he lived under vii the shade of wayside trees.
10. He went from place to place, sometimes from village to village, resolving the doubts and difficulties of those who were willing to accept his message, controverting the arguments of those who were his opponents and preaching his gospel to those who like children came to him for guidance.
11. The Blessed Lord knew that all those who came to listen to him were not all of them intelligent, not all of them came with an open and a free mind.
12. He had even warned the brethren that there were three sorts of listeners.
13. The empty-head, the fool who cannot see,— though oft and oft, unto the brethren going, he hears their talk, beginning, middle, end,—but can never grasp it. Wisdom is not his.
14. Better than he the man of scattered brains, who oft and oft, unto the brethren going, hears all their talk, beginning, middle, end, and seated there can grasp the very words, yet, rising, nought retains. Blank is his mind.
15. Better than these the man of wisdom wide. He, oft and oft unto the brethren going, hears all their talk, beginning, middle, end, and seated there, can grasp the very words, bears all in mind, steadfast, unwavering, skilled in the Norm and what conforms thereto.
16. Notwithstanding this, the Lord was never tired of going from place to place preaching his gospel.
17. As a bhikkhu the Lord never had more than three pieces of clothes. He lived on one meal a day and he begged his food from door to door every morning.
18. His mission was the hardest task assigned to any human being. He discharged it so cheerfully.
§ 3. Last Meeting between Mother and Son and between Wife and Husband
1. Before their death Mahaprajapati and Yesho-dhara met the Blessed Lord,
2. It was probably their last meeting with him.
3. Mahaprajapati went and first worshipped him.
4. She thanked him for having given her the happiness of the good doctrine, for her having been spiritually born through him: for the doctrine having grown in her through him; for her having suckled him, drinking the Dhamma-milk of him; for her having plunged in and crossed over the ocean of becoming through him—what a glorious thing it has been to be known as the mother of the Buddha ! 5. And then she uttered her plea:— " I desire to die finally having put away this corpse. 0 sorrow-ender, permit me."
6. Yeshodhara, addressing the Blessed Lord, said that she was in her seventy-eighth year. The Blessed Lord replied that he was in his eighties.
7. She told him that she was to die that very night. Her tone was more self-reliant than that of Mahaprajapati. She did not ask his permission to die nor did she go to him to seek him as her refuge.
8. On the contrary, she said to him (me saranam atthano), " I am my own refuge."
9. She had conquered all the cankers in her life.
10. She came to thank him because it was he who had shown her the way and given her the power.
§ 4. Last Meeting between Father and Son
1. Once when the Lord was staying at Raja-graha in the bamboo grove Rahula was staying at Ambalathika.
2. The Blessed One arising towards eventide from his meditation went over to Rahula, who seeing the Lord some way off, set a seat for him and water to wash his feet.
3. Seating himself on the seat set for him, the Lord poured water over his feet while Rahula, after salutations, took his seat to one side.
4. Addressing Rahula, the Blessed Lord said "He who does not shrink from deliberate lying has not—say I—left undone any evil thing which he could. Therefore, you must school yourself never to tell a lie even in jest.
5. " In the same way you must reflect and again in doing every act, in speaking every word and in thinking every thought.
6. "When you want to do anything you must reflect whether it would conduce to your or others' harm or to both, and so is a wrong act productive of woe and ripening into woe. If reflection tells you that this is the nature of that contemplated act, you should not do it.
7. " But if reflection assures you there is no harm but good in it, then you may do it.
8. "Grow in loving kindness; for as you do so malevolence will pass away.
9. "Grow in compassion; for as you do so vexation will pass away.
10. "Grow in gladness over others' welfare; for as you do so aversions will pass away.
11. "Grow in poised equanimity; for as you do so all repugnance will pass away.
12. "Grow in contemplation of the body's corruption; for as you do so passion will pass away.
13. "Grow in perception of the fleeting nature of things; for as you do so the pride of self will fall away."
14. Thus spoke the Lord. Glad at heart, Rahula rejoiced in what the Lord had said.
§ 5. Last Meeting between the Buddha and Sariputta
1. The Blessed Lord was staying in Shravasti in the Jetavana in the Gaudhakuti Vihar.
2. Sariputta arrived there with a company of five hundred brethren.
3. After saluting the Blessed One Sariputta told him that the last day of his life on earth had arrived. Will the Blessed Lord be pleased to permit him to give up his mortal coils?
4. The Blessed Lord asked Sariputta if he had selected any place for his parinibbana.
5. Sariputta told the Blessed One, " I was born in the village Nalaka in Magadha. The house in which I was born still stands. I have chosen my home for my parinibbana."
6. The Lord replied, " Dear Sariputta! Do what pleases you."
7. Sariputta fell on the feet of the Blessed Lord arid said, "I have practised the paramitas for one thousand Kalpas with only one wish, to have the honour of falling on your feet. I have achieved that end and there is no end to my happiness."
8. ' "We do not believe in rebirth. Therefore this is our last meeting. Let the Lord forgive me my faults. My last day has come."
9. " Sariputta! There is nothing to forgive," said the Lord.
10. When Sariputta rose to go, the Lord in his honour got up and stood up on the verandah of the Gauohakuti Vihar.
11. Then Sariputta said to the Blessed Lord, "I was happy when I saw you first. I am happy to see you now. I know this is the last darshan of you I am having. I shall not have your darshan again."
12. Joining together the palms of his hand he walked away without showing his back to the Blessed Lord.
13. Then the Blessed Lord said to the assembled brethren—"Follow your Elder Brother," and the assembly for the first time left the Blessed Lord and went after Sariputta.
14. Sariputta on reaching his village died in his home in the very room in which he was born.
15. He was cremated and his ashes were taken to the Blessed Lord.
16. On receiving the ashes the Blessed Lord said to the brethren-"He was the wisest, he had no acquisitive instinct, he was energetic and industrious, he hated sin, ye brethren see his ashes. He was as strong as the earth in his forgiveness, he never allowed anger to enter his mind, he was never controlled by any desire, he had conquered all his passions, he was full of sympathy, fellowship and love."
17. About that time Mahamogallan was then living in a solitary Vihar near Rajagraha. He was murdered by some assassins employed by the enemies of the Blessed Lord.
18. The sad news of his end was conveyed to the Blessed One. Sariputta and Mahamogallan were his two chief disciples. They were called Dharma-Senapati —Defenders of the Faith. The Blessed Lord depended upon them to continue the spread of his gospel.
19. The Blessed Lord was deeply affected by their death in his lifetime.
20. He did not like to stay in Shravasti and to relieve his mind he decided to move on.
PART II : LEAVING VAISHALI
1. Farewell to Vesali.
2. Halt at Pava.
3. Arrival at Klishinara.
§ 1. Farewell to Vesali
1. Before he set on his last journey the Blessed Lord was staying at Rajagraha on the Vulture's Peak.
2. After staying there for some time he said: " Come Ananda, let us go to Ambalathika."
3. "So be it Lord ! " said Ananda in assent, and the Blessed One, with a large company of the brethren, proceeded to Ambalathika.
4. After staying at Ambalathika he moved on to Nalanda.
5. From Nalanda he went to Pataligama, the capital of Magadha.
6. From Pataligama he went to Kotigam and from Kotigam he went to Nadika.
7. At each of these places he stopped for a few days and delivered a religious discourse either to the brethren or the householders.
8. From Nadika he went to Vesali.
9. Vesali was the birth-place of Mahavira and consequently a stronghold of his faith.
10. But the Blessed Lord soon succeeded in converting the people of Vesali to his own faith.
11. It is said that owing to drought, a famine ravaged the city of Vesali to such an extent that people died in large numbers.
12. The people of Vesali complained of it in a general assembly convoked by them.
13. The assembly after much discussion decided to invite the Blessed Lord to the city.
14. A Lichchavi by name Mahali, a friend of King Bimbisara and son of the chaplain of Vesali, was sent to offer the invitation.
15. The Blessed Lord accepted the invitation and started with five hundred Bhikkhus. As soon as he entered the territory of the Vajjins there was a thunderstorm, rain fell in torrents and famine disappeared.
16. This is the origin of the welcome which the people of Vesali gave to the Blessed Lord.
17. Having won their hearts it was natural that the people of Vesali should give him a warm response.
18. Then came vasa. The Blessed Lord went to Beluna for his vasa and asked the brethren to make their vasa in Vesali.
19. After finishing his vasa the Lord came to Vesali with a mind to leave Vesali and move on his journey.
20. So the Blessed Lord early one morning robed himself, and taking his bowl, entered Vesali for alms; and when he had passed through Vesali and eaten his meal he gazed at Vesali with an elephant's look and addressed the venerable Ananda and said: "This will be the last time Ananda that the Tathagatha will behold Vesali."
21. Thus saying he bade farewell to the people of Vesali.
22. He gave to the Lichchavis, when they took leave of him at the old city on their northern frontier, his alms-bowl as a memento.
23. It was his last visit to Vesali. He did not live to return to it again.
§ 2. Halt at Pava
1. From Vesali the Blessed Lord went to Bhandagam.
2. From Bhandagam he went to Hatthi-gam to Bhoga-Nagara.
3. And from Bhoga-Nagara he went to Pava.
4. At Pava the Blessed One stayed at the mango grove of one blacksmith by name Chunda.
5. Now Chunda heard that the Blessed One had come to Pava and was staying in his mango grove.
6. Chunda went to the mango grove and sat near the Blessed One, who gave him a religious discourse.
7. Gladdened by it Chunda addressed the Blessed One and said: " May the Blessed One do me the honour of taking his meal together with the brethren, at my house tomorrow."
8. And the Blessed One signified, by silence, his consent. Seeing that the Blessed One had consented, Chunda departed thence.
9. Next day Chunda made ready in his dwelling-place sweet rice and cakes and some preparation of Sukara-Madhava. And he announced the hour to the Blessed One, saying: " The hour, Lord, has come, and the meal is ready."
10. And the Blessed One robed himself and taking his bowl went with the brethren to the dwelling-place of Chunda and partook of the food prepared by him.
11. Again after the meal the Blessed One gave a discourse on religion to Chunda, then rose from his seat and departed thence.
12. The food offered by Chunda did not agree with the Blessed One. There fell upon him a dire sickness, the disease of dysentery, and sharp and shooting pain came upon him even unto death.
13. But the Blessed One, mindful and self-possessed, bore it without complaint.
14. Returning to the mango grove and after nature was relieved, the Blessed One told Ananda: " Come let us go to Kushinara" and the party moved from Pava.
§ 3. Arrival at Kushinara
1. The Blessed Lord walked for part of the way. He soon felt the need for some rest.
2. On the way the Blessed One went aside from the path to the foot of a certain tree and said to Ananda: "Fold, I pray you, Ananda, the robe; and spread it out for me. I am weary, Ananda, and must rest awhile! "
3. " Even so, Lord!" said the venerable Ananda, in assent, to the Blessed One, and spread out the robe folded fourfold.
4. And the Blessed One seated himself on the seat prepared for him.
5. And when he was seated, the Blessed One addressed the venerable Ananda, and said: " Fetch me. I pray you, Ananda, some water. I am thirsty, Ananda, and would drink."
6. Ananda replied: " This river Kakuttha is not far off, is clear and pleasant, cool and transparent, easy to get down into and delightful. There the Blessed One may both drink the water and cool his limbs. The water of this stream is foul and turbid."
7. The Blessed One was too weak to walk down to the river. He preferred to have the water of the nearby stream.
8. Ananda brought the water and the Blessed One drank it.
9. After resting for a while the Blessed One with the company of the brethren went on to the river Kakuttha; and when he had come there, he went down into the water, and bathed, and drank. And coming out again on the other side he went on to the mango grove.
10. And when he came there he again asked his robe to be spread out, saying: " I am weary and would lie down." The robe was accordingly spread out and the Blessed One laid himself down on it.
11. After resting for a while the Blessed One got up and said to Ananda: " Let us go on to the Sala grove of the Mallas, the Upavana of Kushinara on the further side of the river Hiranyavatti."
12. On reaching the place in the company of Ananda, he again asked Ananda to spread his robe between the twin Sala trees. " I am weary and would lie down."
13. Ananda spread the robe and the Blessed One laid himself down on it.
PART III : HIS END
1. The Appointment of a Successor.
2. The Last Convert.
3. Last Words.
4. Ananda in Grief.
5. The Lament of the Mallas and the Joy of a Bhikkhu.
6. The Last Rites.
7. Quarrel Over Ashes.
8. Loyalty to the Buddha.
§ 1. The Appointment of a Successor
1. The Exalted One was at one time sojourning among the Sakyans in the mango grove of the Sakyan family named the archers.
2. Now at that time Nataputta the Nigantha had just died at Pava. And at his death the Niganthas became disunited and divided into two parties, in mutual strife and conflict, quarrelling and wounding each other with wordy weapons.
3. Now Chunda, the novice, having passed the rainy season at Pava, came to see the venerable Ananda and said: "Nataputta, sir, the Nigantha had just died at Pava. And he being dead the Niganthas have become disunited and divided and are quarrelling and wounding one another. This is because they are without a protector."
4. Then said the venerable Ananda, " Friend Chunda, this is a worthy subject to bring before the Exalted One. Let us go to him, and tell him about it."
5. " Very good, sir," replied Chunda.
6. So the venerable Ananda and Chunda, the novice, sought out the Exalted One and saluting him, told him about the Niganthas and pleaded the necessity of appointing a successor.
7. The Blessed Lord on hearing what Chunda had said, replied: " But consider Chunda, where a teacher hath arisen in the world, Arahat, supremely enlightened: where a doctrine hath been well set forth, well imparted, effectual for guidance, conducive to peace; but where his disciples have not become proficient in good Norm, nor has it been made a thing of saving grace to them, well proclaimed among men when their teacher passes away.
8. "Now for such a teacher to die, Chunda, is a great affliction for his disciples and a great danger to his Dhamma.
9. " But consider, Chunda, where a teacher has appeared in the world who is all-enlightened; where the Norm has been well set forth, well imparted, effectual for guidance, conducive to peace, and where the disciples have become proficient in the good Norm, and where the full scope of the higher life has become manifest to them when that teacher passes away.
10. " Now for such a teacher, Chunda, to die is not an affliction for his disciples. Why then have a successor ? "
11. When Ananda raised the same question on another occasion the Blessed Lord said: "What think you Ananda? Do you observe even a couple of almsmen at variance about what I have taught ? "
12. " No. But those who are about the Lord might after his death, stir up quarrel in the con-fraternity respecting the regimen or of the code and such quarrels would make for general grief. "
13. "Of little concern, Ananda, are quarrels respecting rigours of regimen or of the code ; it is possible quarrels in the confraternity about the path which really matter," said the Blessed Lord.
14. " These disputes about the path cannot be settled by a dictator. What then a successor can do unless he acts as a dictator.
15. " The controversies regarding the path cannot be settled by a dictator.
16. "The decision of a controversy should be reached by the fraternity. The whole conjoint body should assemble and thrash out the matter till there is agreement and then to settle it conformably with such agreement.
17. " Majority agreements is the way to settle the disputes and not the appointment of a successor."
§'2. The Last Convert
1. Now at that time Subhadda the Wanderer was staying at Kusinara. And Subhadda the Wanderer heard the rumour, " This very day, it is said, in the last watch of the night will be the final passing away of Gotama the recluse." Then this thought came to Subhadda the Wanderer.
2. "Thus have I heard it said by other wanderers who are old and far gone in years, both teachers and disciples; ' Rarely, rarely do Tathagatas arise in the world, they, who are Arahats, fully Enlightened Ones, And here tonight, in the last watch, will be the final passing away of Gotama, the recluse. Now a doubt VII has arisen in my mind and I am assured of Gotama, the recluse. Gotama, the recluse, can show me a teaching, so that I may dispel this doubting state of mine."
3. Then Subhadda the Wanderer went towards the branch road to the Sala grove of the Mallas, where the venerable Ananda was, and coming there he told the venerable Ananda what he had thought and he exclaimed: " 0 Master Ananda ! If only I could get a sight of Gotama the recluse ! "
4. At these words the venerable Ananda said to Subhadda the Wanderer: " Enough, friend Subhadda! Trouble not the Master! The Exalted One is wearied."
5. Then a second and yet a third time did Subhadda the Wanderer make the same request, and got the same reply.
6. Now the Exalted One overheard this talk between the venerable Ananda and Subhadda the Wanderer. And He called to the venerable Ananda, saying, " Enough, Ananda! prevent not Subhadda. Let Subhadda be permitted to see the Tathagata. Whatsoever Subhadda shall ask of me, he will ask it all from a desire to know, not from a desire to trouble me. And whatever I shall say in answer, that will be quickly understood."
7. So then the venerable Ananda said to Subhadda the Wanderer, " Go you in, friend Subhadda. The Exalted One gives you leave."
8. So Subhadda the Wanderer went in to the Exalted One, and coming to Him greeted Him pleasantly, and after the exchange of friendly compliments he sat down at one side. So seated, Subhadda the Wanderer thus addressed the Exalted One:
9. " Master Gotama, all those recluses and Brahmins who have followings and companies of listeners, who are teachers of companies, well known, renowned founders of sects, esteemed as holy men by the multitude, men like Purana Kassapa, Makkhali of the Cow-pen, Ajita of hairshirt, Kacchayana of the Pakudha tree, Sanjaya, son of Belatthi, and Nigantha of the Natha clan,—have all these, as they say, realised by their own knowledge the truth of things, or have they not one and all so realised, or have some realised and others not realised it, by their own knowledge ? "
10. " Let be, Subhadda ! Trouble not yourself about such things, as to whether one and all or some have realised or not. I will show you the Norm, Subhadda. Do you listen carefully. Apply your mind. I will speak."
11. " Even so. Lord," said Subhadda the Wanderer and gave heed to the Exalted One. Then the Exalted One said this:
12. "ln whatsoever Norm-discipline, Subhadda, the Ariyan Eightfold Path is not found, therein also no recluse is found. And in whatsoever Norm-discipline, Subhadda, the Ariyan Eightfold Path is found, therein also is found a recluse.
13. "Now in this Norm-discipline (of mine), Subhadda, the Ariyan Eightfold Path is found. Herein also is found a recluse of these four degrees. Void of recluses are the other sects of disputants. But if, Subhadda, in this one, brethren were to live the perfect life, the world would not be void of arahats.
14. " My age was nine and twenty years when I went forth to seek the Good.
15. " Now fifty years and more are gone, Subhadda, since I left the world to range the Norm of Righteousness."
16. And when he had thus spoken, Subhadda the Wanderer said to the Exalted One: "Most excellent are these words of thy mouth, most excellent.
17. " Just as if a man were to set up that which is thrown down, or were to reveal that which is hidden away, or were to point out the right road to him who has gone astray or were to bring a lamp into darkness, so that those who have eyes can see. 18. " Just even so, has the truth been made known to me by the Exalted One. And I, even I betake myself to the Exalted One as my refuge, to the truth and to the Order."
19. "Whosoever, Subhadda, has formerly been a follower of another doctrine and thereafter wishes to VII enter the Order remains on probation for the space of four months."
20. " If that is the rule I too will remain on probation."
21. But the Exalted One said, "I acknowledge the difference in persons." So saying he called the venerable Ananda and told Ananda, " As it is, Ananda, receive Subhadda into the Order."
22. " Even so. Lord! " said the venerable Ananda, in assent to the Exalted One.
23. And Subhadda the Wanderer said to the venerable Ananda: " Great is your gain, friend Ananda, great is your good fortune, friend Ananda, in that you all have been sprinkled with the sprinkling of discipleship in this brotherhood at the hands of the Master himself."
24. " The same is true of you, Subhadda," replied Ananda.
25. So Subhadda the Wanderer was received into the Order under the orders of the Exalted One. He was the last disciple whom the Exalted One himself converted.
§ 3. Last Words
1. Then said the Exalted One to the venerable Ananda:
2. " It may be, Ananda, that you will say: ' Gone is the word of the Master: we have no longer any Master now!' But you must not so regard it, Ananda; for the Norm and discipline taught and enjoyed by me, they shall be your teachers when I am gone.
3. "Now, Ananda, whereas the brethren have the habit of calling one another ' friend,'—when I am gone this habit must not be followed. By an elder brother, Ananda, a brother who is a novice should be called by his name or clan name or by the word ' friend ' : but by a novice, Ananda, an elder brother should be addressed as ' Lord ' or ' Your reverence.'
4. " Again, Ananda, if the Order so desires, when I am gone, let it abolish the lesser and minor charges.
5. " You know, Ananda, the brother Channa. How obstinate, perverse and devoid of the sense of discipline he is.
6. " And to him, Ananda, let the extreme penalty be applied when I am gone."
7. " What, Lord, do you mean by ' the extreme penalty ' ? "
8. " The brother Channa, Ananda, whatever he may say, is not to be spoken to, not to be admonished, not to be instructed by the brethren. He should be left alone. It might improve him."
9. Then the Exalted One addressed the brethren :
10. " It may be, brothers, that in the mind of some one brother there is doubt or perplexity, either about the Buddha, or about the Norm, or the Order, or the Path, or the Way to the Path. If it be so, brothers, do ye ask now. Be not hereafter remorseful at the thought, ' Here was our Master face to face with us, and yet we had not the heart to question the Exalted One, though we were in His very presence.' "
11. At these words the brethren were silent.
12. Then a second time and yet a third time did the Exalted One address the brethren in the same words. And a third time the brethren were silent.
13. Then said the Exalted One: "May be, brethren, it is out of respect for the Master that ye ask not. Speak to me, then, as friend to friend, brethren."
14. Whereat those brethren were silent.
15. Then exclaimed the venerable Ananda to the Exalted One: " Strange it is, Lord ! A marvel it is, Lord! Thus assured am I, Lord, of this Order of Brethren. There is not any one brother that has a single doubt or perplexity as to the Buddha, the Norm, the Order, or as to the Path, or the Way to the Path."
16. " You speak out of assurance, Ananda. But in the Tathagata there is knowledge of the fact. There is not in any one brother a single doubt or perplexity as to this. Of these five hundred brethren of mine, Ananda, even he who is the most backward is a stream-winner, one who is assured from the Downfall, assured of reaching the Supreme Wisdom."
17. Then said the Exalted One to the brethren :
18. " Come now, brethren, I do remind ye, ' Subject to decay are all compounded things' Do ye abide in heedfulness." 19. Those were the last words of the Exalted One.
§ 4, Ananda in Grief
1. As age advanced the Blessed Lord required a personal attendant to look after him.
2. He first chose Nanda. After Nanda he chose Ananda who served as his personal attendant till his death.
3. Ananda was his constant and dearest companion, not merely an attendant.
4. When the Blessed One came to Kushinara and rested between the Sal trees, he saw that his end was coming near, and felt that it was time he took Ananda into confidence.
5. So he called Ananda and said: " And now this Ananda, at the third watch of the night, in the Uppavana of Kushinara. between the twin Sal trees, the utter passing away of the Tathagata will take place."
6. And when he had thus spoken the venerable Ananda addressed the Blessed One, and said: "Vouchsafe, Lord, to remain during the Kalpa, 0 Blessed One!, for the good and the happiness of the great multitudes, out of pity for the world, for the good and the gain and the weal of gods and men."
7. Three times did Ananda make his plea. " Enough now, Ananda, beseech not the Tathagata ! " was the reply. " The time for making such request is past."
8. " I, Ananda, am now grown old, and full of years, my journey is drawing to a close. I have reached my sum of days. I am turning eighty years of age; and just as a worn-out cart must give way some day, methinks, the same must happen to the body of the Tathagata." Hearing this, Ananda left.
9. Not seeing Ananda, the Blessed One called the brethren, and said: "Where then is Ananda?" " The venerable Ananda is gone and is weeping," said the brethren.
10. And the Blessed One called a certain brother and said: " Go now brother, and call Ananda in my name and say, ' Brother Ananda, the Master calls for thee ' "
11. "Even so, Lord!" said that brother.
12. When Ananda came back he took his seat by the side of the Blessed One.
13. Then the Blessed One said to Ananda: " Enough, Ananda! Do not weep! Have I not already, on former occasions, told you that it is in the very nature of things most near and dear unto us that we must divide ourselves from them, leave them, sever ourselves from them?
14. " For a long time, Ananda, you have been very near to me by acts of love, kind and good, beyond all measure.
15. "You have done well, Ananda! Beearnest in effort and you too shall be free from the great evils—from sensuality, from individuality, from delusion, and from ignorance."
16. Then addressing the brethren about Ananda the Blessed One said: " He is a wise man, brethren, is Ananda.
17. "He knows when it is the right time to come and visit the Tathagata, and when it is the right time for brethren and sisters of the Order, for devout men and devout women, for a king, or for a king's ministers, for other teachers and disciples, to visit the Tathagata.
18. "Brethren, there are these four special things about Ananda.
19. " All are happy to visit Ananda. They are filled with joy on beholding him; they are happy to hear him. They are ill at ease when Ananda is silent."
20. After this Ananda again returned to the subject of the passing away of the Tathagata. Addressing the Blessed One, he said: "Let not the Blessed One die in this wattled and daub town in the midst of the jungle. For Lord there are great cities, such as Champa, Rajagraha, Savathi, Saketa, Kosambi and Benares. Let the Blessed One die in one of them. "
21. " Say not so, Ananda! Say not so, Ananda. This Kushinara, Ananda, was the capital of king Maha-Sudassana under the name of Keshavati."
22. Thereafter the Blessed One gave Ananda two errands.
23. He told Ananda to see that belief does not spread that the Blessed One died as a result of the food given to Him by Chunda. He feared that Chunda might suffer. He asked Ananda to disabuse the mind of the public on this score.
24. The second thing he told Ananda was to inform the Mallas of Kushinara that the Blessed One had arrived there and would pass away in the last watch of the night.
25. " Give no occasion to reproach yourself. The Mallas may say : ' In our own village the death of our Tathagata took place and we did not know and had no opportunity of seeing him in his last hours.'"
26. Thereafter the venerable Anurudha and the venerable Ananda spent the rest of the night in religious discourse.
27. And in the third part of the night, as previously announced, the Blessed One breathed his last.
28. When the Blessed One died, the brethren and Ananda stretched out their arms and wept, and some even fell headlong on the ground, rolling to and fro in anguish, saying: " Too soon has the Blessed One died! Too soon has the Happy One passed away from existence! Too soon has the Light gone out of the world ! " 29. It was at midnight on Vaishakha Paurnima that the Blessed Lord breathed his last. The year of his death was 483 b.c. 30. As the Pali text truly says: Diva tapati addicco Ratin abhati candima; Sannaddho khathio tapati Jhayi tapati brahamano; Atha Sabbain ahorattain Buddho tapati tejasa.
31. "The sun shines only in the day and the moon makes bright the night. The warrior shines when he is in his armour. And the Brahmin when he is meditating. But the Buddha shines over all by day as well as by night by his own glory.
32. "He was beyond question the light of the world."
§ 5. The Lament of the Mallas and the Joy of a Bhikkhu
1. As desired by the Blessed One, Ananda went and informed the Mallas of the event.
2. And when they heard of this the Mallas, their wives, their young men and maidens were grieved and sad and afflicted at heart.
3. Some of them wept, dishevelling their hair, and stretched forth their arms and fell prostrate on the ground.
4. Then the Mallas, with their young men and maidens and their wives, went to the Sala grove in the Upavaana to have the last look of the Blessed One.
5. Then the venerable Ananda thought: "lf I allow the Mallas of Kushinara one by one it will take a long time for them to pay homage to the dead body of the Blessed One."
6. So he decided to arrange them in groups, family by family. Each family then bowed humbly at the feet of the Blessed One and parted.
7. Now at the time the venerable Maha Kassapa was journeying along the high road from Pava to Kushinara with a great company of the brethren.
8. Just at the time a certain naked ascetic was coming along the high road to Pava.
9. And the venerable Maha Kassapa saw the naked ascetic coming in the distance; and when he had seen him he said to the naked ascetic: " 0 friend! Surely VII thou knowest our Master?"
10. "Yes, friend ! I know him." "This day the Samana Gotama has been dead a week!"
11. Immediately on hearing the news the brethren were overcome with grief and started weeping.
12. Now at that time a brother named Sub-hadda, who had been received into the Sangh in his old age, was seated in their company.
13. And this Subhadda addressed the brethren and said: "Enough brethren! Weep not, neither lament! We are well rid of the great Samana. We used to be annoyed by being told, * This beseems you, this beseems you not.' But' now we shall be able to do whatever we like: and what we do not like, that we shall not have to do ! Isn't it good he is dead? Why weep, why lament ? It is a matter of joy."
14. So great and harsh a disciplinarian the Blessed One was.
§ 6. The Last Rites
1. Then the Mallas of Kushinara said to the venerable Ananda: "What should be done with the remains of the Tathagata?"
2. " As men treat the remains of a king of kings, so should you treat the remains of the Tathagata" replied Ananda.
3. "And how do they treat the remains of a king of kings?"
4. Ananda told them: " They wrap the body of a king of kings in a new cloth. When that is done they wrap it in cotton-wool. When that is done they wrap it in a new cloth and so on till they have wrapped the body in five hundred successive layers of both kinds. Then they place the body in an oil vessel of iron and cover that close up with another oil vessel of iron.
They then build a funeral pile of all kinds. This is the way in which they treat the remains of a king of kings."
5. "So be it," said the Mallas.
6. Then the Mallas of Kushinara said : " It is VII much too late to burn the body of the Blessed One today. Let us now perform the cremation tomorrow."
7. And the Mallas of Kushinara gave orders to their attendants, saying: "Make preparations for the funeral of the Tathagata and gather perfumes and garlands and the musicians of Kushinara."
8. But in paying honour, reverence, respect, and homage to the remains of the Tathagata with dancing, and hymns and music and with garlands and perfumes; and in making canopies of their garments, and preparing decoration wreath to hand thereon, they passed the second day too, and then the third day, and the fourth and fifth and the sixth day also.
9. Then on the seventh day the Mallas of Kushinara thought: "Let us carry the body of the Blessed One and let us perform the cremation ceremony."
10. And thereupon eight chieftains among the Mallas bathed their heads, and dad themselves in new garments with the intention of acting as pall-bearers carrying the body of the Blessed One.
11. They carried the dead body to the Shrine of the Mallas, called Makuta-bandhana; to the east of the city and there they laid down the body of the Blessed One and set fire to it.
12. After some time the mortal remains of the Blessed One were reduced to ashes.
§ 7. Quarrel Over Ashes
1. After the body of the Blessed One had been consumed by fire, the Mallas of Kushinara collected the ashes and the bones of the Blessed One and placed them in their Council Hall with a lattice work of spears and with a rampart of bows; and guarded them against anybody stealing them or any part of them.
2. For seven days the Mallas paid honour and reverence and respect and homage to them with dance and song and music and with garlands and perfumes.
3. Now the King of Magadha, Ajatasatru, heard the news that the Blessed One had died at Kushinara.
4. He, therefore, sent a messenger to the Mallas with a request for a portion of the relics of the Blessed One.
5. Similarly messengers came from the Licchavis of Vaishali, from the Sakyas of Kapilavastu, from the Bulis of Attakappa, from the Koliyas of Ramagama and from the Mallas of Pava.
6. Among the claimants for ashes there was also a Brahmin of Vethadipa.
7. When they heard these claims, the Mallas of Kushinara said: " The Blessed One died in our village. We will not give away any part of the remains of the Blessed One. They belong to us."
8. Seeing that the situation was tense a Brahmin by name Drona intervened and said: "Hear, reverend sirs, one single word from me."
9. Said Drona: "Forbearance was our Buddha to teach; unseemly is it that over the division of the remains of him who was the best of beings, strife should arise, and wounds and war !
10. " Let us all, sirs, with one accord unite in friendly harmony to make eight portions. Widespread let stupas arise in every land that the Enlightened One from all parts be reverenced."
11. The Mallas of Kushinara agreed and said: "Do thou then, 0 Brahmin, thyself, divide the remains equally into eight parts, with fair division."
12. " Be it so, sir!" said' Drona in assent.
13. And he divided the remains of the Blessed One equally into eight parts.
14. After making the division Drona said to them: " Give me, sirs, this vessel. I will set up over it a stupa."
15. And they agreed to give the vessel to him.
16. Thus the ashes of the Blessed One were shared and the quarrel was settled peacefully and amicably.
§8. Loyalty to the Buddha
1. Shravasti was the occasion (of these events)....
2. Now on that occasion a number of monks were VII busied with .making a robe for the Exalted One, with this idea : When the robe is finished, in three months' time, the Exalted One will go forth on his rounds:
3. Now at that time Isidatta and Purana, the chamberlains, were staying at Sadhuka on some business or other. Then they heard the news: "They say that a number of monks are busied with making a robe for the Exalted One with this idea: When the robe is finished, in three months' time, the Exalted One will go forth upon his rounds."
4. So Isidatta and Purana, the chamberlains, sta-tioned a man on the high-road (thus instructing him) : " Now, good fellow, as soon as you see that Exalted One, that Arahat, that perfectly Enlightened One coming along, do you come and inform us."
5. So after standing there two or three days that man saw the Exalted One coming along, while yet some distance off, and he went to inform the chamberlains, Isidatta and Purana, saying: " Here comes my lord, the Exalted One, that Arahat, that perfectly Enlightened One ! Now's the time for you to do what you want!"
6. So Isidatta and Purana, the chamberlains, went towards the Exalted One, and on coming to him, saluted him, and followed behind the Exalted One step for step.
7. Then the Exalted One turned aside from the high road and went to the foot of a certain tree and there sat down on a seat made ready. And Isidatta and Purana, the chamberlains, saluting the Exalted One, also sat down at one side. As they thus sat, they said this to the Exalted One:
8. "Lord, when we heard of the Exalted One that he would go forth on his rounds among the Ko-salans, at that time we were disappointed and depressed at the thought : the Exalted One will be far from us.
9." And when. Lord, we learned that the Exalted One was starting out from Shravasti on his rounds among the Kosalans, again we were disappointed and depressed at the thought: The Exalted One will be far from us.
10. " Again, lord, when we learned that the Exalted One would leave the Kosalans and go on his rounds among the Mallas . . . that he was actually doing so . . . we were disappointed and depressed.
11. "On hearing that the Exalted One would leave the Mallas and go on his rounds among the Vajji . . . that he was actually doing so . . . that he would leave the Vajji for Kasi . . . that he was doing so . . . that he would leave the folk of Kasi and go on his rounds in Magadha . . . that he was actually doing so . . . again we were disappointed and depressed . . ..
12. "But, Lord, when we heard that the Exalted One would leave the Magadhas for Kasi and was doing so, then we were delighted and elated at the thought: The Exalted One will be quite near us.
13. "And when we heard that he was actually going his rounds in Kasi among the Magadhas, we were likewise delighted and elated.
14. (They continue to trace the Master's steps from Kasi to the Vajji . . . from the Vajji to the Mallas . . . from the Mallas to the Kosalans in like terms.)
15. " But, Lord, when we heard that the Exalted One would be going on his rounds from the Kosalans to Savatthi, we were delighted and elated at the thought: Now the Exalted One will be quite near us !
16. " Then, when we heard: 'The Exalted One is staying at Shravasti, at Jeta grove, in Anathapindika's . Park.' Then, Lord, boundless was our delight and boundless our elation at the thought : The Exalted One is near us ! "
PART I :THE SANGH
1. The Sangh and its Organisation.
2. Admission to the Sangh.
3. The Bhikkhu and His Vows.
4. The Bhikkhu and Ecclesiastical Offences.
5. The Bhikkhu and Restraints.
6. The Bhikkhu and Good Conduct Rules.
7. The Bhikkhu and the Trial of Offences.
8. The Bhikkhu and Confession.
§ 1. The Sangh and Its Organisation
1. The followers of the Blessed Lord were divided into two classes: bhikkhus and Lay Followers called upasakas.
2. The Bhikkhus were organised into a Sangh v while the Upasakas were not.
3. The Buddhist Bhikkhu is primarily a Pariv-rajaka. This institution of Parivrajaka is older than that of the Buddhist Bhikkhu.
4. The old Parivrajakas were persons who had abandoned family life and were a mere floating body of wanderers.
5. They roamed about with a view to ascertain the truth by coming into contact with various teachers and philosophers, listening to their discourses, entering into discussion on matters of ethics, philosophy, nature, mysticism, etc.
6. Some of the old type of Parivrajakas lived under a teacher until they found another. Others lived singly without acknowledging any master.
7. Among these older type of Parivrajakas there were also women wanderers. The female Parivrajakas sometimes lived with men Parivrajakas; sometimes they lived alone and by themselves.
8. These old type of Parivrajakas had no Sangh, had no rules of discipline and had no ideal to strive for.
9. It was for the first time that the Blessed Lord organised his followers into a Sangh or fraternity, and gave them rules of discipline and set before them an ideal to pursue and realise.
§2. Admission to the Sangh
1. The Sangh was open to all.
2. There was no bar of caste.
3. There was no bar of sex.
4. There was no bar of status.
5. Caste had no place in the Sangh.
6. Social status had no place in the Sangh.
7. Inside the Sangh all were equal.
8. Inside the Sangh rank was regulated by worth and not by birth.
9. As the Blessed Lord said the Sangh was like the ocean and the Bhikkhus were like the rivers that fell into the ocean.
10. The river has its separate name and separate existence.
11. But once the river entered the ocean it lost its separate name and separate existence.
12. It becomes one with the rest.
13. Same is the case with the Sangh. When a Bhikkhu entered the Sangh he became one with the rest like the water of the ocean.
14. He lost his caste. He lost his status: so said the Lord.
15. The only distinction observed inside the Sangh was that of sex. The Bhikkhu Sangh was separate in its organisation from the Bhikkhuni Sangh.
16. The entrants into the Sangh were divided into two classes: shramaneras and bhikkhus.
17. Anyone below twenty could become a Shramanera.
18. By taking the trisaranas and by taking the ten precepts a boy becomes a Shramanera.
19. "I follow the Buddha; I follow the Dhamma; and I follow the Sangh"—are the Trisaranas.
20. "I shall abstain from killing; I shall not commit theft; I shall follow Brahmacharya; I shall not tell untruth; I shall abstain from drink."
21. "I shall abstain from taking food at an untimely hour; I shall abstain from indecent and immoral acts; I shall abstain from ornamenting and decorating myself; I shall abstain from luxuries; I shall abstain from the love of gold and silver."
22. These are the ten precepts.
23. A Shramanera can leave the Sangh at any time and become a layman. A Shramanera is attached Bhikkhu and spends his time in the service of the Bhikkhu. He is not a person who has taken Parivraja.
24. The status of a Bhikkhu has to be reached in two stages. The first stage is called Parivraja and the second stage is called Upasampada. It is after Upasampada that he becomes a Bhikkhu.
25. A candidate who wishes to take Parivraja with a view ultimately to become a Bhikkhu has to seek a Bhikkhu who has the right to act as an Uppadhya. A Bhikkhu can become an Uppadhya only after he has spent at least 10 years as a Bhikkhu.
26. Such a candidate if accepted by the Uppadhya is called a Parivrajaka and has to remain in the service and tutelage of the Uppadhya.
27. After the period of tutelage ends it is his Uppadhya who has to propose the name of his student to a meeting of the Sangh specially called for the purpose for Upasampada and the student must request the Sangh for Upasampada.
28. The Sangh must be satisfied that he is a fit and a proper person to be made a Bhikkhu. For this purpose there is a set of questions which the candidate has to answer.
29. Only when the Sangh grants permission that Upasampada is granted and the person becomes a Bhikkhu.
30. The rules regulating entry into the Bhikkhuni Sangh are more or less the same as the rules regulating the entry into the Bhikkhu Sangh.
§ 3. The Bhikkhu and His Vows
1. A layman or a Shramanera takes precepts. His obligation is to follow them.
2. A Bhikkhu besides taking precepts takes them also as vows which he must not break. If he breaks them he becomes liable to punishment.
3. A Bhikkhu vows to remain celebate.
4. A Bhikkhu vows not to commit theft.
5. A Bhikkhu vows not to boast.
6. A Bhikkhu vows not to kill or take life.
7. A Bhikkhu vows not to own anything except what the rules allow.
8. No Bhikkhu is to possess more than the following eight articles:—
(1) Three pieces of cloth to cover his body: ( i ) lower garment called Antarvaska.(ii) upper garment called Uttarasang. (iii) covering garment against cold called Sanghati.
(2) A girdle for the loins.
(3) An alms-bowl.
(4) A razor.
(5) A needle.
(6) A water-strainer.
9. A Bhikkhu takes the vow of poverty. He must beg for his food. He must live on alms. He must sustain himself only on one meal a day. Where there is no Vihar built for the Sangh, he must live under a tree.
10. A Bhikkhu does not take a vow of obedience. Outward respect and courtesy to his superiors is expected from the novice. His own salvation and his usefulness as a teacher depend on his self-culture. He is to obey not his superior but the Dhamma. His superior 'has no supernatural gift of wisdom or of absolution. He must stand or fall by himself. For that he must have freedom of thought.
11. Any breach of a vow taken by a Bhikkhu results in an offence of Parajika. The punishment for Parajika is expulsion from the Sangh.
§ 4. The Bhikkhu and Ecclesiastical Offences
1. Any breach of the vows taken by a Bhikkhu is an offence against the Dhamma.
2. In addition to these offences there were certain other offences to which he was also liable. They were called Sanghadisesa—ecclesiastical offences.
3. The list of such offences included in the Vinaya Pitaka are thirteen. 4. They are allied to the Parajika.
§ 5. The Bhikkhu and Restraints
1. Besides sailing clear of offences a Bhikkhu must observe certain restrictions and cannot be as free as others.
2. One set of such restrictions are called NISSAGIYA-PACITTIYA. It contains 26 restrictions to be observed by the Bhikkhu.
3. They relate to accepting gifts of robes, woollen mats, bowl and medical requisites.
4. They also relate to the acceptance of gold and silver. Engagement of a monk in buying and selling and appropriation of property given to the Sangh to himself.
5. The punishment for breach of these restrictions is restoration (nissagiya) and expression of repentance (pacittiya).
6. Besides these restrictions there are other restrictions which a Bhikkhu has to observe. They are called pacittiya. they number ninety-two.
§ 6. The Bhikkhu and Good Conduct Rules
1. A Bhikkhu must behave well. He should be a model person in his mode and manner of behaviour.
2. In order to secure this purpose the Blessed Lord framed a number of Conduct Rules.
3. These Good Conduct Rules were called Sekhiya Dhamma. They number seventy-five.
§ 7. The Bhikkhu and the Trial of Offences
1. The enactment of these acts and omissions were not a mere formality. They were legal in substance involving a definite charge, trial and punishment.
2. No Bhikkhu could be punished without a trial by a regularly constituted Court.
3. The Court was to be constituted by the Bhikkhus resident at the place where an offence had taken place.
4. No trial could take place without a proper number of Bhikkhus required to constitute a Court.
5. No trial would be legal without a definite charge.
6. No trial could be legal if it did not take place in the presence of the accused.
7. No trial could be legal if the accused had not been given the fullestopportunity to defend himself.
8. The following punishments could be awarded against a guilty Bhikkhu: (i) Tarjaniya Karma (warn and discharge). (ii) Niyasha Karma (declaring insane). (iii) Pravrajniya Karma (expulsion from the Sangh). (iv) Utskhepniya Karma (boycott). (v) Parivasa Karma (expulsion from Vihar).
9. Expulsion may be followed by abbana karma . Abbana Karma means annulment of dismemberment. It may be followed after granting of Pardon granted by the Sangh after being satisfied with the proper performance of Parivasa Karma.
§ 8. The Bhikkhu and Confession
1. The most original and unique institution created by the Blessed Lord in connection with the organisation of the Bhikkhus was the introduction of Confession, called uposath.
2. The Blessed Lord realized that it was possible to enforce what he had laid down as offences. But he had laid down certain restrictions which were not offences. He said that the restrictions were most intimately connected with building up of character and maintaining character; and that there was equal necessity to see that they were observed.
3. But the Lord could find no effective way of enforcing them. He therefore thought of Confession in open as a means of organising the Bhikkhu's conscience and making it act as a sentinel to guard him against taking a wrong or false step.
4. The Confession was confined to the transgressions of restrictions (which were called Patimokha).
5. For a Confession there was to be a meeting of the Bhikkhus of a given locality. There were to be three such meetings in a fortnight, one each on chaturdashi, panchadasi and ashataml on that day the Bhikkhus may fast. That is why the day is also called uposath.
6. At the meeting a Bhikkhu reads the restrictions one by one contained in the Patimokha. After reading a restriction he says to the assembled Bhikkhus, "I take it that none of you have transgressed this Rule, that is why you are silent." He says this three times. Then deals with the next restriction.
7. A similar Confessional meeting is required of the Bhikhhuni Sangh.
8. On a Confession a charge and trial may follow.
9. On a failure to Confess, any Bhikkhu may report a transgression if he was a witness to it and then a charge and trial may follow.
PART II : THE BHIKKHU—THE BUDDHA'S CONCEPTION OF HIM
1. Buddha's conception of what a Bhikkhu should be.
2. The Bhikkhu and the Ascetic.
3. The Bhikkhu and the Brahmin.
4. The Bhikkhu and the Upasaka.
§ 1. Buddha's Conception of What a Bhikkhu Should Be
1. The Buddha has himself told the Bhikkhus what he expected of them as Bhikkhus. This is what he has said.
2. " He who wishes to put on the yellow dress without having cleansed himself from sin, who disregards also temperance and truth, is unworthy of the yellow dress.
3. " But he who has cleansed himself from sin, is well grounded in all virtues, and endowed also with temperance and truth, he is indeed worthy of the yellow dress.
4. "A man is not a mendicant (Bhikkhu) simply because he asks others for alms; he who adopts the whole law is a Bhikkhu, not he who only begs.
5. " He who is above evil, who is chaste, who with care passes through the world, he indeed is called a Bhikkhu.
6. " Not only by discipline and vows, not only by much learning, not by entering into a trance not by sleeping alone, do I earn the happiness of release which no worldling can know. 0 Bhikkhu, he who has obtained the extinction of desires, has obtained confidence.
7. " The Bhikkhu who controls his mouth, who speaks wisely and calmly, who teaches the meaning of the law, his word is sweet.
8. " He who dwells in the. law, delights in the law, meditates on the law, recollects the law, that Bhikkhu will never fall away from the true law.
9. " Let him not despise what he has received, nor ever envy others; a mendicant who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
10. "A Bhikkhu who, though he receives little, does not despise what he has received, even the gods will praise him, if his life is pure, and if he is not slothful. II. "He who never identifies himself with name and form, and does not grieve over what is no more, he indeed is called a Bhikkhu.
12. " The Bhikkhu who behaves with kindness, who is happy in the doctrine of Buddha, will reach Nibbana—happiness arising from the cessation of natural inclinations.
13. " 0 Bhikkhu, empty this boat ! If emptied, it will go quickly, having cut off passion and hatred, thou wilt go to Nibbana.
14. " Cut off the five (fetters), leave the five, rise above the five. A Bhikkhu who has escaped from the five fetters, he is called Oghatinna, ' saved from the flood.'
15. " Meditate, 0 Bhikkhu, and be not heedless ! Do not direct thy thought to what gives pleasure.
16. "Without knowledge there is no medi-tation, without meditation there is no knowledge: he who has knowledge and meditation is near unto Nibbana.
17. "A Bhikkhu who has entered his empty house, and whose mind is tranquil, feels a more than human delight when he sees the Dhamma clearly.
18. " And this is the beginning here for a wise Bhikku; watchfulness over the senses, contentedness, restraint under the Dhamma; keep noble friends whose life is pure, and who are not slothful.
19. " Let him live on charity, let him be perfect in his duties; then in the fulness of delight he will make an end of suffering.
20. " Rouse thyself by thyself, examine thyself by thyself, thus self-protected and attentive wilt thou live happily, 0 Bhikkhu.
21. " For self is the lord of self, self is the refuge of self; therefore curb thyself as the merchant curbs a noble horse.
22. "A Bhikkhu (mendicant) who delights in earnestness, who looks with fear on thoughtlessness, moves about like fire, burning all his fetters, small orlarge.
23. "A Bhikkhu (mendicant) who delights in reflection, who looks with fear on thoughtlessness, cannot fall away (from his perfect state)—he is close upon Nibbana."
24. The disciples of Gotama (Buddha) are always well awake, and their thoughts day and night are always set on Buddha,
25. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake and their thoughts day and night are always set on the church.
26. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts day and night are always set on the Dhamma.
27. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake and their thoughts day and night are always set on their body.
28. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their minds day and night always delight in compassion.
29. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their minds day and night always delight in meditation.
30. It is hard to leave the world (to become a friar), it is hard to enjoy the world; hard is the monastery, painful are the houses; painful it is to dwell with equals (to share everything in common), and the itinerant mendicant is beset with pain.
31. A man full of faith, if endowed with virtue and glory, is respected, whatever place he may choose.
§ 2. The Bhikkhu and the Ascetic
1. Is the Bhikkhu an ascetic? The answer is in the negative.
2. This negative answer has been given by the Blessed Lord himself in a discussion withNigrodha the wanderer.
3. The Exalted One was once staying near Rajagraha, on the Vulture's Peak. Now at that time there was sojourning in Queen Udumbarika's Park assigned to the wanderers, the wanderer Nigrodha, together with a great company of wanderers. 4. Now the Exalted One descending from the Vulture's Peak came to the Peacock's Feeding-Ground on the bank of the Sumagadha and there walked to and fro in the open air. Then Nigrodha saw him thus walking, and on seeing him he called his company to order, saying: "Be still, sirs, and make no noise. The Samana Gotama is by the bank of the Sumagadha." When he had said this the wanderers kept silence.
5. Then the Exalted One went up to Nigrodha the wanderer, and Nigrodha spake thus to him: " Let the Lord, the Exalted One, approach. Welcome is the Lord, the Exalted One! Long has the Lord, the Exalted One, taken ere deciding on this step of coming hither. May it please the Lord, the Exalted One, to take a seat. Here is one ready."
6. The Exalted One sat down on the seat made ready, and Nigrodha, taking a low seat, sat beside him.
7. Thereupon Nigrodha said to the Exalted One: " As the Samana Gotama has come to out assembly, we would like to ask him this question: 'What, Lord, is this religion of the Exalted One, wherein he trains his disciples, and which those disciples, so trained by the Exalted One as to win comfort, acknowledge to be their utmost support and the fundamental principles of righteousness ? '"
8. " Difficult is it, Nigrodha, for one of another view, of another persuasion, of another confession, without practice and without teaching, to understand that wherein I train my disciples, and which they, so trained as to win comfort, acknowledge to be their utmost support and the fundamental principle of righteousness.
9. "But ask me, Nigrodha, a question about your own doctrine, about austere scrupulousness of life: in what does the fulfilment, in what does the non-fulfilment of these self-mortifications consist ? "
10. Then Nigrodha spake thus to the Exalted One: "We, Lord, profess self-mortifying austerities; we hold them to be essential; we cleave to them. In what does the fulfilment, in what does the nonfulfilment of them consist ? " 11. " Suppose, Nigrodha, that an ascetic goes naked, is of certain loose habits, licks his hands, respects no approach, sir, nor stop, sir; accepts nothing expressly brought, nor expressly prepared, nor any invitations. He accepts nothing taken from mouth of cooking-pot, nor placed within the threshold, nor within a mortar, nor among sticks, nor within a quern; nor anything from two eating together, nor from a pregnant woman: nor from a nursing mother; nor from a woman in intercourse with a man; nor food collected in drought; nor from where a dog is; nor from where flies are swarming; nor will he accept fish or meat; nor drink strong drink, "nor intoxicants, nor gruel. He is either a one-houser, a one-mouthful man; or a two houser, a two-mouthful man; or a seven-houser, a seven-mouthful man. He maintains himself on one alms, on two, or on seven. He takes food once a day, or once every two days, or once every seven days. Thus does he dwell addicted to the the practice of taking food according to rule, at regular intervals, upto even half a month. He feeds either on pot-herbs, or wild rice, or nivara seeds, or leather parings, or on hata, or on the powder in rice rusks, on rice-scum, on flour or oil-seeds, on grasses, on cowdung, or fruits and roots from the wood or on windfalls. He wears coarse hempen cloth, coarse mixture cloth, discarded corps-cloths, discarded rags, or tirita-bark cloth; or again he wears antelope-hide, or strips of the same netted, or kusa fibre, or bark garments, or shale cloth, or a human-hair blanket, or a horse-hair blanket, or an owl's-feather garment. He is a hair-and-beard plucker, addicted to the practice of plucking out both; a stander-up; a croucher on heels, addicted to exerting himself (to move forward) when thus squatting; a bed-of-thorns man, putting iron spikes or thorns on his couch; he uses a plank-bed; sleeps on the ground; sleeps only on one side; is a dust-and-dirt wearer and an open-airman; a where-you-will sitter; a filth-eater, addicted to the practice of eating such; a non-drinker, addicted to the practice of drinking (cold water); and even-for-third-time-man.
12. "After having done this, Nigrodha," Blessed Lord said, "What think you, Nigrodha? If these things be so, is the austerity of self-mortification carried out, or is it not?" " Truly, Lord, if these things be so, the austerity of self-mortification is carried out."
13. " Now I, Nigrodha, affirm that austerity by self-mortification thus carried out, involves blemish in several ways."
14. "In what way. Lord, do you affirm that blemish is involved?"
15. "In case, Nigrodha, when an ascetic undertakes a course of austerity, he through that course, becomes self-complacent, his aim is satisfied. Now this, Nigrodha, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
16. " And then again, Nigrodha, when an ascetic undertakes a course of austerity, he, through that undertaking exalts himself and despises others. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
17. "And again, Nigrodha, when an ascetic undertakes a course of austerity, he, through that undertaking becomes inebriated and infatuated, and grows careless. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
18. "And again, Nigrodha, when an ascetic undertakes a course of austerity, it procures for him gifts, attention and fame. Thereby he becomes complacent and his aim is satisfied. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
19. " And again, Nigrodha, by the winning of gifts, attention and fame, the ascetic exalts himself and despises others. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
20. "And again, Nigrodha, by the winning of gifts, attention and fame, he becomes inebriated and infatuated, and-grows careless. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
21. "And again, Nigrodha, when an ascetic undertakes a course of austerity, he comes to make a distinction in foods, saying: 'This suits me; this doesn't suit me. The latter kind he deliberately rejects. Over the former he waxes greedy and infatuated, and cleaves to them, seeing not the danger in them, discern-ing them not as unsafe, and so enjoys them. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
22. "And again, Nigrodha, because of his longing for gifts, attentions and fame, he thinks: 'Rajas will pay me attentions, and so will their officials; so too, will nobles. Brahmins, house-holders and founders of schools This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
23. " And again, Nigrodha, an asectic gets grumbling at some recluse or Brahmin, saying: ' That man lives on all sorts of things: things grown from tubers, or shoots, or berries, or joints, or fifthly, from seeds, munching them all up together with that wheel-less thunderbolt of a jawbone—and they call him a holy man ! ' This, too becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
24. " And again, Nigrodha, an ascetic sees a certain recluse or Brahmin receiving attentions, being revered, honoured and presented with offerings by the citizens. And seeing this he thinks: 'The citizens pay attention to this fellow who lives in luxury; they revere and honour him, and present him with offerings, while to me who, as ascetic, lives a really austere life, they pay no attentions, nor reverence, nor honour, nor offerings.' And so he cherishes envy and grudging at the citizens. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
25. "And again, Nigrodha, the ascetic affects the mysterious. When asked: 'Do you approve of this ? ' He, not approving, says: ' I do,' or approving, says, ' I do not.' . Thus he consciously tells untruths. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
26. " And again, Nigrodha, the ascetic is liable to lose his temper and bear enmity. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
27. " And again, Nigrodha, the ascetic is liable to be hypocritical and deceitful, as well as envious and grudging; he becomes cunning and crafty, hard-hearted and vain, he entertains evil wishes and becomes captive to them; he entertains false opinions, becomes possessed of metempirical dogma; misinterprets his experience; is avaricious and adverse from renunciation. This, too, becomes a blemish in the ascetic.
28. " What think you of this, Nigrodha ? Are these things blemishes in the austerities of self-mortification, or are they not ? "
29. " Verily, Lord, these things are blemishes in the austerities of self-mortification. It is possible, Lord, that an ascetic may be possessed even of all these blemishes, much more by one or other of them."
30. The Bhikkhus are not to be guilty of these blemishes.
§3. The Bhikkhu and the Brahmin
1. Is the Bhikkhu the same as the Brahmin ? The answer to this question is also in the negative.
2. The discussion of the subject has not been concentrated at any one place. It is scattered all over. But the points of distinction can be easily summed up.
3. A Brahmin is a priest. His main function is to perform certain ceremonies connected with birth, marriage and death.
4. These ceremonies become necessary because of the doctrines of original sin which requires ceremonies to wash it off, and because of the belief in God and in Soul.
5. For these ceremonies a priest is necessary. A Bhikkhu does not believe in original sin, in God and Soul. There are, therefore, no ceremonies to be performed. He is, therefore, not a priest.
6. A Brahmin is born. A Bhikkhu is made.
7. A Brahmin has a caste. A Bhikkhu has no caste.
8. Once a Brahmin always a Brahmin. No sin, no crime can unmake a Brahmin.
9. But once a Bhikkhu is not always a Bhikkhu. A Bhikkhu is made. So he can be unmade if by his conduct he makes himself unworthy of remaining a Bhikkhu.
10. No mental or moral training is necessary for being a Brahmin. All that is expected (only expected) of him is to know his religious lore.
11. Quite different is the case of the Bhikkhu, mental and moral training is his life-blood.
12. A Brahmin is free to acquire unlimited amount of property for himself. A Bhikkhu on the other hand cannot,
13. This is no small difference. Property is the severest limitation upon the mental and moral independence of man both in respect of thought and action. It produces a conflict between the two. That is why the Brahmin is always opposed to change. For, to him a change means loss of power and loss of pelf.
14. A Bhikkhu having no property is mentally and morally free. In his case there are no personal interests which can stand in the way of honesty and integrity.
15. They are Brahmins. None the less each Brahmin is an individual by himself. There is no religious organisation to which he is subordinate. A Brahmin is a law unto himself. They are bound by common interests which are material.
16. A Bhikkhu on the other hand is always a member of the Sangh. It is inconceivable that there could be a Bhikkhu without his being a member of the Sangh. A Bhikkhu is not a law unto himself. He is subordinate* to the Sangh. The Sangh is a spiritual organisation.
§ 4. The Bhikkhu and the Upasaka
1. In the Dhamma there is a marked distinction between the Dhamma of the Bhikku and the Dhamma of the Upasaka or the layman.
2. The Bhikkhu is bound to celibacy. Not so the Upasaka. He can marry.
3. The Bhikkhu can have no home. He can have no family. Not so the Upasaka. The Upasaka can have a home and can have a family.
4. The Bhikkhu is not to have any property. But an Upasaka can have property.
5. The Bhikkhu is forbidden from taking life. Not so the Upasaka. He may.
6. The Panchasilas are common to both. But to the Bhikkhu they are vows. He cannot break them without incurring penalty. To the UpasaJka they are precepts to be followed.
7. The Bhikkhu's observance of the Panchasilas is compulsory. Their observance by the Upasakas is voluntary.
8. Why did the Blessed Lord make such a distinction ? There must be some good reason for it. For the Blessed Lord would not do anything unless there was some good reason for it.
9. The reason for this distinction is nowhere explicitly stated by the Blessed Lord. It is left to be inferred. All the same it is necessary to know the reason for this distinction.
10. There is no doubt that the Blessed Lord wanted through his Dhamma to lay the foundation of a kingdom of righteousness on earth. That is why he preached his Dhanmia to all without distinction, to Bhikkus as well as to laymen.
11. But the Blessed Lord also knew that merely preaching the Dhamma to the common men would not result in the creation of that ideal society based on righteousness.
12. An ideal must be practical and must be shown to be practicable. Then and then only people strive after it and try to realise it.
13. To create this striving it is necessary to have a picture of a society working on the basis of the ideal and thereby proving to the common man that the ideal was not impracticable but on the other hand realisable.
14. The Sangh is a model of a society realising the Dhamma preached by the Blessed Lord.
15. This is the reason why the Blessed Lord made this distinction between the Bhikkhu and the Upasaka. The Bhikkhu was the torch-bearer of the Buddha's ideal society and the Upasaka was to follow the Bhikkhu as closely as he could.
16. There is also another question that requires an answer. What is the function of the Bhikkhu ?
17. Is the Bhikkhu to devote himself to self-culture or is he to serve the people and guide them ?
18. He must discharge both the functions.
19. Without self-culture he is not fit to guide. Therefore he must himself be a perfect, best man, righteous man and an enlightened man. For this he must practice self-culture.
20. A Bhikkhu leaves his home. But he does not retire from the world. He leaves home so that he may have the freedom and the opportunity to serve those who are attached to their homes but whose life is full of sorrow, misery and unhappiness and who cannot help themselves.
21. Compassion which is the essence of the Dhamma requires that every one shall love and serve and the Bhikkhu is not exempt from it.
22. A Bhikkhu who is indifferent to the woes of mankind, however perfect in self-culture, is not at all a Bhikkhu. He may be something else but he is not a Bhikkhu.
PART III : THE DUTIES OF THE BHIKKHU
1. The Bhikkhu's Duty to Convert.
2. Conversion Not to be by Miracles.
3. Conversion Not to be by Force.
4. A Bhikkhu Must Fight to Spread Virtue (Dhamma).
§ 1. The Bhikkhu's Duty to Convert
1 The news of the conversion of Yasa and his four friends to the Dhamma spread far and wide. The result was that lay persons belonging to the highest families in the country and to those next to the highest came to be instructed in the doctrine of the Blessed One and to take refuge in Him and in His Dhamma.
2. Many people were coming to Him to receive instruction in the Dhamma. The Lord knew that it was difficult for Him personally to give instruction to each one. He also felt the necessity of organising Parivrajakas whose number was swelling every day into a religious order which He called the Sangh.
3. He accordingly made the Parivrajakas the members of the Sangh and framed rules of discipline called vinaya and made them binding upon the members of the Sangh.
4. The Blessed Lord later on laid down two stages to be undergone by a disciple before he became a Bhikkhu. First a disciple became a Parivrajaka and remained a Parivrajaka for a certain number of years attached to a Bhikkhu and remaining in training under him. After his training period was over he was allowed to take Upasampada if he satisfied a body of examiners that he was fit for it. It is only then that he was allowed to become a Bhikkhu and a member of the Sangh.
5. There was no time in the early stages of the Dhamma to make such arrangements. The Lord, therefore, made them Bhikkhus and sent them out as Missionaries to spread His religion to anywhere and everywhere.
6. And before sending them out the Blessed One said to the Bhikkhus: " I am delivered, 0 Bhikkhus, from all fetters, human and divine. You, 0 Bhikkhus, from all fetters, human and divine. Go ye now, and wander for the gain of the many, for the welfare of the many, out of compassion for the world; for the good, for the gain and for the welfare of gods and men.
7. " Let not two of you go the same way. Preach, Bhikkhus, the doctrine which is glorious in the beginning, glorious in the middle, "glorious at the end, in the spirit and in the letter; proclaim a consummate, perfect and pure life of holiness.
8." Go then through every country, convert those not yet converted; throughout the world that lies burnt up with sorrow, teach everywhere; (instruct) those lacking' right instruction;
9. " Go where there are great Rishis, royal Rishis, Brahman Rishis too, these all dwell there, influencing men according to their schools;
10. " Go, therefore, each one travelling by himself; filled with compassion, go! rescue and receive."
11. The Blessed Lord also told them:
12. " That the gift of the Dhamma exceeds all gifts; the sweetness of the Dhamma exceeds all sweetness; the delight in the Dhamma exceeds all delights;
13. "The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by passion: therefore a gift of Dhamma brings great reward.
14. "The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by hatred: therefore a gift of Dhamma brings great reward.
15. "The fields are damaged by weeds; mankind is damaged by vanity: therefore the gift of Dhamma brings great reward.
16. "The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by lust: therefore a gift of Dhamma brings great reward."
17. Then the sixty Bhikkhus receiving orders to carry on the mission to propagate the Dhamma went through every land.
18. The Lord gave them further instruction in the matter of conversions.
§2. Conversion Not to be by Miracles
1. The Exalted One was once staying among the Mallas, at Anapiya, one of their towns.
2. Now the Exalted One, having robed himself, put on his cloak, and took his bowl, and entered the town for alms.
3. The Blessed One thought: " It is too early for me now to go through Anapiya for alms. I might go to the pleasance where Bhaggava, the wanderer dwells, and call upon him."
4. So the Exalted One went to the pleasance and to the place where Bhaggava, the wanderer was.
5. Then Bhaggava spake thus to the Exalted One: " Let my Lord, the Exalted One come near. Welcome to the Exalted One! It is long since the Exalted One has taken the opportunity to come our way. May it please You, Sir, to be seated; here is a seat made ready."
6. The Exalted One sat down thereon, and Bhaggava taking a certain low stool, sat down beside him. So seated, Bhaggava, the wanderer spake thus to the Exalted One:
7. " Some days ago, Lord, Sunakkhatta of the Licchavis called on me and spake thus: ' I have now given up the Exalted One, Bhaggava. I am remaining no longer under him as my teacher.' Is the fact really so ?"
8. " It is just so, Bhaggava, as Sunakkhatta of the Licchavis said.
9. " Some days ago, Bhaggava, a good many days ago, Sunakkhatta, the Licchavi, came to call on me, and spake thus: ' Sir, I now give up the Exalted One, I will henceforth remain no longer under him as my teacher.' When he told me this, I said to him: 'But, now, Sunakkhatta, have I ever said to you: ' Come Sunakkhatta, live under me as my pupil ?'
10. " 'No, Sir, you have not,' replied Sunakkhatta.
11. " Or have you ever said to me: ' Sir, I would fain dwell under the Exalted One (as my teacher) ? '
12. " ' No, Sir, I have not,' said Sunakkhatta.
13. " ' But if I said not the one, and you said not the other, what are you and what am I that you talk of giving up ? '
14. " ' Well, but. Sir, the Exalted One works me no mystic wonders surpassing the power of ordinary men.'
15. "Why, now, Sunakkhatta, have lever said to you ' Come, take me as your teacher, Sunakkhatta, and I will work for you mystic wonders surpassing the power of ordinary men ? '
16. " ' You have not. Sir.'
17. "Or have you ever said to me: ' Sir, I would fain take the Exalted One as my teacher for he will work for me mystic wonders beyond the powers of ordinary men ? '
18. " ' I have not. Sir.'
19. " ' But if I said not the one, and you said not the other, what are you and what am I, foolish man, that you talk of giving up ? What think you, Sunakkhatta ?'
20. "Whether mystic wonders beyond the power of ordinary men are wrought, or whether they are not, is not the object for which I teach the Dhamma this: that it leads to the thorough destruction of ill for the doer thereof ? '
21. " ' Whether, Sir, they are wrought or not, that is indeed the object for which the Norm is taught by the Exalted One.'
22. "But Bhaggava, Sunakkhatta went on saying to me, ' Sir, the Exalted One does not reveal to me the beginning of things.'
23. " Why now, Sunakkhatta, have I ever said to you: ' Come, Sunakkhatta, be my disciple and I will reveal to you the beginning of things?'
24. " ' Sir, you have not.'
25. "Or have you ever said to me: 'I will become the Exalted One's pupil, for he will reveal to me the beginning of things ? '
26. " 'Sir, I have not.'
27. " 'But if I have not said the one and you have not said the other, what are you and what am I, foolish man, that you talk of giving up on that account? What you, Sunakkhatta ? Whether the beginning of things be revealed, or whether it be not, is the object for which I teach the Dhamma this: that it leads to the thorough destruction of ill for the doer thereof? '
2,8. "'Whether, Sir, they are revealed or not, that is indeed the object for which the Dhamma is taught by the Exalted One."
29. " ' If then, Sunakkhatta, it matters not to that object whether the beginning of things be revealed, or whether it be not, of what use to you would it be to have the beginning of things revealed ? '
30. "'In many ways have you, Sunakkhatta, spoken my praises among the Vajjins.'
31. "'In many ways have you, Sunakkhatta, spoken the praises of the Dhamma among the Vajjins.'
32. "'In many ways have you, Sunakkhatta, spoken the praises of the Order among the Vajjins.'
33. "I tell you, Sunakkhatta, I make known to you, that there will be those that shall say concerning you thus: 'Sunakkhatta of the Licchavis was not able to live the holy life under Gotama the recluse. And he, not being able to adhere to it, hath renounced the discipline and turned to lower things.'
34. " Thus, Bhaggava, did Sunakkhatta of the Licchayis, addressed by me, depart from this Doctrine and Discipline, as one doomed to disaster."
35. And soon after, leaving the Doctrine and Discipline of the Buddha, Sunakkhatta started telling people that there was nothing superhuman about the Buddha's ennobling gifts of knowledge and insight; that it was his own reasoning which had hammered out a doctrine of his own evolving and of his personal invention, such that whoso hears it preached for his good has only to act up to it to be guided to the utter ending of ill.
36. Although, Sunakkhatta was slandering the Buddha, what he was telling people was true. For, the Buddha never resorted to the superhuman or the miraculous in propagating his Doctrine.
§ 3. Conversion Not to be by Force
1. The Blessed One was once going along the high road between Rajagraha and Nalanda with a great company of the brethren,—with about five hundred brethren. And Suppiya the mendicant, too, was going along the high road between Rajagraha and Nalanda with his disciple, the youth Brahmadatta.
2. Now, just then, Suppiya the mendicant was speaking in many ways indispraiseof the Buddha, in dispraise of the Doctrine, in dispraise of the Order. But young Brahmadatta, his pupil, gave utterance, in many ways, to praise of the Buddha, to praise of the Doctrine, to praise of the Order.
3. Thus they two, teacher and pupil, holding opinions in direct contradiction one to the other, were following, step by step, after the Blessed One and the comany of the brethren.
4. Now the Blessed One put up at the royal rest-house in the Ambalatthika pleasance to pass the night, and with him the company of the brethren. And so also did Suppiya the mendicant, and with him his young disciple Brahmadatta. And there, at the rest-house, these two carried on the same discussion as before.
5. And in the early dawn a number of the brethren, assembled, as they rose up, in the pavilion; and the subject of the talk that sprang up among them was the conversation between Suppiya and Bramhadatta.
6. Now the Blessed One, on realising what was the drift of their talk, went to the pavilion, and took his seat on the mat spread out for him. And when he had sat down he said: " What is the talk on which you are engaged sitting here, and what is the subject of the conversation between you?" And they told him all. And he said:
7. " Brethren, if outsiders should speak against me or against the Doctrine, or against the Order, you should not on that account either bear malice, or suffer heart-burning, or feel ill-will.
8. " If you, on that account, should be angry and hurt, that would stand in the way of your own self-conquest. If, when others speak against us, you feel angry at that, and displeased, would you then be able to judge how far that speech of their's is well said or ill?"
9. " That would not be so. Sir."
10. " But when outsiders speak in dispraise of me, or of the Doctrine, or of the Order, you should unravel what is false and point it out as wrong, saying: ' For this or that reason this is not the fact, that is not so, such a thing is not found among us, is not in us.'
11. " But also, brethren, outsiders may speak in praise of me, in praise of the Doctrine, in praise of the Order. What are the things when they would say praising me you would say ?
12. "He may say 'Putting away the killing of living things, Gotama the recluse holds aloof from the destruction of life. He has laid the cudgel and the sword aside, and ashamed of roughness, and full of mercy, he dwells compassionate and kind to all creatures that have life.' It is thus that the uncon-verted man, when speaking in praise of the Tathagata, might speak.
13. "Or he might say: ' Putting away the taking of what has not been given, Gotama the recluse lived aloof from grasping what is not his own. He takes only what is given, and expecting that gifts will come. He passes his life in honesty and purity of heart.'
14. "Or he might say: ' Putting away unchastity, Gotama the recluse is chaste. He holds himself aloof, far off, from the vulgar practice, from the sexual act.'
15. "Or he might say: * Putting away lying words, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from falsehood. He speaks truth, from the truth he never swerves; faithful and trustworthy, he breaks not his word to the world."
16. "Or he might say: 'Putting away slander, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from calumny. What he hears here he repeats not elsewhere to raise a quarrel against the people here; what he hears elsewhere he repeats not here to raise a quarrel against the people there. Thus does he live as a binder together of those who are divided, an encourager of those who are friends, a peacemaker, a lover of peace, impassioned for peace, a speaker of words that make for peace.'
17. " Or he might say.: ' Putting away rudeness of speech, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from harsh language. Whatsover word is blameless, pleasant to the ear, lovely, reaching to the heart, urbane, pleasing to the people, beloved of the people— such are words he speaks.'
18. "Or he might say : ' Putting away frivolous talk, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from vain conversation. In season he speaks, in accordance with the facts, words full of meaning, on religion, on the discipline of the Order. He speaks, and at the right time, words worthy to be laid up in one's heart, fitly illustrated, clearly divided, to the point.'
19. "Or he might say: 'Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from causing injury to seeds or plants. ' He takes but one meal a day, no eating at night, refraining from food after hours (after midday). ' He refrains from being a spectator at shows, at fairs, with nautch dances, singing, and music. ' He abstains from wearing, adorning or orna-menting himself, with garlands, scents, and unguents. He abstains from the use of large and lofty beds. ' He abstains from accepting silver or gold. ' He abstains from accepting uncooked grain. ' He abstains from accepting women or girls. ' He abstains from accepting bond-men or bondwomen. ' He abstains from accepting sheep or goats. ' He abstains from accepting fowls or swine. * He abstains from accepting elephants, cattle, horses and mares. ' He abstains from accepting cultivated fields or waste. ' He abstains from acting as a go-between or messenger. ' He abstains from buying and selling. to judge how far that speech of their's is well said or ill?"
9. " That would not be so, Sir."
10. " But when outsiders speak in dispraise of me, or of the Doctrine, or of the Order, you should unravel what is false and point it out as wrong, saying: For this or that reason this is not the fact, that is not so, such a thing is not found among us, is not in us.'
11. " But also, brethren, outsiders may speak in praise of me, in praise of the Doctrine, in praise of the Order. What are the things when they would say praising me you would say ?
12. "He may say 'Putting away the killing of living things, Gotama the recluse holds aloof from the destruction of life. He has laid the cudgel and the sword aside, and ashamed of roughness, and full of mercy, he dwells compassionate and kind to all creatures that have life.' It is thus that the unconverted man, when speaking in praise of the Tathagata, might speak.
13. "Or he might say: ' Putting away the taking of what has not been given, Gotama the recluse lived aloof from grasping what is not his own. He takes only what is given, and expecting that gifts will come. He passes his life in honesty and purity of heart.'
14. "Or he might say: ' Putting away unchastity, Gotama the recluse is chaste. He holds himself aloof, far off, from the vulgar practice, from the sexual act.'
15. "Or he might say: 'Putting away lying words, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from falsehood. He speaks truth, from the truth he never swerves; faithful and trustworthy, he breaks not his word to the world."
16. "Or he might say: 'Putting away slander, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from calumny. What he hears here he repeats not elsewhere to raise a quarrel against the people here; what he hears elsewhere he repeats not here to raise a quarrel against the people there. Thus does he live as a binder together of those who are divided, an encourager of those who are who are friends, a peacemaker, a lover of peace, impassioned for peace, a speaker of words that make for peace.'
17. " Or he might say.: ' Putting away rudeness of speech, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from harsh language. Whatsover word is blameless, pleasant to the ear, lovely, reaching to the heart, urbane, pleasing to the people, beloved of the people— such are words he speaks.'
18. "Or he might say : ' Putting away frivolous talk, Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from vain conversation. In season he speaks, in accordance with the facts, words full of meaning, on religion, on the discipline of the Order. He speaks, and at the right time, words worthy to be laid up in one's heart, fitly illustrated, clearly divided, to the point.'
19. "Or he might say: 'Gotama the recluse holds himself aloof from causing injury to seeds or plants.
' He takes but one meal a day, no eating at night, refraining from food after hours (after midday). '
He refrains from being a spectator at shows, at fairs, with nautch dances, singing, and music. '
He abstains from wearing, adorning or ornamenting himself, with garlands, scents, and unguents.
He abstains from the use of large and lofty beds. '
He abstains from accepting silver or gold. '
He abstains from accepting uncooked grain. '
He abstains from accepting women or girls. '
He abstains from accepting bond-men or bondwomen.
' He abstains from accepting sheep or goats. '
He abstains from accepting fowls or swine.
He abstains from accepting elephants, cattle, horses and mares. '
He abstains from accepting cultivated fields or waste. '
He abstains from acting as a go-between or messenger. '
He abstains from buying and selling.
He abstains from cheating with scales or bronzes or measures.
He abstains from the crooked ways of bribery, cheating and fraud. '
He abstains from maiming, murder, putting in bonds, highway robbery, dacoity and violence.'
20. " Such are the things, brethren, which an unconverted man, when speaking in praise of the Tathagata, might say. But you should not even on that account, be filled with pleasure or gladness, or be lifted up in heart. Were you to be so, that also would stand in the way of your self-conquest. When outsiders speak in praise of me, or of the Doctrine, or of the Order, you should acknowledge what is right to be the fact, saying: ' For this or that reason this is the fact, that is so, such a thing is found among us, is in us.' "
§ 4. A Bhikkhu Must Fight to Spread Virtue (Dhamma)
1. Addressing the Bhikkhus the Lord once said:
2. "It is not I,O disciples, that quarrel with the world," said the Lord, " but the world that quarrels with me. A teacher of the truth does not quarrel with anyone in the world."
3. " Warriors, warriors, Lord, we call ourselves. In what way then are we warriors ? "
4. " We wage war, 0 disciples, therefore we are called warriors."
5. " Wherefore, Lord, do we wage war ? "
6. " For lofty virtues, for high endeavour, for sublime wisdom—for these things do we wage war: therefore we are called warriors."
7. Where virtue is in danger do not avoid fighting, do not be mealy-mouthed.
PART IV : THE BHIKKHU AND THE LAITY
1. The Bond of Alms.
2. Mutual Influence.
3. Dhamma of the Bhikkhu and the Dhamma of the Upasaka.
§ 1. The Bond of Alms
1. The Sangh was an organised body the membership of which was not open to all.
2. To be a mere Parivrajaka was not enough to give the Parivrajaka a membership of the Sangh.
3. It is only after the Parivrajaka had obtained Upasampada that he could become a member of the Sangh.
4. The Sangh was an independent body. It was independent even of its founder.
5. It was autonomous. It could admit anyone it liked to its membership. It could dismember any member provided it acted in accordance with the rules of the Vinaya Pitaka.
6. The only cord which bound the Bhikkhu to the Laity was alms.
7. The Bhikkhu depended upon alms and it is the laity who gave alms.
8. The laity was not organised.
9. There was a Sangha-Diksha or a ceremony for marking the initiation of a person in the Sangh.
10. Sangha-Diksha included both initiation into the Sangh as well as into the Dhamma.
11. But there was no separate Dhamma-Diksha for those who wanted to be initiated into the Dhamma but did not wish to become members of the Sangh, one of the consequences of which was to go from home into homelessness.
12. This was a grave omission. It was one of the causes which ultimatelyled to the downfall of Buddhism in India.
13. For, this absence of the initiation ceremony left the laity free to wander from one religion to another and, worse still, follow at one and the same time.
§ 2. Mutual Influence
1 However, the bond of alms was enough for a Bhikkhu to reform an erring member of the laity.
2. In this connection the following rules mentioned in the Anguttara Nikaya are worthy of attention.
3. In addition to these prescriptions, the laity had a general right to complain against a Bhikkhu to other Bhikkhus, against any mischief or misconduct.
4. The moment the complaint reached the Buddha and he had verified it, the relevant rule in the Vinaya Pithaka was amended to make the repetition of such a conduct, an offence against the Sangh.
5. The Vinaya Pithaka is nothing but redress of the complaints of the laity.
6. Such was the relation between the Bhikkhu and the Laity.
§ 3. Dhamma of the Bhikkhu and the Dhamma of the Upasaka
1. Some critics of Buddhism allege that Buddhism is not a religion.
2. No attention should be paid to such criticism. But if any reply is to be given, it is that Buddhism is the only real religion and those who do not accept this must revise their definition of Religion.
3. Other critics do not go so far as this. What they say is that Buddhism as a religion is concerned only with the Bhikkhu. It does not concern itself with the common man. Buddhism kept the common man outside its pale.
4. The references to the Bhikkhu occur so often in the dialogues of the Buddha that they go to strengthen the criticism.
5. It, therefore, becomes necessary to make the matter clear.
6. Was the Dhamma common to both? Or is there any part of the Dhamma which is binding on the Bhikkhu but not so on the laity ?
7. Merely because the sermons were addressed to the gathering of the Bhikkhus it must not be supposed that what was preached was intended to apply to them only. What was preached applied to both.
8. That the Buddha had the laity in mind when he preached: (1) The Panchasila, (2) The Ashtanga Marga, and (3) The Paramitas, is quite clear from the very nature of things and no argument, really speaking, is necessary.
9. It is those who have not left their homes and who are engaged in active life that Panchasila, Ashtanga Marga, and Paramitas are essential. It is they who are likely to transgress them and not the Bhikkhu who has left home, who is not engaged in active life and who is not likely to transgress them.
10. When the Buddha, therefore, started preach-ing his Dhamma it must be principally for the laity.
11. It is not, however, necessary to rely merely on inference. There is direct evidence to disprove the criticism.
12. Reference may be made to the following sermon.
13. Once while the Lord was staying at Shra-vasti in Jeta's Grove in Anathapindika's pleasance, there came to him the lay follower Dhammika, with other five hundred lay followers, who after due salutations, took his seat to one side and addressed the Lord as follows :
14. "What conduct. Oh Lord, perfects, both those that are Bhikkhus and those that are only Upasakas, i.e., those who are homeless and those who are not.
15. "Let the almsmen seated round with these lay followers learn the saving truth."
16. The Blessed Lord said: "Give ear, almsmen. Hear, and keep therules prescribed.
17. "Go not thy round when noon is past; betime seek alms. Snares greet the untimely guest.
18. " Before thou seek thy meal, clear thou thy mind of zest for forms, sounds, .odours, taste and luck.
19. "Thine alms received, return alone, to sit apart and think, with fixed mind that never stays abroad
20. " In talk with pious folk, almsmen, let thy theme be the Doctrine.
21. "Treat alms, cell, bed, water and rinsings just as means and nothing more.
22. " Such reasoned use will leave an almsman as unstained as lotus leaf whereon no drop of water rests.
23. " I now pass to the conduct which perfects the lay followers. To them I say:
24. " Slay not, nor doom to death, nor sanction slaughter. Do no violence to aught that lives, strong or weak. Love all living beings.
25. " No layman wittingly should thieve or order theft ; take but what others give.
26. " Shun incontinence as it were a pit of fire, on failing continence, debauch no wedded wife.
27. " In conclaves, courts, let him not be, let him not prompt or sanction lies; let him renounce untruth.
28. " Observe this law : Shun drink, make no man drink ; sanction no drinking. Mark how drink to madness leads.
29. "Through drink, fools sin, and egg lax brethren on to sin. So flee this maddening vice, this folly, bliss of fools.
30. " Slay not, steal not, lie not ; from strong drink keep away ; refrain from lechery.
31. " So make thy sabbath vows as week succeeds week, and keep with pious hearts this eight-fold festival.
32. " At morn, these vows performed, with pious, thankful heart, be wise and of thy means give almsmen food and drink.
33. "Cherish thy parents well; follow a righteous trade.
34. " Thus shall the layman, staunch, reach realms of light above."
35. It will thus be seen that the Dharnma was the same for both.
36. There are of course differences in the call made upon the two.
37. A Bhikkhu must take five vows.
38. He must take the vow that he shall not kill.
39. He must take the vow that he shall not appropriate to himself property of another which has not been given to him.
40. He must take the vow that he shall never tell a lie.
41. He must take the vow that he shall not try to have carnal knowledge of a woman.
42. He must take the vow that he shall never drink any intoxicating drink.
43. All these rules are binding also upon the layman.
44. The only difference lies in this. With the Bhikkhu they are vows which are not to be trans-gressed, with the layman they are moral obligations to be voluntarily honoured.
45. Besides, there are two other differences which are noteworthy.
46. A Bhikkhu cannot have private property. A layman can have.
47. A Bhikkhu is free to enter parnibban. Nibbana is enough for a layman.
48. These are the similarities and differences between a Bhikkhu and the layman.
49. Dhamma, however, is the same for both.
PART V : VINAYA FOR THE LAITY
1. Vinaya for the Wealthy.
2. Vinaya for the Householder.
3. Vinaya for Children.
4. Vinaya for Pupil.
5. Vinaya for Husband and Wile.
6. Vinaya for Master and Servant.
7. Conclusions.
8. Vinaya for Girls.
§ 1. Vinaya for the Wealthy
(i)
1. The Blessed Lord did not elevate poverty by
calling it a blessed state of life.
2. Nor did he tell the poor that they may remain content for they will inherit the earth.
3. On the contrary, he said riches are welcome. What he insisted upon is that the acquisition of riches must be subject to Vinaya.
(ii)
1. Once Anathapindika came to where the Exalted One was. Having come, he made obeisance to the Exalted One and took a seat at one side and asked, " Will the Enlightened One tell what things are welcome, pleasant, agreeable, to the householder but which are hard to gain."
2. The Enlightened One having heard the question put to him said,—"Of such things the first is to acquire wealth lawfully.
3. " The second is to see that your relations also get their wealth lawfully.
4. " The third is to live long and reach great age.
5. "'For a true householder for the attainment of these three things, which in the world are welcome, pleasant, agreeable but hard to gain, there are also four conditions precedent. They are the blessing of faith, the blessing of virtuous conduct, the blessing of liberality and the blessing of wisdom.
6. " The blessing of faith and belief consist in the supreme knowledge of the Tathagata which teaches ' This is He, the Exalted One, the Holy One, the Supremely Awakened One, the perfect in Knowledge and in Conduct, the Auspicious, the Knower of all the worlds, the Incomparable Trainer of men, the Teacher of Devas and men.'
7. "The blessing of virtuous conduct which abstains from taking life, thieving, unchastity, lying and partaking of fermented liquor.
8. " The blessing of liberality consists in the householder living with mind freed from the taint of avarice, generous, open-handed, delighting in gifts, a good one to be asked and devoted to the distribution of gifts.
9. "Wherein consists the blessing of Wisdom? Ye know that a householder who dwells with mind overcome by greed, avarice, ill-will, sloth, drowsiness, distraction and flurry, commits wrongful deeds and neglects that which ought to be done, and by so doing is deprived of happiness and honour.
10. " Greed, avarice, ill-will, sloth and drow-siness, distraction and flurry and doubt are stains of the mind. A householder who gets rid of such stains of the mind acquires great wisdom, abundant wisdom, clear vision and perfect wisdom.
II. Thus, to acquire wealth legitimately and justly, earned by great industry, amassed by strength of the arm and gained by sweat (of the brow) is a great blessing. The householder makes himself happy and cheerful and preserves himself full of happiness; also make parents, wife and children, servants and labourers, friends and companions happy and cheerful, and preserves them full of happiness."
§ 2. Vinaya for the Householder
On this matter the Buddha's thoughts are embodied in his discourse with Sigala.
1. At one time the Exalted One was in the Squirrels' Feeding-ground in Velu Vana in Rajagraha.
2. Now at this time young Sigala, a householder's son, rising betimes, went forth from Rajagraha, and with wet hair and wet garments and clasped hands uplifted, paid worship to the several quarters of earth and sky—to the east, south, west and north, to the nadir and the zenith.
3. And the Exalted One early that morning dressed himself, took his bowl and robe and entered Rajagraha seeking alms. He saw young Sigala wor-shipping and asked him, "Why do you worship the several quarters of earth and sky ? "
4. " My father, when he was dying, said to me : ' Dear son, you should worship the quarters of earth and sky. So I, sir, honouring my father's word worship in this wise.' "
5. " But how can this be the true religion of a man of the world " asked the Blessed One. " What else can be the religion of man," replied Sigala. " If there is, it would be an excellent thing if the Exalted One would tell me what it is."
6. " Hear then young householder, give ear to my words and I will tell you what it is." " So be it, Sir," responded young Sigala. And the Exalted One said:
7. "A religion to be a religion of man must teach him to shun bad conduct. The destruction of life, the taking of what is not given, licentiousness and lying speech are the four vices of conduct which he must avoid.
8. " Know ye, Sigala, evil deeds are done from motives of partiality, enmity, stupidity and fear. If he is not led away by these motives, he will do no evil deed.
9. " A religion to be religion of man must teach him not to dissipate his wealth. Dissipation of wealth results from being addicted to intoxicating liquors, frequenting the streets at unseemly hours, haunting fairs, being infatuated by gambling, associating with evil companions, the habit of idleness.
10. " There are, Sigala, six dangers which follow from being addicted to intoxicating liquors, actual loss of wealth, increase of quarrels, susceptibility to disease, loss of good character, indecent exposure, impaired intelligence.
11. "Six are the perils from frequenting the streets at unseemly hours : he himself is without guard or protection and so also are his wife and children, so also is his property, he, moreover, becomes suspected as the doer of undiscovered crimes, and false rumours fix on him, and many are the troubles he goes out to meet. 12. " Six are the perils from the haunting offairs: he is ever thinking where is there dancing ? Where is there singing ? where is there music ? where is recitation ? where are the cymbals ? where the tam-tams ?
13. " Six are the perils for him who is infatuated with gambling : as winner he begets hatred, when beaten he mourns his lost wealth, his actual substance is wasted, his word has no weight in a court of law, he is despised by friends and officials, he is not sought after by those who would give or take in marriage, for they would say that a man who is a gambler cannot afford to keep a wife.
14. " Six are the perils from associating with evil companions : any gambler, any libertine, any tippler, any cheat, any swindler, any man of violence is his friend and companion.
15. " Six are the perils of the habit of idleness : he says it is too cold and does no work, he says it is too hot and does no work, he says it is too early or too late and does no work, he says I am too hungry and does no work, he says I am too full and does no work. And while all that he should do remains undone, new wealth he does not get, and such wealth as he has dwindles away.
16. "A religion to be a religion of man must teach him to know who is a true friend.
17. " Four are they who should be reckoned as foes in the likeness of friends ; to wit, a rapacious person, the man of words not deeds, the flatterer, and the fellow-waster.
18. "Of these the first is to be reckoned as a foe in the likeness of a friend: for, he is rapacious, he gives little and asks much ; he does his duty out of fear, he pursues his own interests.
19. " A man of words who is not a man of deeds is to be reckoned as a foe in the likeness of a friend : For, he makes a friendly profession as regards the past, he makes friendly profession as regards the future, he tries to gain your favour by empty sayings, when the opportunity for service has arisen he avows his disability.
20. " The flatterer is to be reckoned as a foe in the likeness of a friend: for, he both consents to do wrong, and dissents from doing right ; he praises to your face ; he speaks ill of you to others.
21. "So also the fellow-waster companion is to be reckoned as a foe in the likeness of a friend ; for, he is your companion when you frequent the streets at untimely hours, he is your companion when you haunt shows and fairs, he is your companion when you are infatuated with gambling.
22. "Four are the friends who should be reckoned as sound at heart: the helper ; the friend who is the same in happiness and adversity; the friend of good counsel ; the friend who sympathises.
23. " The friend who is a helper is to be reckoned as sound at heart : because, he guards you when you are off your guard, he guards your property when you are off your guard, he is a refuge to you when you are afraid, when you have tasks to perform he provides a double supply of what you may need.
24. " The friend who is the same in happiness and adversity is to be reckoned as sound of heart: because, he tells you his secrets, he keeps secret your secrets, in your troubles he does not foresake you, he lays down even his life for your sake.
25. " The friend who declares what you need to do is sound of heart; because, he restrains you from doing wrong, he enjoins you to do what is right, he informs you of what you had not heard before, he reveals to you the way of heaven.
26. "The friend who sympathises is to be reckoned as sound at heart; because, he does not rejoice over your misfortunes, he rejoices over your prosperity, he restrains anyone who is speaking ill of you, he commends anyone who is praising you." Thus speaks the Exalted One.
27. " Instead of teaching him to worship the six quarters, a religion which is a religion of man must teach him to respect and revere his parents, his teachers, his wife and children, his friends and companions, his servants and workmen and his religious teachers."
§ 3. Vinaya for Children
1. "A child should minister to his parents saying: 'Once supported by them I will now be their support, I will perform duties incumbent on them; I will keep up the lineage and tradition of my family, I will make myself worthy of my heritage.' For, the parents show their love for him, they restrain him from vice, they exhort him to virtue, they train him to a profession, they contract a suitable marriage for him, and in due time they hand over his inheritance."
§ 4. Vinaya for Pupil
1. "A pupil should minister to his teachers by rising from his seat, in salutation by waiting upon them, by eagerness to learn, by personal service, and by attention when receiving their teaching. For, teachers love their pupil, they train him in that wherein he has been well trained, they make him hold fast that which is well held, they thoroughly instruct him in the lore of every art, they speak well of him among his friends and companions. They provide for his safety in every quarter."
§ 5. Vinaya for Husband and Wife
1. "A husband should minister to his wife by showing respect, by courtesy, by faithfulness, by handing over authority to her, by providing her with adornment. For, the wife loves him, her duties are well performed, by hospitality to the kin of both, by faithfulness, by watching over the goods he brings, and by skill and industry in discharging all her business.
2. " A clansman should minister to his friends and companions bygenerosity, courtesy and benevolence, by treating them as he treats himself, and by being as good as his word. For, his friends and familiars love him, they protect him when he is off his guard, and on such occasion guard his property, they become a refuge in danger, they do not forsake him in his trouble and they show consideration for his family."
§ 6. Vinaya for Master and Servant
1. "A master should minister to his servants and employees by assigning them work according to their strength, by supplying them with food and wages, by tending them in sickness, by sharing with them unusual delicacies, by granting leave at times. For, servants and employees love their master, they rise before him, they lie down to rest after him, they are content with what is given to them, they do their work well, and they carry about his praise and good fame.
2. "A clansman should minister to religious teachers by affection in act and speech and mind, by keeping open house to them, by supplying their temporal needs. For, religious teachers restrain him from evil, they exhort him to good, they love him with kindly thoughts, they teach him what he had not heard, they correct and purify what he has heard."
§7. Conclusions
1. When the Exalted One had thus spoken Sigala, the young householder said this: " Beautiful, Lord, beautiful! As if one should set up again that which had been overthrown, or reveal that which had been hidden, or should disclose the road to one that was astray, or should carry a lamp into darkness, saying: They that have eyes will see! Even so hath the Truth been manifested by the Exalted One in many ways.
2. " And I, even I, do go to him as my refuge, and to the Truth and to the Order. May the Exalted One receive me as his lay-disciple, as one who has taken his refuge in him from this day forth as long as life endures."
§ 8. Vinaya for Girls
1. Once the Exalted One dwelt near Bhaddiya in Jatiya Wood; and there Uggaha, Mendaka's grandson, paid him a visit and, after saluting, sat down at one side. So seated, he said to the Exalted One:
2. " Lord let the Exalted One accept a meal at my house tomorrow, he as fourth (with us three)."
3. The Exalted One accepted by his silence.
4. Then Uggaha, seeing the Exalted One had accepted, rose from his seat, saluted, and took his leave, keeping the Exalted One on his right.
5. Now when the night was over, the Exalted One, robing himself in the morning, took his bowl and cloak and went to Uggaha's house, and there sat down on the seat made ready. And Uggaha served with his own hand and satisfied the Exalted One with plenty of food.
6. And when the Exalted One had removed his hand from his bowl, he sat down at one side. Thus seated, he said:
7. " Lord, these girls of .mine will be going to their husbands' families; Lord, let the Exalted One counsel them, let the Exalted One advise them, for their good and happiness for many a day ! "
8. Then the Exalted One spoke to them and said: "Wherefor, girls, train yourselves in this way: 'To whatsoever husband our parents shall give us—wishing our weal, seeking our happiness, compassionate— because of compassion for him we will rise up early, be the last to retire, be willing workers, order all things sweetly and be gentle voiced. Train yourselves thus, girls.'
9. " And in this way also, girls: ' We will honour, revere, esteem and respect all who are our husband's relatives, whether mother or father, recluse or godly man, and on their arrival will offer them a seat and water. Train yourselves thus, girls.'
10. "And in this way also girls: 'We will be deft and nimble at our husband's home-crafts, whether they be of wool or cotton, making it our business to understand the work so as to do and get it done. Train yourselves thus, girls.
11. "And in this way also, girls: ' Messengers and workfolk we will know the work of each by what has been done, their remissness, by what has not been done; we will know the strength and the weakness of the sick; we will divide the hard and soft food, each according to his share. Train yourselves thus, girls.'
12. "And in this way also, girls: 'The money, corn, silver and 'gold that our husband brings home, we will keep safe, watch and ward over it, and act as no robber, thief, carouser, wastrel therein. Train yourselves thus, girls.'"
13. On hearing this advice, the daughters of Uggaha felt exceedingly happy and were grateful to the Lord.
PART I : RELIGION AND DHAMMA
1. What is Religion?
2. How Dhamma Differs From Religion.
3. The Purpose of Religion and the Purpose of Dhamma.
4. Morality and Religion.
5. Dhamma and Morality.
6. Mere Morality is not Enough. It must be Sacred and Universal.
RELIGION
§ 1. What is Religion ?
1. The word " religion " is an indefinite word with no fixed meaning.
2. It is one word with many meanings.
3. This is because religion has passed through many stages. The concept at each stage is called Religion though the concept at one stage has not had the same meaning which it had at the preceding stage or is likely to have at the succeeding stage.
4. The conception of religion was never fixed.
5. It has varied from time to time.
6. Because most of the phenomena such as lightning, rain and floods, the occurrence of which the primitive man could not explain, any weird performance done to control the phenomenon was called magic. Religion therefore came to be identified with magic.
7. Then came the second stage in the evolution of religion. In this stage religion came to be identified with beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, prayers and sacrifices.
8. But this conception of religion is derivative.
9. The pivotal point in religion starts with the belief that there exists some power which causes these phenomena which primitive man did not know and could not understand. Magic lost its place at this stage.
10. This power was originally malevolent. But later it was felt that it could also be benevolent.
II. Beliefs, rites, ceremonies and sacrifices were necessary both to propitiate a benevolent power and also to conciliate an angry power.
12. Later that power was called God or the Creator.
13. Then came the third stage that it is this God who created this world and also man.
14. This was followed by the belief that man has a soul and the soul is eternal and is answerable to God for man's actions in the world.
15. This is, in short, the evolution of the concept of Religion.
16. This is what Religion has come to be and this is what it connotes—belief in God, belief in soul, worship of God, curing of the erring soul, propitiating God by prayers, ceremonies, sacrifices, etc.
§2. How Dhamma Differs From Religion
1. What the Buddha calls Dhamma differs fundamentally from what is called Religion.
2. What the Buddha calls Dhamma is analogous to what the European theologians call Religion.
3. But there is no greater affinity between the two. On the other hand, the differences between the two are very great.
4. On this account some European theologians refuse to recognise the Buddha's Dhamma as Religion.
5. There need be no regrets over this. The loss is theirs. It does no harm to the Buddha's Dhamma. Rather, it shows what is wanting in Religion.
6. Instead of entering into this controversy it is better to proceed to give an idea of Dhamma and show how it differs from Religion.
7. Religion, it is said, is personal and one must keep it to oneself. One must not let it play its part in public life.
8. Contrary to this, Dhamma is social. It is fundamentally and essentially so.
9. Dhamma is righteousness, which means right relations between man and man in all spheres of life.
10. From this it is evident that one man if he is alone does not need Dhamma.
11. But when there are two men living in relation to each other they must find a place for Dhamma whether they like it or not. Neither can escape it.
12. In other words. Society cannot do without Dhamma.
13. Society has to choose one of the three alternatives.
14. Society may choose not to have any Dhamma, as an instrument of Government. For Dhamma is nothing if it is not an instrument of Government.
15. This means Society chooses the road to anarchy.
16. Secondly, Society may choose the police, i.e., dictatorship as an instrument of Government.
17. Thirdly, Society may choose Dhamma plus the Magistrate wherever people fail to observe the Dhamma.
18. In anarchy and dictatorship liberty is lost.
19. Only in the third liberty survives.
20. Those who want liberty must therefore have Dhamma.
21. Now what isDhamma? and why isDhamma necessary ? According to the Buddha, Dhamma consists of Prajna and Karuna.
22. What is Prajna ? And why Prajna ? Prajna is understanding. The Buddha made Prajna one of the two corner-stones of His Dhamma because he did not wish to leave any room for superstition.
23. What is Karuna? And why Karuna? Karuna is love. Because, without it Society can neither live nor grow, that is why the Buddha made it the second corner-stone of His Dhamma.
24. Such is the definition of the Buddha's Dhamma.
25. How different is this definition of Dhamma from that of Religion.
26. So ancient, yet so modern is the definition of Dhamma given by the Buddha.
27. So aboriginal yet so original.
28. Not borrowed from anyone, yet so true.
29. A unique amalgam of Pradnya and Karuna is the Dhamma of the Buddha.
30. Such is the difference between Religion and Dhamma.
§ 3. The Purpose of Religion and the Purpose of Dhamma
1. What is the purpose of Religion ? What is the purpose of Dhamma ? Are they one and the same ? Or are they different ?
2. The answer to these questions are to be found in two dialogues—one between the Buddha and Sunakkhatta and the other between the Buddha and the Brahmin Potthapada.
3. The Exalted One was once staying among the Mallas at Anupiya, one of their towns.
4. Now the Exalted One having robed himself in the early morning, put on his cloak and took his bowl and entered the town for alms.
5. On the way he thought it was too early to go for alms. Therefore he went to the pleasance where Bhaggava the wanderer dwelt and called on him.
6. On seeing the Blessed One Bhaggava got up, saluted him and said, "May it please you, sire, to be seated ; here is a seat made ready for you."
7. The Exalted One sat down thereon, and Bhaggava taking a certain lowstool sat down beside him. So seated, Bhaggava, the wanderer, spake thus to the Exalted One :
8 " Some days ago, Lord, a good many days ago, Sunakkhatta of the Licchavis called on me and spake thus: 'I have now given up the Exalted One, Bhaggava. I am remaining no longer under him (as my teacher).' Is the fact really so, just as he said ? "
9. "It is just so Bhaggava, as Sunakkhatta of the Licchavis said," replied the Riessed One.
10. " Some days ago, Bhaggava, a good many days ago, Sunakkhatta, the Licchavi, came to call on me, and spake thus : ' Sir, I now give up the Exalted One. I will henceforth remain no longer under him (as my teacher).' When he told me this, I said to him : ' But now, Sunakkhatta, have I ever said to you, Come, Sunakkhatta, live under me (as my pupil) ? ' 11. " ' No, sir, you have not.'
12. " Or have you ever said to me: ' Sir, I would fain dwell under the Exalted One (as my teacher) ?'
13. " 'No, sir, I have not.'
14. " Then I asked him 'If I said not the one, and you said not the other, what are you and what am I that you talk of giving up ? See, foolish one, in how far the fault here is your own.'
15. "'Well, but, sir, the Exalted One works me no mystic wonders surpassing the power of ordinary men'
16. " Why, now Sunakkhatta, have I ever said to you: ' Come, take me as your teacher, Sunakkhatta, and I will work for you mystic wonders surpassing the power of ordinary men ? '
17. " 'You have not, sir.'
18. " Or have you ever said to me: ' Sir, I would fain take the Exalted One as my teacher, for he will work for me mystic wonders beyond the powers of ordinary men ? '
19. "' I have not, sir.'
20. " ' But if I said not the one, and you said not the other, what are you and what am I, foolish man, that you talk of giving up ? What think you, Sunakkhatta? Whether mystic wonders beyond the power of ordinary man are wrought, or whether they are not is the object for which I teach the Dhamma: that it leads to the thorough, destruction of ill for the doer thereof ? '
21. '"Whether, sir, they are so wrought or not, that is indeed the object for which the Dhamma is taught by the Exalted One.'
22. " ' If then, Sunakkhatta, it matters not to that object whether mystic wonders are wrought or not, of what use to you would be the working of them? See, foolish one, in how far the fault here is your own.'
23. " 'But, sir, the Exalted One does not reveal to me the beginning of things.'
24. " Why now, Sunakkhatta, have I ever said to you: ' Come, Sunakkhatta, be my. disciple and I will reveal to you the beginning of things ? '
25. " ' Sir, you have not '
26. " Or have you ever said to me: ' I will become the Exalted One's pupil, for he will reveal to me the beginning of things ? '
27. " ' Sir, I have not.'
28. " ' But if I have not said the one and you have not said the other, what are you and what am I, foolish man, that you talk of giving up on that account ? What think you, Sunakkhatta? Whether the beginning of things be revealed, or whether it be not, is the object for which I teach the Dhamma that it leads to the thorough destruction of ill for the doer thereof ? '
29. " ' Whether, sir, they are revealed or not, that is indeed the object for which the Dhamma is taught by the Exalted One.'
30. " ' If then, Sunakkhatta, it matters not to that object whether the beginning of things be revealed, or whether it be not, of what use to you would it be to have the beginning of things revealed ? ' "
31. This illustrates that Religion is concerned with revealing the beginning of things and Dhamma is not.
The other differences between Religion and Dhamma are brought out in the discussion between the Blessed One and Potthapada.
1. The Blessed One was once staying at Shravasti in Anathapindika's pleasance of the Jeta's wood. Now at that time Potthapada, the wandering mendicant was dwelling in the hall put up in Queen Mallika's park for a debate on general systems of philosophical opinion.
2. There was with him a great following of mendicants; to wit, three hundred. A dialogue took place between the Blessed Lord and Potthapada. Potthapada asked:
3. " Then, sir, if that be so, tell me at least: Is the world eternal ? Is this alone the truth, and any other view mere folly ? ' "
4. "That, Potthapada, is a matter on which I have expressed no opinion," replied the Blessed Lord.
5. Then, in the same terms, Potthapada asked each of the following questions : (i) ' Is the world not eternal ? '
(ii) ' Is the world finite ? '
(iii) ' Is the world infinite ?
(iv) ' Is the soul the same as the body ?'
(v) ' Is the soul one thing, and the body another ? '
(vi) ' Does one who has gained the truth live again after death ? '
(vii) ' Does he not live again after death ? '
(viii) ' Does he both live again and not live again, after death ? '
(ix) ' Does he neither live again, nor not live again, after death?'
6. And to each questions the Exalted One made the same reply :—
7. " That too, Potthapada, is a matter on which I have expressed no opinion."
8. " But why has the Exalted One expressed no opinion on that ? "
9. " Because this question is not calculated to profit, it is not concerned with the Dhamma, it does not redound even to the elements of right conduct, nor to detachment, nor to purification from lusts, nor to quietude, nor to tranquillisation of heart, nor to real knowledge, nor to the insight (of the higher stages of the Path), nor to Nirvana. Therefore is it that I express no opinion upon it. "
10. " Then what is it that the Exalted One has determined ? ' '
11. "I have expounded, Potthapada, what Dukkha is ; I have expounded what is the origin of Dukkha; I have expounded what is the cessation of Dukkha : I have expounded what is the method by which one may reach the cessation of Dukkha."
12. " And why has the Exalted One put forth a statement as to that ? "
13. " Because that question, Potthapada, is calculated to profit, is concerned with the Dhamma, redounds to the beginnings of right conduct, to detachment, to purification from lusts, .to quietude, to tranquillisation of heart, to real knowledge, to the insight of the higher stages of the Path and to Nirvana. There-fore is it, Potthapada, that I have put forward a statement as to that."
14. In this dialogue it is clearly put forth what is the subject matter of Religion and what is not the subject matter of Dhamma. The two are poles apart
15. The purpose of Religion is to explain the origin of the world. The purpose of Dhamma is to reconstruct the world.
§ 4. Morality and Religion
1. What is the place of morality in Religion ?
2. As a matter of truth morality has no place in Religion.
3. The content of religion consists of God, soul, prayers, worship, rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices.
4. Morality comes in only wherein man comes in relation to man.
5. Morality comes in into religion as a side wind to maintain peace and order.
6. Religion is a triangular piece.
7. Be good to your neighbour because you are both children of God.
8. That is the argument of religion.
9. Every religion preaches morality but morality is not the root of religion.
10. It is a wagon attached to it. It is attached and detached as the occasion requires.
11. The action of morality in the functioning of religion is therefore casual and occasional.
12. Morality in religion is therefore not effective.
§ 5. Dhamma and Morality
1. What is the place of morality in Dhamma ?
2. The simple answer is Morality is Dhamma and Dhamma is Morality.
3. In other words, in Dhamma morality takes the place of God although there is no God in Dhamma.
4. In Dhamma there is no place for prayers, pilgrimages, rituals, ceremonies or sacrifices.
5. Morality is the essence of Dhamma. Without it there is no Dhamma.
6. Morality in Dhamma arises from the direct necessity for man to love man.
7. It does not require the sanction of God. It is not to please God that man has to be moral. It is for his own good that man has to love man.
§ 6. Mere Morality is not Enough. It must be Sacred and Universal
1. When is a thing sacred? Why is a thing sacred ?
2. In every human society, primitive or advanced, there are some things or beliefs which it regards as sacred and the rest as profane.
3. When a thing or belief has reached the stage of being sacred (pavitra) it means that it cannot be violated. Indeed it cannot be touched. It is taboo.
4. Contrary to this, a thing or a belief which is profane (apavitra), i.e., outside the field of the sacred, may be violated. It means one can act contrary to it, without feeling any fear or qualms of conscience.
5. The sacred is something holy. To transgress it is a sacrilege.
6. Why is a thing made sacred ? To confine the scope of the question to the matter in hand, why morality should have been made sacred ?
7. Three factors seem to have played their part in making morality sacred.
8. The first factor is the social need for protecting the best.
9. The background of this question lies imbedded in what is called the struggle of existence and the survival of the fittest.
10. This arises out of the theory of evolution. It is common knowledge that evolution takes place through a struggle for existence because the means of food supply in early times were so limited.
11. The struggle is bitter. Nature is said to be red in claw and tooth.
12. In this struggle which is bitter and bloody only the fittest survive.
13. Such is the original state of society.
14. In the course of ancient past someone must have raised the question, Is the fittest (the strongest) the best ? Would not the weakest if protected be ultimately the best for advancing the ends and aims of society ?
15. The then prevailing state of society seems to have given an answer in the affirmative.
16. Then comes, the question what is the way to protect the weak ?
17. Nothing less than to impose some restraints upon the fittest.
18. In this lies the origin and necessity for morality.
19. This morality had to be sacred because it was imposed originally on the fittest, i.e., the strongest.
20. This has very serious consequences.
21. First, does morality in becoming social become anti-social ?
22. It is not that there is no morality among thieves. There is morality among businessmen. There is morality among fellow castemen and there is also morality among a gang of robbers.
23. But this morality is marked by isolation and exclusiveness. It is a morality to protect " group interest. " It is therefore anti-social.
24. It is the isolation and exclusiveness of this kind of morality which throws its anti-social spirit in relief.
25. The same is true where a group observes morality because it has interests of its own to protect.
26. The results of this group organisation of society are far-reaching.
27. If society continues to consist of anti-social groups, society will remain a disorganised and a factional society.
28. The danger of a disorganised and factional state of society is that it sets up a number of different models and standards.
29. In the absence of common models and common standards society cannot be a harmonious whole,
30. With such different models and standards it is impossible for the individual to attain consistency of mind.
31. A society which rests upon the supremacy of one group over another irrespective of its rational or proportionate claims inevitably leads to conflict.
32. The only way to put a stop to conflict is to have common rules of morality which are sacred to all.
33. There is the third factor which requires morality to be made sacred and universal. It is to safeguard the growth of the individual.
34. Under the struggle for existence or under group rule the interests of the individuals are not safe.
35. The group set-up prevents an individual from acquiring consistency of mind which is possible only when society has common ideals, common models. His thoughts are led astray and this creates a mind whose seeing unity is forced and distorted.
36. Secondly the group set-up leads to discrimination and denial of justice.
37. The group set-up leads to stratification of classes. Those who are masters remain masters and those who are born in slavery remain slaves. Owners remain owners and workers remain workers. The privileged remain privileged and the serfs remain serfs.
38. This means that there can be liberty for some but not for all. This means that there can be equality for a few but none for the majority.
39. What is the remedy ? The only remedy lies in making fraternity universally effective.
40. What is fraternity ? It is nothing but another name for brotherhood of men which is another name for morality.
41. This is why the Buddha preached that Dhamma is morality and as Dhamma is sacred so is morality.
PART II : HOW SIMILARITIES IN TERMINOLOGY CONCEAL FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE
Section I—Rebirth
1. Preliminary.
2. Rebirth of What?
3. Rebirth of Whom?
Section IT—Karma
1. Is the Buddhist doctrine of Karma the same as the Brahminic doctrine ?
2. Did the Buddha believe in past Karma having effect on future life ?
3. Did the Buddha believe in past Karma having effect on future life ?—concluded.
Section III—Ahimsa
1. The different ways in which it is interpreted and followed.
2. The true meaning of Ahimsa.
Section IV—Transmigration Section V—Causes of his Misunderstandings
SECTION I
REBIRTH §
1. Preliminary
1. What happens after death is a question often asked,
2. The contemporaries of the Buddha held two different views. One set was called Eternalist and the other was called Annihilationist.
3. The Eternalist said that the soul knows no death: therefore life is eternal. It is renewed by rebirth.
4. The thesis of the Annihilationists was summed up in one word, Ucchedvad, which meant that death is the end of everything. There is nothing left after death.
5. The Buddha was not an eternalist. For it involved a belief in the existence of a separate, immortal soul to which he was opposed.
6. Was the Buddha an annihilationist? With his belief in the non-existence of the soul, the Buddha would naturally be expected to be an annihilationist.
7. But in the Alagaddupamma-Sutta the Buddha complains that he is called an annihilationist when as a matter of fact he is not.
8. This is what he says : " Though this is what I affirm and what I preach yet some recluses and Brahmins, wrongly, erroneously and falsely charge me in defiance of facts, with being an annihilationist and with preaching the disintegration, destruction and extirpation of human beings.
9. " It is just what lam not, and what I do not affirm, that is wrongly, erroneously, and falsely charged against me by these good people who would make me out to be an annihilationist."
10. If this statement is a genuine one and is not an interpolation by those who wanted to foist a Brahmanic doctrine on Buddhism the statement raises a serious dilemma
11. How can the Buddha not believe in the existence of the soul and yet say that he is not an annihilationist ?
12. This raises the question : Did the Buddha believe in rebirth ?
§ 2. Rebirth of What ?
1. Did the Buddha believe in rebirth ?
2. The answer is in the affirmative.
3. It is better to split this question further into two parts : (1) Rebirth of What and (2) Rebirth of Whom.
4. It is better to take each one of these two questions separately.
5. Here we may consider the first. Rebirth of What.
6. This question is almost always ignored. It is because of the mixing of the two questions that so much confusion has arisen.
7. According to the Buddha there are four elements of Existence which go to compose the body. They are (1) Prithvi ; (2) Apa ; (3) Tej ; and (4) Vayu.
8. Question is when the human body dies what happens to these four elements? Do they also die along with dead body ? Some say that they do.
9. The Buddha said no. They join the mass of similar elements floating in (Akash) space.
10. When the four elements from this floating mass join together a new birth takes place.
11. This is what the Buddha meant by rebirth.
12. The elements need not and are not necessarily from the same bodywhich is dead. They may be drawn from different dead bodies.
13. It must be noted that the body dies. But the elements are ever living.
14. This is the kind of rebirth in which the Buddha believed.
15. Great light is 'thrown upon the subject by Sariputta in his dialogue with Maha-Kotthita.
16. It is said that once when the Lord was staying at Shravasti in Jeta's Grove in Anathapindika's Aram, the Maha-Kotthita rising up at even-tide from his meditations, went to Sariputta and asked him to elucidate some of the questions which troubled him.
17. The following was one of them.
18. Maha-Kotthita asked : " How many factors has the first ecstasy (Dhyana) put from it and how many does it retain ? "
19. Sariputta replied: " Five of each. Gone are lusts, malevolence, torpor, worry and doubt. Observation, reflection, zest, satisfaction and a focussed heart persist."
20. Maha-Kotthita asked: " Take the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch,—each with its own particular province and range of function, separate and mutually distinct. What ultimate base have they ? Who enjoys all their five provinces and ranges ? "
21. Sariputta replied: "Mind (Mano)."
22. Maha-Kotthita asked : " On what do these five faculties of sense depend ? "
23. Sariputta replied : " On vitality."
24. Maha-Kotthita asked: " On what does vitality depend ?
25. Sariputta : " On heat."
26. Maha-Kotthita asked: " On what does heat depend ? "
27. Sariputta replied : " On vitality."
28. Maha-Kotthita asked : " You say that vitality depends on heat, you also say that heat depends on vitality! What precisely is the meaning to be attached to this ? "
29. Sariputta replied : " I will give you an illustration. Just as in the case of a lamp, the light reveals the flame and the flame" the light, so vitality depends upon heat and heat on vitality.
30. Maha-Kotthita asked : " How many things must quit the body before it is flung aside and cast away like a senseless log ? "
31. Sariputta answered: "Vitality, heat and consciousness."
32. Maha-Kotthita asked : " What is the difference between a lifeless corpse and an almsman in trance, in whom perception and feelings are stilled?"
33. Sariputta replied : " In the corpse not only are the plastic forces of the body and speech and mind stilled and quiescent but also vitality is exhausted, heat is quenched and the faculties of sense broken up ; whereas in the almsman in trance vitality persists, heat abides, and the faculties are clear, although respiration, observation and perception are stilled and quiescent."
34. This probably is the best and most complete exposition of Death or Annihilation.
35. There is only one lacuna in this dialogue. Maha-Kotthita should have asked Sariputta one question. What is heat ?
36. What answer Sariputta would have given it is not easy to imagine. But there can be no doubt that heat means energy.
37. Thus amplified, the real answer to the question : What happens when the body dies ? is : The body ceases to produce energy.
38. But this is only a part of the answer. Because death also means that whatever energy that had escaped from the body joins the general mass of energy playing about in the Universe.
39. Annihilation has therefore a two-fold aspect. In one of its aspects it means cession of production of energy. In another aspect it means a new addition to the stock of general floating mass of energy.
40. It is probably because of this two-fold aspect of annihilation that the Buddha said that he was not an absolute annihilationist. He was an annihilationist so far as soul was concerned. He was not an annihilationist so far as matter was concerned.
41. So interpreted it is easy to understand why the Buddha said that he was not an annihilationist. He believed in the regeneration of matter and not in the rebirth of the soul.
42. So interpreted, the Buddha's view is in consonance with science.
43. It is only in this sense that the Buddha could be said to have believed in rebirth.
44. Energy is never lost. That is what science affirms. Annihilation in the sense that after death nothing is left would be contrary to science. For it would mean that energy is not constant in volume.
45. This is the only way by which the dilemma could be solved.
§3. Rebirth of Whom?
1. The most difficult question is Rebirth of Whom.
2. Does the same dead person take a new birth ?
3. Did the Buddha believe in this thesis ? The answer is " Most improbable."
4. The answer depends upon the elements of existence of the dead man meeting together and forming a new body then the possibility of the Rebirth of the same Sentient being is possible.
5. If a new body is formed after a mixture or the different elements of the different men who are dead then there is rebirth but not the rebirth of the same sentient being.
6. This point has been well explained by sister Khema to King Pasenadi.
7. Once the Exalted One was staying near Savatthi at Jeta Grove in Anathapindika's Aram.
8. Now on that occasion the sister Khema, after going her rounds among the Kosalana, took up her quarters at Toranavatthu, between Shravasti and Saketa.
9. Now the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala was journeying from Saketa to Shravasti, and midway between Saketa and Shravasti he put up for one night at Toranavatthu.
10. The Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala called a certain man and said : " Come thou, good fellow ! Find out some recluse or brahmin such that I can wait upon him today."
11. " Even so, your majesty," said that man in reply to the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala, and after wandering through all Toranavatthu he saw not any one, either recluse or brahmin, on whom the Rajah Pasenadi might wait.
12. Then that man saw the sister Khema, who had come to reside at Toranavatthu. And on seeing her he went back to the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala, and said:—
13. "Your Majesty, there is no recluse or brahmin in Toranavatthu such that your majesty can wait upon him. But, your majesty, there is a sister named Khema, a woman-disciple of that Exalted One. Now of this lady a lovely rumour has gone abroad, that she is sage, accomplished, shrewd, widely learned, a brilliant talker, of goodly ready wit. Let your majesty wait upon her."
14. So the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala went to visit the sister Khema, and on coming to her saluted and sat down at one side. So seated he said to her:—
15. " How say you, lady ? Does the Tathagata exist after death ? "
16. " That also, maharajah is not revealed by the Exalted One."
17. " How then, lady ? When asked ' Does the Tathagata exist after death?' you reply, "That is not revealed by the Exalted One,' and, when I ask . . . the other questions, you make the same reply. Pray, lady, what is the reason, what is the cause, why this thing is not revealed by the Exalted One ? "
18. "Now in this matter, maharajah, I will question you. Do you reply as you think fit. Now how say you, maharajah ? Have you some accountant, some ready reckoner or calculator, able to count the sand in Ganges, thus : There are so many hundred grains, or so many thousand grains, or so many hundreds of thousands of grains of sand ? "
19. " No, indeed, lady."
20. " Then have you some accountant, ready reckoner or calculator able to reckon the water in the mighty ocean, thus : There are so many gallons of water, so many hundreds, so many thousands, so many hundreds of thousand gallons of water ? "
21. "No, indeed, lady."
22. " How is that ? "
23. " Mighty is the ocean, lady, deep, boundless, unfathomable."
24. " Even so, maharajah, if one should try to define the Tathagata by his bodily form, that bodily form of the Tathagata is. abandoned, cut down at the root, made like a palm-tree stump, made some thing that is not, made of a nature not to spring up again in future time. Set free from reckoning as body, maharajah, is the Tathagata. He is deep, boundless unfathomable, just like the mighty ocean. To say, ' The Tathagata exists after death ' does not apply. To say, ' The Tathagata exists not after death,' does not apply. To say, ' The Tathagata both exists and exists not, neither exists nor not exists after death,' does not apply.
25. " If one should try to define the Tathagata by feeling,—that feeling of the Tathagata is abandoned, cut down at the root . . . Yet free from reckoning as feeling is the Tathagata, maharajah, deep, boundless, unfathomable like the mighty ocean. To say, ' The Tathagata exists after death . . . exists not after death,' does not apply.
26. " So also if one should try to define the Tathagata by perception, by the activities, by consciousness . . . set free from reckoning by consciousness is the Tathagata, deep, boundless, unfathomable as the mighty ocean. To say, ' The Tathagata exists after death . . . exists not after death,' does not apply."
27. Then the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala was delighted with the words of the sister Khema, and took pleasure therein. And he rose from his seat, saluted her by the right and went away.
28. Now on another occasion the Rajah went to visit the Exalted One, and on coming to him saluted him and sat down at one side. So seated he said to the Exalted One:
29. " Pray, Lord, does the Tathagata -exist after death ?"
30. " Not revealed by me, maharajah, is this matter."
31. "Then Lord, the Tathagata does not exist after death."
32. " That also, maharajah, is not revealed by —me." me.
33. He then asks the other questions and gets the same reply.
34. " How then. Lord ? When I ask the question, ' Does the Tathagata exist ? . . . does he not exist after death ? ' you reply, ' It is not revealed by me.' Pray, Lord, what is the reason, what is the cause why this thing is not revealed by the Exalted One ? "
35. " Now, maharajah, I will question you. Do you reply as you think fit. Now what say you, maharajah? Have you some accountant . . . (the rest is exactly as before).'
36. " Wonderful, Lord! Strange it is, Lord, how the explanation both of Master and disciple, both in spirit and in letter, will agree, will harmonise, will not be inconsistent, that is, in any word about the highest.
37. " On a certain occasion. Lord, I went to visit the sister Khema, and asked her the meaning of this matter, and she gave me the meaning in the very words, in the very syllables used by the Exalted One. Wonderful, Lord! Strange it is. Lord, how the explanation both of Master and disciple will agree, will harmonise, in spirit and in letter, how they will not be inconsistent,—that is, in any word about the highest.
38. " Well, Lord, now we must be going. We are busy folk. We have many things to do.
39. " Do now what you think it is time for, maharajah."
40. Thereupon the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala was delighted with the words of the Exalted One and welcomed them. And he rose from his seat, saluted the Exalted One by the right and went away.
KARMA
§ 1 .1$ the Buddhist Doctrine of Karma the same as the Brahminic Doctrine?
1. There is no doctrine in the Buddha's Dhamma which has created so much confusion as this doctrine of Karma.
2. What is its place in the Buddha's Dhamma and what is its significance which has already been told.
3. Ignorant Hindus out of sheer want of understanding say by comparing merely the similarity of words that Buddhism is the same as Brahmanism or Hinduism.
4. The educated and orthodox section of the Brahmins also do the same. They do so deliberately to mislead the ignorant masses.
5. The educated Brahmins know full well that the Buddhist Law of Karma is quite different from the Brahminic Law of Karma. Yet they keep on saying that Buddhism is the same as Brahmanism and Hinduism.
6. The similarity in terminology gives them an easy handle for their false and malicious propaganda.
7. It is, therefore, necessary to examine the position closely.
8. The Buddha's Law of Karma, however much may be similarity of words cannot be the same in its connotation as the Brahminic Law of Karma.
9. The premises of the two are so widely different, indeed so widely opposed that the result of the two cannot be the same. They must be different.
10. The principles of the Hindu Law of Karma may be stated seriatim for convenience.
11. The Hindu Law of Karma is based on the soul. The Buddhist is not. In fact there is no soul in Buddhism.
12. The Brahminic Law of Karma is hereditary.
13. It goes on from life to life. This is so because of the transmigration of the soul.
14. This cannot be true of the Buddhist Law of Karma. This is also because there is no soul.
15. The Hindu Law of Karma is based on the existence of a soul which is distinct from the body. When the body dies the soul does not die. The soul flies away.
16. This is not true of the Buddhist Law of Karma.
17. According to the Hindu Law of Karma what happens when a man does a karma is this. His act produces two-fold results. It affects the doer and secondly it produces an impress upon his soul.
18. Each act he does produces an impress upon his soul.
19. When a man dies and when his soul escapes, the soul is full of such impressions.
20. It is these impressions which determine his birth and status in his future life.
21. This Hindu theory is inconsistent with the Buddhist theory of no-soul.
22. For these reasons the Buddhist doctrine of Karma cannot be and is not the same as the Hindu doctrine of Karma.
23. It is therefore simply foolish to talk about the Buddhist doctrine of Karma being the same as the Brahminic doctrine of Karma.
24. All that one can say is beware of this jugglery.
§ 2. Did the Buddha believe in Past Karma having effect on Future Life?
1. The Law of Karma was enunciated by the Buddha. He was the first to say: " Reap as you sow."
2. He was so emphatic about the Law of Karma that he maintained that there could be no moral order unless there was a stern observance of the Law of Karma.
3. The Buddha's Law of Karma applied only to Karma and its effect on present life.
4. There is, however,' an extended doctrine of Karma. According to it Karma includes Karma done in past life or lives.
5. If a man is born in a poor family it is because of his past bad karma. If a man is born in a rich family it is because of his past good karma.
6. If a man is born with a congenital defect it is because of his past bad karma.
7. This is a very pernicious doctrine. For in this interpretation of karma there is no room left for human effort. Everything is predetermined for him by his past karma.
8. This extended doctrine is often found to be attributed to the Buddha.
9. Did the Buddha believe in such a doctrine?
10. To examine this extended doctrine properly it is better to change the language in which it is usually expressed.
11. Instead of saying that past karma is transmitted it should be better if it was said that past karma is inherited.
12. This change of language enables us to test it by the law of heredity. At the same time it does no harm to the doctrine either to its de jure or de facto connotation.
13. This restatement makes it possible to pose the two questions which could not otherwise be posed and without answering which the matter could not be made clear.
14. The first question is how is past karma inherited ? What is the process ?
15. The second question is what is the nature of past karma in terms of heredity ? Is it an inherent characteristic or acquired characteristic ?
16. What do we inherit from our parents ?
17. Starting with science the new individual begins when a sperm enters the egg. Fertilisation consists in fusion of the head of the sperm with the nucleus of the egg.
18. Each human being takes its origin from the union of two bits of living matter, an egg from the mother which has been fertilised by a single sperm from the father.
19. That human birth is genetic is told by the Buddha to a Yakkha who came to discuss the matter with him.
20. The Exalted One was then staying near Rafagraha, on the hill called lndra's Peak.
21. Now that Yakkha drew near to the Exalted One and addressed him as follows: ' Material form is not the living soul ' So says th' Enlightened One. Then how doth soul possess this body ? Whence to soul doth come Our bunch of bones and bowels ? How doth soul within the mother-cave suspended bide?
22. To this the Exalted One replied:
At first the Kalala takes birth, and thence the abudde. Therefrom the pesi grows, Developing as ghana in its turn. Now in the ghana doth appear the hair, The down, the nails.
And whatsoever food and drink the mother of him takes, thereby the man in mother's womb doth live and grow.
23. But the Hindu doctrine differs.
24. It says that the body is genetic. But the soul is not. It is implanted into the body from outside—the doctrine is unable to specify the source.
25. Turning to the second question as to what is the nature of past karma, it must be determined whether it is an inherent characteristic or an acquired characteristic.
26. Unless an answer to this question is forthcoming it cannot be tested by the scientific theory of heredity.
27. But assuming there is an answer one way or the other to this question how is it possible to get any help from science whether it is a sensible theory or senseless theory.
28. According to science a child inherits the characteristics of his parents.
29. In the Hindu doctrine of karma a child inherits nothing from its parents except the body. The past karma in the Hindu doctrine is the inheritance of the child by the child and for the child.
30. The parents contributes nothing. The child brings everything.
31. Such a doctrine is nothing short of an absurdity.
32. As shown above the Buddha did not believe in such an absurdity.
33. " Yes, if it were not reborn; but if it were, no." no.
34. " Give me an illustration. "
35. " Suppose, 0 king, a man were to steal another man's mangoes, would the thief deserve punishment ? "
36. "Yes"
37. " But he would not have stolen the mangoes the other set in the ground. Why would he deserve punishment ? "
38. " Because those he stole were the result of those that were planted."
39. "Just so, great king, this name-and-form commits deeds, either pure or impure, and by that karma another name-and-form is reborn. And therefore is it not set free from its evil deeds ? "
40. " Very good, Nagasena ! "
41. The king said : " When deeds are committed, Nagasena by one name-and-form, what becomes of those deeds ? "
42. " The deeds would follow it, O king, like a shadow that never leaves it."
43. " Can any one point out those deeds, saying: ' Here are those deeds or there ? '
44. " No. "
45. " Give me an illustration."
46. " Now what do you think, 0 king ? Can any one point out the fruits which a tree has not yet produced, saying:
47. ' Here they are, or there ? ' "
48. " Certainly not, sir,"
49. " Just so, great king, so long as the continuity of life is not cut off, it is impossible to point out the deeds that are done."
50. " Very good, Nagasena."
§ 3. Did the Buddha believe in Past Karma having effect on Future Life? —concluded
1. The Buddha's doctrine of Past Karma is thus in keeping with science.
2. He did not believe in the inheritance of Past Karma.
3. How can he, having held to the view that birth is genetic and whatever inheritance comes to the child it comes through its parents ?
4. Apart from logic there is more direct evidence on the point contained in a sutta called the Cula— Dukkha—Khanda—Sutta which contains a dialogue between the Buddha and the Jains.
5. In this dialogue this is what the Buddha says :—" Niganthas, you have done evil in the past ; extirpate it by these severe austerities. Every present restraint on body, 'speech and mind will hereafter undo the evil doings of the past. Hence, by expelling through penance all past misdeeds, and by not committing fresh misdeeds, the future becomes cleared; with the future cleared, the past is wiped out ; with the past wiped out,is no more ; withno more (Painful) -feelings are no more; and, with painful feelings now no more, all will be outworn.—This teaching commends and approves itself to us, and we rejoice in it."
6. Thereupon, I said to those Niganthas :— " Do you know, reverend sirs, whether you had an existence before this or you were not non-existent ?"
7. " No, Sir. "
8. " Do you know that, in a former existence, you were guilty, and not guiltless, of misdeeds ? "
9. " No. "
10. 10. " Do you know that (in that former existence) you were guilty, and not guiltless, of this or that specific misdeed ? "
11. "No
12. Secondly the Buddha asserts that the status of a man may be governed not so much by heredity as by his environment.
13. In the Devadaha—Sutta this is what the Buddha says : Some recluses and Brahmins there are who affirm and hold the view that, whatsoever the individual experiences—be it pleasant or unpleasant or neither—all comes from former actions. Hence, by expiation and purge of former misdeeds and by not committing fresh misdeeds, nothing accrues for the future, the misdeeds die away ; as misdeeds die away,dies away ;'as dies away, feelings die away ; and as feelings die away, all will wear out and pass. This is what the Niganthas affirm.
14. If it is because of their birth's environment that creatures experience pleasure and pain, the Niganthas are blameworthy, and they are also blameworthy, if environment is not the cause.
15. Now these statements of the Buddha are very relevant. How could the Buddha throw doubt on past karma if he believed in it ? How could the Buddha maintain pain and pleasure in present life being due to environment if he believed that it was due to past karma ?
16. The doctrine of past karma is a purely Brahminic doctrine. Past karma taking effect in present life is quite consistent with the Brahminic doctrine of soul, the effect of karma on soul. But it is quite inconsistent with the Buddhist doctrine of non-soul.
17. It has been bodily introduced into Buddhism by some one who wanted to make Buddhism akin to Hinduism or who did not know what the Buddhist doctrine was.
18. This is one reason why it must be held that the Buddha could not have preached such a doctrine.
19. There is another and a more general reason why it must be held that the Buddha could not have preached such a doctrine. 20. The basis of the Hindu doctrine of past karma as the regulator of future life is an iniquitous doctrine. What could have been the purpose of inventing such a doctrine ?
21. The only purpose one can think of is to enable the state or the society to escape responsibility for the condition of the poor and the lowly.
22. Otherwise such an inhuman and absurd doctrine could never have been invented.
23. It is impossible to imagine that the Buddha who was known as the Maha Karunika could have supported such a doctrine.
§ 1. The different ways in which it was interpreted and followed
1. Ahimsa or non-killing forms a very important part of the Buddha's teachings.
2. It is intimately connected with Karuna and Maitri.
3. The question has, however, been raised whether His Ahimsa was absolute in its obligation or only relative. Was it only a principle ? Or was it a rule?
4. People who accept the Buddha's teachings find it difficult to accept Ahimsa as an absolute obligation. They say that such a definition of Ahimsa involves the sacrifice of good for evil, the sacrifice of virtue for vice.
5. This question requires to be clarified. There is no subject which is a matter of greater confusion than this subject of Ahimsa.
6. How have the people of Buddhist countries understood and actised Ahimsa ?
7. This is an important question which must be taken into account.
8. The monks of Ceylon fought against and asked the people of Ceylon to fight against the foreign invaders.
9. On the other hand the monks of Burma refused to fight against the foreign invaders and asked the Burmese people not to fight.
10. The Burmese people eat eggs but not fish.
11. This is how Ahimsa is understood and followed.
12. Recently the German Buddhist Association passed a resolution by which they accepted all the Panch Silas except the first which deals with Ahimsa.
13. This is the position about the Doctrine of Ahimsa.
§ 2. True Meaning of Ahimsa.
1. What does Ahimsa mean ?
2. The Buddha has nowhere given any definition of Ahimsa. In fact he has very seldom, if at all, referred to the subject in specific terms.
3. One has, therefore to spell out his intention from circumstantial evidence.
4. The first circumstantial evidence on the point is that the Buddha had no objection to eating meat if it was offered to him as part of his alms.
5. The monk can eat meat offered to him provided he was not a party to the killing of it.
6. He resisted the opposition of Devadatta who insisted that the monks should be prohibited from eating meat given to them by way of alms.
7. The next piece of evidence on the point is that he was only opposed to the killing of animals in yajna (sacrifice). This he has himself said.
8. Ahimsa PermoDharma is an extreme Doctrine, It is a Jain Doctrine. It is not a Buddhist Doctrine.
9. There is another piece of evidence which is more direct than circumstantial which almost amounts to a definition of Ahintsa. He has said: "Love all so that you may not wish to kill any." This is a positive way of stating the principle of Ahimsa.
10. From this it appears that the doctrine of Ahimsa does not say " Kill not. It says love all."
11. In the light of these statements it is quite easy to have a clear understanding of what the Buddha meant by Ahimsa.
12. It is quite clear that Buddha meant to make a distinction between will to kill and need to kill.
13. He did not ban killing where there was need to kill.
14. What he banned was killing where there was nothing but the will to kill.
15. So understood there is no confusion in the Buddhist doctrine of Ahimsa.
16. It is a perfectly sound or moral doctrine which everyone must respect.
17. No doubt he leaves it to every individual to decide whether the need to kill is there. But with whom else could it be left. Man has Pradnya and he must use it.
18. A moral man may be trusted to draw the line at the right point.
19. Brahminism has in it the will to kill.
20. Jainism has in it the will never to kill.
21. The Buddha's Ahimsa is quite in keeping with his middle path.
22. To put it differently the Buddha made a distinction between Principle and Rule. He did not make Ahimsa a matter of Rule. He enunciated it as a matter of Principle or way of life.
23. In this he no doubt acted very wisely.
24. A principle leaves you freedom to act. A rule does not. Rule either breaks you or you break the rule.
1. The Blessed Lord preached that there was rebirth. But the Blessed Lord also preached that there was no transmigration.
2. There were not wanting people who criticise the Lord for preaching what they regarded as two such contradictory doctrines.
3. How can there be rebirth unless there is transmigration ? asked the critics.
4. There is here a case of rebirth without transmigration, they said. Can this be?
5. There is no contradiction. There can be rebirth although there is no transmigration.
6. This has been well explained by Nagasena in his replies to the questions of King Milinda.
7. Milinda, King of Bactria, asked Nagasena— " Did the Buddha believe in Rebirth (Transmigration) ? "
8. His reply was "Yes"
9. "Is this not a contradiction?"
10. Nagasena replied, "No."
11. " Can there be rebirth without a soul ?"
12. Nagasena said, "Of course, yes, there can be."
13. " Explain how it can be."
14. The king said : " Where there is no transmigration, Nagasena, can there be rebirth ? "
15. "Yes, there can."
16. " But how can that be ? Give me an illustration."
17. " Suppose a man, 0 king, were to light a lamp from another lamp, can it be said that the one transmigrates from, or to, the other ? "
18. "Certainly not."19. " Just so, great king, is rebirth without transmigration."
20. " Give me a further illustration."
21. " Do you recollect, great king, having learnt, when you were a boy, some verse or other from your teacher?"
22. " Yes. I recollect that."
23. " Well then, did that verse transmigrate from your teacher ? "
24. " Certainly not."
25. " Just so, great king, is rebirth without transmigration."
26. " Very good, Nagasena ! "
27. The king said : "Is there such a thing, Nagasena, as the soul ? "
28. " In the highest sense, 0 king, there is no such thing."
29. " Very good, Nagasena ! "
1. What the Buddha preached was heard by his audience, which largely consisted of the Bhikkus.
2. It is the Bhikkus who reported to the people at large what the Buddha had said on any particular matter.
3. The art of writing had not yet developed. The Bhikkus had therefore to memorise what they had heard. Not every Bhikku cared to memorise what he heard. But there were some that had made it their profession to memorise. They were called Bhanakas.
4. The Buddhist canonical literature is as vast as ocean. To memorise all this was indeed a great feat.
5. In reporting the Buddha it has often been found that he has been misreported.
6. Many cases of misreporting had been brought to the knowledge of the Buddha while he was alive.
7. Reference may be made by way of illustration to five such cases. One is mentioned in the Alagaddupama Sutta and the other in the Maha-Kamma-Vibhanga Sutta, a third in the Kannakatthala Sutta, fourth in the Maha-Tanha-Sankhya Sutta and fifth in the Jivaka Sutta.
8. There were perhaps many more such cases of misreporting. For we find that even the Bhikkus going to the Buddha asking him to tell them what they should do in such contingencies.
9. The cases of misreporting are common with regard to karma and rebirth.
10. These doctrines have also a place in the Brahminic religion consequently it was easy for the Bhanakas to incorporate the Brahminic tenets into the Buddhist Religion.
II. One has therefore to be very careful in accepting what is said in the Buddhist canonical literature as being the word of the Buddha.
12. There is however one test which is available.
13. If there is anything which could be said with confidence it is : He was nothing if not rational,
if not logical. Anything therefore which is rational and logical, other things being equal, may be taken to be the word of the Buddha.
14. The second thing is that the Buddha never cared to enter into a discussion which was not profitable for man's welfare. Therefore anything attributed to the Buddha which did not relate to man's welfare cannot be accepted to be the word. of the Buddha.
15. There is a third test. It is that the Buddha divided all matters into two classes. Those about which he was certain and those about which he was not certain. On matters which fell into class I, he has stated his views definitely and conclusively. On matters which fell into class II, he has expressed his views. But they are only tentative views.
16. In discussing the three questions about which there is doubt and difference it is necessary to bear these tests in mind before deciding what the view of the Buddha was thereon.
PART III : THE BUDDHIST WAY OF LIFE
1. On good, evil and sin.
2. On craving and lust.
3. On hurt and ill-will.
4. On anger and enmity.
5. On man, mind and impurities.
6. On self and self-conquest.
7. On wisdom, justice and good company.
8. On thoughtfulness and mindfulness.
9. On vigilance, earnestness and boldness.
10. On sorrow and happiness; On Charity and Kindness.
11. On hypocrisy.
12. On following the Right Way.
13. Mix not true Dhamma with false Dhamma.
§ 1. On Good, Evil and Sin
1. Do good. Be no party to evil. Commit no sin.
2. This is the Buddhist way of life.
3. If a man should do that which is good, let him do it again and again, let him turn the desires of his heart thereto. Happy is the heaping of good.
4. Think not casually of the good saying, " It will not come to me." Drop by drop is the water pot filled. By little added to little does good grow.
5. But well done is that deed which brings one no regrets, the fruit whereof is received with delight and satisfaction.
6. Well done is the deed which done brings no regrets, the fruit whereof is received with delight and satisfaction.
7. If a man does what is good, let him do it again ; let him delight in it; the accumulation of good is delightful.
8. Even a good man sees. evil days so long as his good deed does not ripen; but when his good deed ripens, then does the good man see good things.
9. Let no man think lightly of good, saying in his heart, it will not come right unto me. Even by the falling of water drops a water-pot is filled—the wise man becomes full of good, even if he gathers it little by little.
10. Far surpassing the fragrance of sandal or incense or lotus or jasmine, is the fragrance of virtue.
11. Faint is this fragrance of incense and sandal, but the fragrance of virtue ascends to the highest place.
12. Treat not lightly of evil, saying it will not come to me. Drop by drop is the water pot filled. By little added to little evil accumulates.
13. It is not well to do a deed which done brings regrets, the fruit whereof is received with tears and lamentations.
14. If a man speaks or acts evil of mind, suffering follows him close as the wheel the hoof of the beast that draws the cart.
15. Follow not after things evil. Dwell not in negligence. Cherish not false ideas.
16. Hasten towards the excellent, suppress all evil thoughts. Who so is backward in doing good, his mind delights in evil.
17. It is not well to do that deed which done brings regrets, the fruit whereof is received with tears and lamentations.
18. Even an evil-doer sees happiness so long as his evil deed does not ripen; but when his evil deed ripens, then does the evil-doer see evil.
19. Let no man think lightly of evil saying in his heart ' It will not come right unto me.' Even by the filling of water drops a water-pot is filled ; the fool becomes full of evil, even if he gathers it little by little.
20. A man should hasten towards the good, and should keep his thought away from evil; if a man does what is good slothfully, his mind delights in evil.
21. If a man commits a sin, let him not do it again, let him not delight in sin ; the accumulation of evil is painful.
22. Follow the law of virtue; do not follow that of sin. The virtuous rests in bliss in this world.
23. From lust is born sorrow, from lust is born fear. To him who is wholly free from lust there is neither sorrow nor fear.
24. Hunger is the worst of diseases (component), existence the worst of distress. This knowing in accordance with truth and fact, Nibbana becomes the highest happiness.
25. The evil done by oneself, self-begotten, self-bred, crushes the doer as a diamond breaks even a precious stone.
26. He whose wickedness is very great brings himself down to that state where his enemy wishes him to be, as a creeper does with the tree which it surrounds.
27. Bad deeds, and deeds hurtful to ourselves, are easy to do ; difficult to do what is beneficial and good.
§ 2. On Craving and Lust
1. Do not be possessed by Craving nor by Lust.
2. This is the Buddhist way of life.
3. Not in a rain of riches is satisfaction of desire to be found. " Unsatisfying, grievous are desires," so the wise man well knows. .
4. Even in the pleasures of the heaven-worlds he takes no delight; his delight is in the ending of craving, he is the disciple of the Supremely Awakened One, the Buddha.
5. From craving is born sorrow, from craving is born fear. To him who is wholly free from craving there is neither sorrow nor fear.
6. From craving is born sorrow, from craving is born fear. To him who is wholly free from craving there is neither sorrow nor fear.
7. He who gives himself to vanity, forgetting (the real aim of life) and grasping at pleasure, will in time envy him who has exerted himself in meditation.
8. Let no man have attachment to anything; loss of it gives pain. Those who love nothing, and hate nothing have no fetters.
9. From pleasure comes grief, from pleasure comes fear; he who is free from pleasure knows neither grief nor fear.
10. From attachment comes grief, from attachment comes fear; he who is free from attachment knows neither grief nor fear.
11. From lust comes grief, from lust comes fear; he who is free from lust knows neither grief nor fear.
12. From greed comes grief, from greed comes fear; he who is free from greed knows neither grief nor fear.
13. He who possesses virtue and intelligence, who is just, speaks the truth, and does what is his own business, him the world will hold dear.
14. Kinsmen, friends and lovers salute a man who has been long away, and returns safe from afar. 15. In like manner his good works receive him who has done good, and has gone from this world as kinsmen receive a friend on his return.
§ 3. On Hurt and Ill-will
1. Cause no hurt ; Cherish no ill-will,
2. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
3. Is there in all the world a man so blameless that he gives no occasion for reproach, as a spirited horse gives no occasion for the stroke of the lash ?
4. By confidence, by virtue, by energy, by meditation, by investigation into the Truth, by perfection in knowledge and conduct, by recollectedness, leave ye this great suffering behind
5. The most excellent of ascetic practices is the practice of forbearance, of long suffering ; " most excellent of all is Nibbana " ; so says the Buddha. He is no ascetic who does hurt to others ; he is no disciple who works another's woe.
6. To speak no ill, to do no harm, to practise restraint in conformity with the discipline, this is the counsel of the Buddha.
7. Kill, nor cause slaughter.
8. He who seeking his own happiness does not punish or kill beings who also long for happiness, will find happiness.
9. If, like a shattered, metal plate (gong), thou utter nothing, then thou has reached Nibbana ; anger is not known to thee.
10. He who inflicts pain on innocent and harmless person, will soon come to grief.
11. He who, dressed in fine apparel of tranquillity, is quiet, subdued, restrained, chaste, and has ceased to find fault with all other beings, he indeed is an ascetic (Samana), a friar (Bhikku).
12. Is there in this world any man so restrained by shame that he does not provoke reproof, as a noble horse the whip?
13. If a man offend a harmless, pure, and innocent person, the evil falls back upon that fool, like light dust thrown up against the wind.
§4. On Anger and Enmity
1. Cherish no anger. Forget your enmities. Win your enemies by love.
2. This is the Buddhist Way of Life..
3. The fire of anger should be stilled.
4. One who harbours the thought : " He reviled me, maltreated me, overpowered me, robbed me," in him anger is never stilled."
5. He who harbours not such a thought, in him anger is stilled.
6. Enemy works evil to enemy, hater to hater, but whose is the evil.
7. Let a man overcome anger by love, let him overcome evil by good ; let him overcome the greedy by liberality, the liar by truth.
8. Speak the truth, do not yield to anger ; give, if thou art asked for little.
9. Let a man leave anger, let him forsake pride, let him overcome all bondage ; no sufferings befall the man who is not attached to name and form, and who calls nothing his own.
10. He who holds back rising anger like a rolling chariot, him I call a real driver, other people are but holding the reins.
II. Conquest begets enmity; the conquered lie down in distress. The tranquillised lies down in happiness, dismissing alike victory and defeat.
12. There is no fire like lust, no ill-fortune like hatred. There is no misery like the constituents of existence, no happiness higher than the Peace of Nibbana.
13. For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time : hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule.
§ 5. On Man, Mind and Impurities
1. Man is what his mind makes him.
2. The training of the mind to seek the good, is the first step in the path of Righteousness.
3. This is the main teaching in the Buddhist Way of Life.
4. In everything the primal element is mind. Mind is pre-eminent.
5. If a man speaks or does evil suffering follows him, close as the wheel of the hoof of the beast that draws the cart.
6. If a man speaks or acts from uprightness of mind, happiness follows him, close like his never-departing shadow.
7. This fickle, unsteady mind, difficult to guard, difficult to guide—the wise man makes it straight as the fletcher makes straight the arrow.
8. As quivers and throbs the water-dwelling fish, when thrown up out of the water on to the land, so quivers and throbs the mind forsaking
9. Hard to control, unstable is this mind, ever in quest of delight. Good is it to subdue the mind. A mind subdued brings happiness.
10. Make thyself an island, work hard, when thy impurities are blown away, and thou art free from guilt, thou wilt enter into the heavenly world of the elect.
11. Let a wise man blow off the impurities of himself, as a smith blows off the impurities of silver, one by one, little by little, and from time to time.
12. As the impurity which springs from the iron, when it springs from it, destroys it ; thus to a transgressor's own works, lead him to the evil path.
13. But there is a taint worse than all taints. Ignorance is the greatest taint. O ! mendicants, throw off that taint, and become taintless.
14. Life is easy to live for a man who is without shame, a crow here, a mischief maker, an insulting, bold and wretched fellow.
15. But life is hard to live for a modest man, who always looks for what is pure, who is disinterested, quiet, spotless and intelligent.
16. He who destroys life, who speaks untruth, who in the world takes what is not given him, who goes to another man's wife.
17. And the man who gives himself to drinking intoxicating liquors, he even in this world, digs up his own grave.
18. 0 man, know this, that the unrestrained are in a bad state; take care that greediness and vice do not bring thee to grief for a long time.
19. The world gives according to its faith or according to its pleasure; if a man frets about the food and the drink given to others, he will find no rest either by day or by night.
20. He in whom that feeling is destroyed, and taken out with the very root, finds rest by day and by night.
21. There is no fire like passion, there is no torrent like greed.
22. The fault of others is easily perceived, but that of oneself is difficult to perceive; a man winnows his neighbour's faults like chaff but his own faults he hides, as a cheat hides the bad dice from the player.
23. If a man looks after the faults of others, and is always inclined to be offended, his own passions will grow, and he is far from the destruction of passions. 24. Refrain from all evil; cultivate the good ; cleanse your own thoughts; this is the teaching of the Buddha.
§ 6. On Self and Self-Conquest
1, If one has self, let him practise self-conquest.
2. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
3. Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord ? With self well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.
4. The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable (arahat), of the elect (ariya), of the virtuous and follows a false doctrine, he bears fruit to his own destruction, like the fruits of the Katthaka reed.
5. By oneself the evil is done, by oneself one suffers; by oneself evil is left undone, by oneself one is purified. The pure and the impure (stand and fall) by themselves, no one can purify another. 6. He who loves looking for senses uncontrolled, immoderate in his food, idle and weak, will certainly be overthrown by his own overdoing as the wind throws down a weak tree.
7. He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, he will not be overthrown any more than the wind throws down a rocky mountain.
8. If to himself a man is dear, let him keep close watch upon himself.
9. First establish thyself in the right then thou mayest counsel others. Let not the wise man give occasion for reproach.
10. Oneself, they say is hard to control. If one shapes oneself according as one counsels others, thus well controlled one will have control over others. II. A man pays in himself for the evil he has done and in himself is purified. The good and evil are purified severally, no one purifies another.
12. Though one should conquer in battle thousands and thousands of men, who shall conquer himself, he is the greatest of warriors.
13. First establish thyself in the right, then thou mayest counsel others. Let not the wise man give occasion for reproach.
14. If one shapes oneself according as one counsels others, thus well controlled, one will have control over others. Oneself they say, is hard to control.
15. Verily oneself is the guardian of oneself. What other guardian should there be. Guarded by oneself, one gets a guardian the like of which is not likely gotten.
16. If to himself a man is dear, let him keep close watch upon himself.
17. A man pays in himself for the evil he has done, and in himself is purified. The good and evil are purified severally, no one purifies another.
18. Verily oneself is the guardian of oneself; what other guardian should there be? Guarded by oneself, one gets a guardian the like of which is not easily gotten.
§ 7. On Wisdom, Justice and Good Company
1. Be wise, be just and choose good company.
2. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
3. If you see a man who shows you what is to be avoided, who administers reproofs, and is intelligent, follow that wise man as you would one who tells of hidden treasures ; it will be better, not worse, for him who follows him.
4. Let him admonish, let him teach, let him forbid what is improper—he will be beloved of the good, by the bad he will be hated.
5. Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends ; have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.
6. He who drinks in the Dhamma lives happily with a serene mind; the sage rejoices always in the Dhamma as preached by the elect.
7. Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like), fletchers bend the arrow ; carpenters bend a log of wood ; wise people fashion themselves.
8. As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise people falter not amidst blame and praise.
9. Wise people, after they have listened to the Dhamma become serene, like a deep, smooth and still lake.
10. Good men indeed walk (warily) under all circumstances; good men speak not out of a desire for sensual gratification; whether touched by happiness or sorrow wise people never appear elated or depressed.
11. It is sweet as honey, so thinks the fool, while as yet the evil has not ripened. But when the evil ripens the fool comes to grief.
12. A fool does not know when he commits his evil deeds ; but a wicked man burns by his own deeds, as if burnt by fire.
13. Long is the night to him who is awake ; long is a mile to him who is tired ; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true Dhamma. 14. If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no companionship with a fool.
15. " These sons belong to me, and this wealth belongs to me," with such thoughts a fool is tormented. He himself does not belong to himself ; how much less sons and wealth ?
16. The fool who knows his foolishness, is wise at least so far. But a fool who thinks himself wise, he is called a fool indeed.
17. If a fool be associated with a wise man even all his life, he will perceive the truth as little as a spoon perceives the taste of soup.
18. If an intelligent man be associated for one minute only with a wise man, he will soon perceive the truth, as the tongue perceives the taste of soup.
19. Fools of poor understanding have themselves for their greatest enemies, for they do evil deeds which bear bitter fruits.
20. That deed is not well done of which a man must repent and the reward of which he receives crying and with a tearful face.
21. Know, that deed is well done of which a man does not repent and the reward of which he receives gladly and cheerfully.
22. As long as the evil deed done does not bear fruit, the fool thinks it is like honey, but when it ripens, then the fool suffers grief.
23. And when the evil deed, after it has become known, turns to sorrow for the fool, then it destroys his bright lot, nay, it cleaves his head.
24. Let the fool wish for a false reputation, for precedence among the Bhikkus, for lordships in the convents, for worship among other people.
25. A man is not an elder because his head is grey ; his age may be ripe, but he is called " old-and- vain."
26. He in whom there is truth, virtue, pity, restraint, moderation, he who is free from impurity and is wise, he is called an elder.
27. An envious, stingy, dishonest man does not become respectable by means of much talking only, or by the beauty of his complexion.
28. He in whom all this is destroyed, and taken out with the very root, he when freed from hatred and wise, is called respectable.
29. A man is not just if he carries a matter by violence; no, he who distinguishes both right and wrong, who is learned and guides others, not by violence, but by the same Dhamma, being a guardian of the Dhamma and intelligent, he is called just.
30. A man is not learned simply because he talks much ; he who is patient, free from hatred and fear, is called learned.
31. A man is not a supporter of the Dhamma because he talks much ; even if a man has learnt little, but sees the Dhamma bodily, he is supporter of the Dhamma, a man who never neglects the Dhamma.
32. If a man find a prudent companion who walks with him, is wise, and lives soberly, he may walk with him, overcoming all dangers, happy, but considerate.
33. If a man finds no prudent companion to walk with him, is wise, and lives soberly, let him walk alone, like a king who has left his conquered country behind, like an elephant in the forest.
34. It is better to live alone, there is no companionship with a fool ; let a man walk alone, let him commit no sin, with few wishes, like an elephant in the forest.
35. If the occasion arises, friends are pleasant ; enjoyment is pleasant, whatever be the cause; a good work is pleasant, whatever be the cause ; a good work is pleasant in the hour of death ; the giving up of all grief is pleasant.
36. Pleasant in the world is the state of a mother, pleasant the state of a father, pleasant the state of a Samana.
37. Pleasant is virtue lasting to old age, pleasant is a faith firmly rooted ; pleasant is attainment of intelligence, pleasant is avoiding of sins.
38. He who walks in the company of fools suffers a long way ; company with fools as with an enemy, is always painful ; company with the wise is pleasure. like meeting with kinsfolk.
39. Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the much enduring, the dutiful, the elect, one ought to follow such a good and wise man, as the moon follows the path of the stars.
40. Follow not after vanity, nor after the enjoyment of love and lust. He who is earnest obtains ample joy.
41. When the learned man drives away vanity by earnestness, he, the wise, climbing the terraced heights of wisdom, looks down upon the fools, free from sorrow he looks upon the sorrowing crowd, as one that stands on a mountain looks down upon then) that stand upon the plain
42. Earnest among the thoughtless, awake among the sleepers, the wise man advances like a richer, leaving behind the hack.
§ 8. On Thoughtfulness and Mindfulness
1. In everything be thoughtful; in everything be mindful ; in all things be earnest and bold.
2. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
3. All that we are is the result of what we have thought ; it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of your thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him. Therefore pure thoughts are important.
4. Be not thoughtless, watch your thought! Draw yourself out of the evil way, like an elephant sunk in mud.
5. Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are difficult to perceive, very artful, and they rush whenever they list; thoughts well-guarded bring happiness.
6. As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break through an unreflecting mind.
7. As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will not break through a well-reflecting mind.
8. This mind of mine went formerly wandering about as it liked, as it listed, as it pleased ; but I shall now hold it in thoroughly, as the Elder who holds the hook holds the furious elephant.
9. It is good to tame the mind, which is difficult to hold in and tightly, rushing wherever it listeth; a tamed mind brings happiness.
10. Those who bridle their mind which travels far, will be free from the bonds of temptation.
11. If a man's faith is unsteady, if he does not know the true Dhamma, if his peace of mind is troubled, his knowledge will never be perfect.
12. Whatever a hater may do to a hater, or an enemy to an enemy, a wrongly directed mind will do him greater mischief.
13. Not a mother, not a father will do so much, nor any other relatives as a well directed mind will do us.
§9. On Vigilance, Earnestness and Boldness
1. When, vigilant, the wise man puts from him negligence, ascending the tower of wisdom he looks down, free from sorrow, upon the sorrow-laden race of mankind. As from a mountain top, the wise man looks upon the fools in the valley.
2. Vigilant among the negligent, awake among those asleep, as a fleet courser leaves behind a sorry nag, so go the wise.
3. Give not yourselves unto negligence. Have naught to do with the lust of the flesh. The vigilant is given to meditation.
4. Earnestness leads to where death is not'; heedlessness is the way to death. Those who continue in earnestness do not die, but the heedless are as if already dead.
5. Fall not away from your purpose for the sake of another, however great this latter may be. When once you have seen your goal, hold it firm and fast.
6. Be watchful! Have done with indolence! Travel the True Path ! Whoso walks thereon happy he lives in the world.
7. Idleness is a disgrace; constant sloth is defilement. By strenuous striving and with the help of insight you should pull out the poisoned arrow of indolence.
8. Give not yourselves unto negligence. Have not to do with the lust of the flesh. The vigilant, the given to meditation, these attain an overflowing happiness.
9. If an earnest person has roused himself, if he is not forgetful, if his deeds are pure, if he acts with consideration, if he restrains himself, and lives according to Dhamma, his glory will increase.
§ 10. On Sorrow and Happiness; On Chanty and Kindness
1. Poverty gives rise to sorrow.
2. But removal of poverty does not necessarily give rise to happiness.
3. Not high standard of living but a high standard of culture is what gives happiness.
4. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
5. Hunger is the worst of diseases.
6. Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nibbana the highest happiness.
7. We must learn to live happily indeed, not hating those who hate us !
8. We must learn to live happily indeed, free from ailments among the ailing men.
9. We must learn to live happily indeed, free from greed among the greedy.
10. Mankind is ruined by passion, just as fields are damaged by weeds : therefore charity done to the passionless brings great reward.
11. Mankind is damaged by vanity, just as fields are damaged by weeds. Therefore charity done to those who are free from vanity brings great reward.
12. Mankind is ruined by lust, just as fields are damaged by weeds. Therefore charity done to those who are free from Just brings great reward.
13. Charity to Dhamma exceeds all gifts. The sweetness of the Dhamma exceeds the Dhamma. The delight in the Dhamma exceeds all delights.
14. Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy.
15. There is no fire like passion ; there is no losing throw like hatred; there is no pain like this body; there is no happiness higher than the rest.
16. Fix not your gaze upon the ill-words and ill-deeds of others, upon what others do or leave undone. Look rather at what by yourself have done or left undone.
17. Hard always is life for the modest, the seeker after purity, the detached, the retiring, the cleanly of life, the discerning.
18. Is there in the world a man so blameless that he gives no occasion for reproach, as a spirited horse gives no occasion for the stroke of the lash ? Like a spirited horse that needs not the lash be fiery, be fleet.
19. Do not speak harshly to anybody: those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch thee.
20. Liberty, courtesy, good-will and unselfishness—these are to the world what the lynch-pin to the Chariot.
21. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
§ II. On Hypocrisy
1. Let not anyone speak falsely. Let not anyone lead another to speak falsely, nor yet approve of the action of one who speaks falsely. Let every kind of lying and false speech be put away from among you.
2. As the Perfect One speaks, so He acts. As the Perfect One acts, so He speaks. And because He speaks as He Acts and acts as He speaks, therefore is He Called the Perfect One.
3. This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
§ 12. On following the Right Way-
1. Choose the Right Way. Depart not from it.
2.There are many paths ; not all lead to the Right Way.
3. The Right Path is for the happiness not of the few but of all.
4. It must be good at the beginning, good in the middle and good at the end.
5. To follow the right way is to lead the Buddhist Way of Life.
6. The best way is the eightfold way ; the best of truths the four words ; the best of virtues passionlessness; the best of men he who has eyes to see.
7. This is the way, there is no other that leads to the purifying of intelligence. Go on this path.
8. If you so on this way, you will make an end of pain ! The way was preached by me, when I had understood the removal of the thorns (in the flesh).
9. You yourself must make an effort. The Tathagatas are only preachers.
10.' All created things perish,' he who knows and sees this becomes passive in pain.
11. 'All forms are unreal," he who knows and sees this becomes passive in pain.
12. He who does not rouse himself when it is time to rise, who, though young and strong, is full of sloth, whose will and thought are weak, that lazy and idle man never finds the way to knowledge.
13. Watching his speech, well restrained in mind, let a man never commit any wrong with his body ! Let a man but keep these three roads of action clear, and he will achieve the way which is taught by the wise.
14. Through real knowledge is gotten, through lack of real knowledge is lost ; let a man who knows this double path of gain and loss thus place himself that knowledge may grow.
15. Cut out the love of self, like an autumn lotus, with thy hand! Cherish the road of peace. Nirvana has been shown by the Sugata
16. Do not follow the evil law ! Do not live on in thoughtlessness ! Do not follow false doctrine !
17. Rouse thyself! Do not be idle! Follow the law of virtue ! The virtuous rests in bliss in this world.
18. He who formerly was reckless and afterwards became sober brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.
19. He whose evil deeds are covered by good deeds, brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.
20. If a man has transgressed the one law, and speaks lies, there is no evil he will not do.
21. Those who are ever watchful, who study day and night, and who strive after Nirvana, their passions will come to an end.
22. This is an old saying. * They blame him who sits silent, they blame him who speaks much, they also blame him who says little ' ; there is no one on earth who is not blamed.
23. There never was, there never will be, nor is there now, a man who is always blamed, or a man who is always praised.
24. Beware of the anger of the tongue, and control thy tongue. Leave the sins of the mind, and practise virtue with thy mind.
25. Earnestness is the path of Nirvana, thoughtlessness the path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who 'are thoughtless are as if dead already.
§ 13. Mix not True Dhamma with False Dhamma
1. Those who mistake false for true and true for false, there abides wrong-mindedness—they arrive not at the truth.
2. Those who know true as true and false as false, there abides right-mindedness-these arrive at the truth.
3. As rain gets into an ill-thatched house, so craving gets into an ill-trained mind.
4. As rain gets not into a well-thatched house, so craving gets not into a well-trained mind.
5. Arise! Be not negligent! Walk the Good Way of the Teaching! Who walks in the way of the teaching, happy is he in this and in all worlds.
6. Walk the Good Way of the teaching; walk not in ways that are evil. Who walks in the way of the teaching, happy he lives in this and in all worlds.
PART IV : HIS SERMONS
Section I—Sermons for Householders.
1. The Happy Householder.
2. Daughter may be better than a son.
3. Husband and wife.
Section II —Sermons on the need for maintaining character,
1. What constitutes the downfall of man.
2. The wicked man.
3. The best man.
4. The enlightened man.
5. Man—just and good.
6. Need for doing good deeds.
7. Need for making good resolutions.
Section III - Sermons on Righteousness.
1. What is Righteousness.
2. Need for Righteousness.
3. Righteousness and the claims of the world.
4. How to reach perfection in Righteous Conduct.
5. One need not wait for a companion to tread on the path of Righteousness.
Section lV-Sermons on Nibbana,
1. What is Nibbana.
2. The roots of Nibbana.
Section v —Sermons on Dhamma.
1. Why right views rank first.
2. Why bother about life after death.
3. Prayers and invocations to God are a futility.
4. It is not what you eat that makes you holy.
5. Not food but evil actions that matter.
6. Not enough is outward washing.
7. What is holy life?
Section vI -Sermons on Socio'political questions.
1. Do not depend on the favour of princes.
2. If the king is righteous his subjects will be righteous.
3. It is the social system on which depends political and military strength.
4. War is wrong.
5. The duties of a victor, who has won peace.
§ 1. The Happy Householder
1. Once Anathapindika came to where the Exalted One was, made obeisance to the Exalted One and took a seat at one side.
2. Anathapindika was anxious to know wherein lay the happiness of a householder.
3. Accordingly Anathapindika asked the Lord to explain to him the secret of the householder's happiness.
4. The Lord said first is the happiness of possession. A householder is possessed of wealth, justly and righteously acquired by great industry, amassed by strength of the arm, and earned by sweat (of the brow). At the thought ' I am possessed of wealth justly gained ' he gains happiness.
5. Second is the happiness of enjoyment. A householder is possessed of wealth justly and righteously acquired by great industry amassed by strength of the arm, and earned by sweat (of the brow), enjoys his wealth and performs acts of merit. Thus at the thought ' I am doing meritorious deeds with my wealth which was justly gained ' and so forth he gains happiness.
6. Third is the happiness of freedom from debt. A householder, owes no one any debt great or small, thus he gains happiness, thus he at the thought of ' I owe no man anything' and so forth, gains happiness.
7. Fourth is the happiness of blamelessness. A householder, who is endowed with blameless action of body, blameless speech and blameless thinking, gains happiness of blamelessness.
8. Verily, Anathapindika, these four kinds' of happiness are constantly obtainable by the householder, if he strives for them.
§ 2. Daughter may be better than a Son
I. When the Exalted One was once at Shravasti, the king of the Kosalas, Pasendi, had come to visit him.
2. While the king was engaged in a conversation with the Blessed Lord a messenger from the Palace arrived and approaching the king, announced to his private ear that Queen Mallika had given birth to a daughter.
3. The king appeared very sad and depressed. The Blessed Lord asked the king the reason of his sadness.
4. The king replied that he had just received the sad news that Queen Mallika had given birth to a daughter.
5. Thereupon the Exalted One, discerning the matter said : ' A woman child, 0 lord of man, may prove even a better offspring than a male. For she may grow up wise and virtuous, her husband's mother reverencing true wife, a daughter.
6. The boy that she may bear may do great deeds and rule great realms, yea, such a son of a noble wife becomes his country's guide.
§ 3. Husband and Wife
I. At one time, the Exalted One had entered the high road between Madhura and Neranja. Also many householders and their wives had joined the high road between Madhura and Neranja.
2. Then the Exalted One having left the road took a seat under a certain tree, and these householders and their wives saw the Exalted One seated under it.
3. So seeing they came to where the Exalted One 'was. Having come they made obeisance to the Exalted One and sat at one side and asked the Blessed One the right relations between the husband and wife. To the householders and their wives so seated the Exalted One spake thus :
4. " Householders, there are four ways for a husband and wife, of living together. A vile man lives with a vile woman, avile man lives with a goddess, a god lives with a vile woman and a god lives with a goddess. 5. " Householdrs! a husband kills, steals; commits impurity, lies and indulges in fermented liquor, is wicked and sinful, with his heart possessed by avarice he lives the life of a householder and abuses and reviles virtuous people. Also his wife kills ; . steals, commits impurity, lies, and indulges in fermen- ted liquor, is wicked and sinful, with her heart possessed by avarice she lives the life of the family and abuses and reviles virtuous people. Thus indeed, householders, a vile man lives with a vile woman.
6. " Householders! A husband kills, steals, commits impurity, lies and indulges in fermented liquor, is wicked and sinful, with his heart possessed by avarice, he lives the life of a householder and abuses and reviles virtuous people. But his wife abstains from killing, thieving, sexual impurity, lying and indulgence in fermented liquor. His wife is virtuous and of good behaviour , with her heart freed from the taint of avarice she lives the family life and abuses not nor reviles virtuous people. Thus indeed, house-holders, a vile man lives with a goddess.
7. " Householders ! A husband abstains from killing, thieving, impurity, lying and indulgence in fermented liquor, is virtuous and of good behaviour; with his mind freed from the stains of avarice, he lives the family life and abuses not nor revile virtuous people. But his wife kills, steals, commits impurity, lies and indulges in fermented liquor, is wicked and sinful ; with her heart possessed by avarice she lives the family life and abuses and reviles virtuous people. Thus indeed, householders, a god lives with a vile woman.
8. " Householders! Herein, a husband and a wife both abstain from killing, thieving, impurity, lying and indulgence in fermented liquor, are virtuous and of good behaviour, with mind freed from taints of avarice they live the family life and abuse not nor revile virtuous people. Thus indeed, householders, a god lives with a goddess.
9. " These, householders, are the four ways of living together."
§ 1. What Constitutes the Downfall of Man
1. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling in the monastery of Anathapindika, in the Jeta Grove, near Shravasti.
2. Now when the night was far spent a certain Deva whose splendour illuminated the whole Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Blessed One, and, drawing near, respectfully saluted Him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse:
3. " Having come to interrogate the Blessed One, I ask thee, O Gotama, about the falling man. Pray, tell me the cause of one's downfall." The Blessed One consented to explain the causes of man's downfall.
4. " Easily known is the progressive one, easily known is the declining one. A lover of the Dhamma is the progressive one, a hater of the Dhamma is the declining one.
5. " The vicious are dear to him, in the virtuous he finds nothing pleasing; he favours the creeds of the vicious—this is the second cause of one's downfall.
6. " The man who is drowsy, fond of society, not industrious, indolent, and who manifests anger—this is the third cause of one's downfall.
7. " Whosoever, being rich, does. not support his aged mother and father, who have passed their youth—this is the fourth cause of one's downfall.
8. " He who, by falsehood, deceives a Brahmana or an ascetic or any other medicant—this is the fifth cause of one's downfall.
9. "The man who owns much property, who has gold and food, but alone enjoys his delicacies—this is the sixth cause of one's downfall.
10. "The man who prides in birth or wealth or clan, and despises his own kinsmen—this is the seventh cause of one's downfall.
11. " The man who is a debauchee, drunkard, a gambler, who squanders whatever he possesses—this is the eighth cause of one's downfall.
12. " Not contented with one's own wives, if one is seen amongst courtesans and the wives of others —this is the ninth cause of one's downfall.
13. " He who places in authority an intemperate spend-thrift woman, or a man of similar nature—this is the eleventh cause of one's downfall.
14. " He who, of slender means, but vast ambition, of warrior birth, aspires to sovereignty—this is the twelfth cause of one's downfall.
15. "Know these causes of downfall, ye noble Deva, and if ye succeed in overcoming them ye will be saved."
§2. The Wicked Man
1. The Blessed Lord while he was on journey gave as was his usual practice the following discourse to the Bhikkhus who were accompanying him.
2. Addressing the Bhikkhus the Lord said: " Do you know how to recognise a wicked man ?" " No, Lord " replied the Bhikkhus.
3. " I will tell you the characteristics of a wicked man.
4. " There is a man who shows up the faults of another even when unasked, not to say when asked. Being indeed asked and plied with uestions, he speaks ill of another without suppressing or concealing, but with full details. Brethren, such a man is a wicked man.
5. " There is a man who, being asked, does not point out the good qualities of another, not to say when unasked. Being indeed asked and plied with questions, he speaks, well of another.
6. "' There is a man who, being asked, does not disclose his own bad qualities, not to say when unasked. Being indeed asked and plied with questions, he points out his own bad qualities, but suppresses and conceals them and does not give full details. Brethren, such a man is a wicked man.
7. " Then again, brethren, there is a man who, even unasked, discloses his good qualities, not to say when asked. Brethren, being asked and plied with questions, be points out his own good qualities without suppressing or concealing them and giving full details. Brethren, such a man is a wicked man."
§ 3. The Best Man
I. The Blessed One while he was on journey gave as was his practice the following discourse to the Bhikkhus who were accompanying him :
2. Addressing the Bhikkhus the Lord said: " There are four classes of persons, brethren, to be found in the world.
3. " He who has not striven for his own welfare nor that of others; he who has striven for others' welfare, but not his own; he who has striven for his own welfare but not others'; he who has striven for both his own welfare and that of others.
4. " One who has striven neither for his own welfare nor for that of others is like a torch from a funeral pyre, lit at both ends, and in the middle smeared with dung. He kindles no fuel either in village or in forest. He is useless to the world. And he is useless to himself.
5. " One who has striven for the welfare of others at the cost of his own is both excellent and eminent of the two.
6. " Then again, brethren, in the case of the person who has striven both for his own welfare and for that of others—of these four persons this is best and chief, topmost and highest and supreme."
§ 4. The Enlightened Man
I. At one time, the Exalted One had reached the high road between (the two towns of) Ukkattha and Setabbya. Then the Brahmin named Dona had also reached the high road between Ukkattha and Setabbya.
2. Just then the Exalted One left the road and sat down at the foot of a tree cross-legged. Then Dona the Brahman, following the footsteps of the Exalted One, saw Him seated at the foot of that tree resplendent and of a comely ppearance, with sense, controlled, with mind appeased, supremely tamed, restrained and powerful. So seeing he approached where the Exalted One was.
3. Having come he said thus to Him : " Is not the Venerable One a Deva ? " " Brahman, I am indeed not a Deva." " Is not the Venerable One then a Gandhabba?" " Brahman, I am indeed not a Gandhabba." " Is not the Venerable One then a Yakkha ? " " Brahman, I am indeed not a Yakkha." " Is not the Venerable One then a man ? " " Brahman, I am indeed not a man."
4. Having heard the Blessed One reply thus, the Brahman Dona said: "When Thou art asked: Are ye a Deva ?
Thou sayest: No. When Thou art questioned : Are ye a Gand-
habba ? Thou sayest : No. When Thou art asked: Are ye a Yakkha ?
Thou sayest: No. When Thou art questioned : Are ye then a
man ? Thou sayest : No. Who then can the Venerable One be ? "
5. " Brahman, verily I was a Deva, a Gandhabba, Yakkha, a man, so long as I had not purged myself of the intoxicants. These very intoxicants have I now given up with roots cut out like unto a palm-tree, with its base destroyed and rendered unable to sprout again, so that in future they do not come into existence.
6. " Just as a lotus or a water-lily born of the water, grown in the water, risen out of the water, stands unstained by the water even so, Brahman, being born of the world, grown in the world, having overcome the world I abide unstained by the world.
7. " Therefore, 0 Brahman, consider me as the Enlightened One."
§5. Man—-Just and Good
1. Addressing the Brethren, the Lord said, " There are four classes of persons whom you must learn to distinguish if you wish to ascertain who are good and just.
2. " Brethren, there is a class of persons who strive for their own welfare but not that of-others.
3. " Brethren, herein a certain person practises the extirpation of lust inhimself, but does not urge the extirpation of lust in others : practises the extirpation of ill-will in himself but does not urge the extirpation of ill-will in others ; and also practises the extirpation of ignorance in himself but does not urge the extirpation of ignorance in others.
4. " Indeed, Brethren, this is the person who pursues his own welfare, but not the welfare of others.
5. " Brethren, there is a class of persons who have striven for others' welfare, but not their own.
6. " Brethren, herein a certain person does not practise the extirpation of lust, ill-will and ignorance in himself, but urges the extirpation of lust, ill-will and ignorance in others.
7. " Indeed, Brethren, this is the person who has. striven for others' welfare, but not his own.
8. " Brethren, there is a class of persons who strive not, neither for their own welfare nor that of others.
9. " Brethren, herein a certain person practises not the extirpation of lust, ill-will and ignorance in himself nor urges the extirpation of lust, ill-will and ignorance in others.
10. " Brethren, this is the person that has not striven for his own welfare nor that of others.
11. " Brethren, there is a class of persons who strive for their own welfare as well as that of others.
12. " Brethren, herein a certain person both practises the extirpation of lust, ill-will and ignorance in himself and also urges the extirpation of lust, ill-will and ignorance in others.
13. " Brethren, this is the person who has striven for his own welfare as well as that of others.
14. " This last person is to be deemed just and good."
§ 6. Need for Doing Good Deeds
1. On one occasion, thus spake the Exalted One, to the Brethren.
2. " Be not afraid of good works, brethren. It is another name for happiness, for what is desired, beloved, dear and delightful, this word ' good works'. I myself brethren can bear witness to having reaped for many a long day the profit of good works a thing desired, beloved, dear and delightful.
3. " I often ask ' Of what deeds is all this the fruit ? Of what deed is it the ripening, in that I am now thus happy and contented.'
4. "The answer that comes to me is: 'Of three deeds this is the fruit. Of three deeds this is the ripening, the deeds of Charity, Self-taming, and Self-control.'
5. " Auspicious, festive, happy, blessed dawn ! Fair day, glad time is that when alms are given to worthy ones : when goodly acts, words, thoughts, right aspirations, bring auspicious gain to those that practise them.
6. " Happy are they that win such gain, and prosperous in the way ! So be ye also prosperous in the way free from disease and happy with your kin."
§ 7. Need for' Making Good Resolutions
1. Once when he was at Shravasti in Jeta's Grove the Exalted One said to the Brethren :
2. " Brethren, there is a great need of good resolutions to be made and observed for a pure and happy life.
3. " I will tell you what your resolutions should be.
4. "Resolve that, 'all my life long may I support my parents. May I respect the head of my can. May I be of gentle speech. May I speak evil of none. Clearing my heart of the stain of selfishness, may I dwell at home generous pure-handed, delighting in giving up, may I be a proper man to ask a boon of, delighting in sharing gifts with others.
5. "'All my life long, may I be angerless, and, if anger arise, may I quickly check it "
6. Such are the seven resolutions Brethren, by undertaking and performing which you will attain the state of happiness and purity.
§1 What is Righteousness
1. Once when the Lord was on an alms-pilgrimage in Kosala, with a great train of almsmen, he came to a Brahmin village of the Kosalans named Sala.
2. It came to the ears of the Brahmin heads of families in Sala that the Blessed Lord had come to their village in the course of an alms-pilgrimage in Kosala.
3. They felt it was good to go and visit him. So the Brahmins of Sala went to the Lord and, after exchanging civil greetings, took their seats on one side.
4. They asked the Blessed One if he would explain to them what he meant by righteousness.
5. So to the attentive Brahmins the Lord said : "There are three forms of unrighteousness and wickedness for the body ; four for speech ; and three for thoughts.
6. " As regards bodily unrighteousness, a man (i) may take life, as a hunter with hands bathed in blood, given to killing and slaying, merciless to living creatures ; or (ii) may take what is not his, by appropriating to himself in thievish fashion the belongings of other people in village and jungle ; or (in) may be a fornicator, having intercourse with girls under the charge of mother or father or brother or sister or relations, yes, with girls affianced and plighted and even wearing the very garlands of betrothal.
7. " As regards unrighteousness of speech a man (i) may be a liar; when cited to give testimony before assembly or village-meeting or family council or royal household or his guild, he may say that he knows when he does not know, or that he does not know when he does know, or that he saw when he did not see, or that he did not see when he did see, deliberately lying in the interests either of himself or of other people or for some trifling gain. Or (ii) he may be a slanderer; repeating here what he has heard elsewhere so as to set one set of people by the ears, and repeating elsewhere what he has heard here so as to set another set of people by the ears ; he is a dissolver of harmony and a omenter of strife; discords prompts his utterances, discord being his pleasure, his joy, and his delight. Or (iii) he may be bitter of tongue; what he says is rough and harsh, hurtful and wounding to others, provocative of anger, and leading to distraction. Or (iv) he may be a tattler talking out of season, without heed to fact, always talking of the unprofitable, never of the Doctrine, never of the Rule, but ever of the trivial, of the ill-timed of the frivolous, of things leading nowhere, and unprofitable.
8. " As regards unrighteousness of thought, a man (i) may be covetous, coveting other people's gear with the yearning that it were all his own. Or (ii) he may be malevolent and wicked of heart,—wishing that creatures around him might be killed, destroyed, annihilated, or cease to be. Or (iii) he may be wrong in outlook and erroneous in his conceptions—holding that there are no such things as alms or sacrifice or oblations, that there is no such things as the fruit and harvest of deeds good and bad, that there is no such thing as this world or any other, that there are no such things as either parents or relations elsewhere, that there are no such things in the world as recluse and Brahmins who, having trodden the right path and walked aright, have, of and by themselves, comprehended and realized this and other worlds and made it all known to others too.
9. "Contrariwise, there are three forms of righteousness and goodness for the body; four for speech and three for thoughts.
10. "As regards bodily righteousness, a man (0 puts from him all killing and abstains from killing anything; laying aside cudgel and sword, he lives a life of innocence and mercy, full of kindliness and compassion for everything that lives. (ii) Theft he puts from him and eschews taking from others except what is given to him by them, he lives an honest life. (iii) Putting from him all sensual misconduct, he abstains from fornication; he has no intercourse with girls under the charge of mother or father or brother or sister or relations, no intercourse with girls affianced and plighted and with the garlands of betrothal upon them.
11. "As regards righteousness in speech,(i) a man puts lying from him and abstains from lies; when cited to give testimony before assembly or village-meeting or family council or royal household or his guild he says that he does not know when he does not, and that he does know when he does, says that he did not see when he did not see and that he saw when he did see, never deliberately lying in the interests of himself or of other people or for some trifling gain. (ii) All slander he puts from him and from slandering he abstains; what he hears here he does not repeat elsewhere so to set one set of people by the ears, nor does he repeat here what he hears elsewhere so as to set another set of people by the ears, he is a promoter f harmony and a restorer of amity, for concord is his pleasure, his joy, and his delight. (iii) There is no bitterness in his tongue and he abstains from bitter speech; what he says is without gall, pleasant, friendly hearty, urbane, agreeable, and welcome to all. (iv) No tattler, he abstains from tattle, speaking in season, according to fact, always of the profitable, of the Doctrine and Rule, in speech which is seasonable and memorable, illuminating, well-marshalled, and of great profit.
12. " As regards righteousness in thoughts, (i) a man is devoid of covetousness, never coveting other people's gear with the yearning that it were all his own. (ii) He harbours no malevolence or wickedness of thought; his wish is that creatures around him may live on in peace and happiness, safe, from all enmity and oppression. (iii) He is right in outlook and correct in his conceptions.
13. " This is what I mean by righteousness and unrighteousness."
§2. Need for Righteousness
1. Then the Exalted One addressed the lay brethren of Pataligama:
2. " There are losses, householders, which attend the wicked and immoral man.
3. " The wicked, immoral man, as the result of sloth, comes to great loss of wealth.
4. " Then again, an evil report prevails about him which defames him in the eyes of the world.
5. " Whatever company he may enter, be it a company of the nobles, or the Brahmins, or the housefathers, or a company of recluses, he enters shyly and confused in mind. He is not fearless. This is the third loss.
6. " Again, he has no peace of mind and is troubled in mind when he dies. This is the fourth loss.
7. " Such, householders, are the losses that attend the wicked and immoral man.
8. " Consider the profits which attend the righteous man who lives virtuously.
9. ' ' The righteous man who lives virtuously comes by a great mass of wealth, due to his own exertions.
10. " Then, again, a good reputation prevails about him. He is honoured everywhere.
11. " Into whatsoever company he enters, be it of the nobles or the Brahmins or the housefathers or the recluses, he enters bold and confident.
12. " Again, he enjoys peace of mind and makes an end with mind untroubled.
13. " The fool in doing ill knows not his folly: His own deeds like a fire, the fool consume.
14. He who offends the harmless innocent soon reaches grievous disaster, or a mind distraught, loss of relations, loss of all his wealth.
§ 3. Righteousness and the Claims of the World
1. Once when the Lord was staying at Rajagraha in the Bamboo grove where the squirrels were fed, the reverend Sariputta was making an alms pilgrimage with a great train of almsmen among the Southern Hills'
2. On his way he met an almsman who had spent the rainy season at Rajagraha. After interchange of greetings of friendliness and civility, Sariputta enquired after the Master's health and was told he was well, as too was the Confraternity, and also the Brahmin Dhananjani of Tandula-pala Gate in Rajagraha concerning whose health too Sariputta had made enquiries.
3. ' And is the Brahmin, Dhananjani, zealous and earnest ? ' asked Sariputta further of the Almsman.
4. ' How could earnest zeal possibly dwell in Dhananjani ? ' replied theAlmsman. ' He uses the king to fleece the Brahmins and householders, and uses them to fleece the king. Also, his pious wife who came of a pious stock is dead now ; and he has taken to himself another wife who is not pious and comes of no pious stock.'
5. ' This is bad news, very bad news to hear of Dhananjani's lack of zeal,' said Sariputta. 'Perhaps, however, at some time and place I may meet him I should like to have a talk with him.'
6. After staying as. long as he wanted in the Southern Hills, Sariputta proceeded on his alms pilgrimage till he reached Rajagraha, where he took up his abode in the Bamboo Grove.
7. Early in the morning, bowl in hand and duly robed, he went into Rajagraha for alms, at a time when the Brahmin Dhananjani was out of the city seeing his cows milked in the byre.
8. On his return after his round and meal, Sariputta sought out the Brahmin. Seeing him coming, the Brahmin came to meet him with the remark that they had time for a draught of milk before meal-time.
9. Not so. Brahmin, I have had my meal today, and shall be resting under the shade of a tree during the noontide. Come to me there.
10. Dhananjani agreed and after his own meal joined Sariputta seating himself by him after friendly greetings.
11. Said Sariputta: "May I rest assured, Dhanan-jani, that zeal and earnestness and righteousness are yours ?
12. " How can that be, when I have to support my parents, my wife and family, and my slaves and serving folk and have to entertain my cquaintances and friends, my kith and kin, and guests, and have also to provide for my kinsfolk dead and gone, and for the deities, and for the king not to speak of supporting myself in meat and drink ? ' '
13. "What think you, Dhananjani? If we suppose a man who, for his parents' sake, has departed from righteousness and equity and is being hauled up would it avail him either to plead on his own behalf that it was for his parents' sake that he had departed from righteousness and equity and that therefore he should not be hauled up ? "
14. " No ; despite all appeals, the wardens would cast him into prison."
15. " Would it avail him either to plead on his own behalf, or to have his wife and family plead for him, that it was for their sake he had departed from righteousness and equity ? "
16. "No."
17. " Would it avail him if his slaves and serving folk pleaded for him ? "
18. "Not a whit"
19. " Or if his friends and acquaintances pleaded for him ? "
20. " Not a whit."
21. "Or if his kith and kin, or his guests pleaded for him ? "
22. " Not a whit."
23. " Or if his kinsfolk dead and gone, pleaded the claims of his deities, or his monarch's claims on him ? "
24. " Not a whit."
25. " Would it avail him to plead on his own behalf or to have others pleading for him that it was to support himself in meat and drink that he departed from righteousness and equity ? "
26. " No."
27. "What think you,Dhananjani? Which is the better man ? He that for the sake of his parents departs from righteousness and equity or he that no matter what happens to them walks in righteousness and equity ? "
28. "The latter," replied Dhananjani, "for to walk in righteousness and equity is better than to depart therefrom."
29. " Moreover, Dhananjani, there are other courses of action which are justified and righteous in themselves, whereby he can support his parents and yet avoid evildoing and walk uprightly. Now, does the same reasoning apply to the support of wife and family and everything else?"
30. " It does, Sariputta."
31. "Hereupon the Brahmin rejoicing in what the reverend Sariputta had said, thanked him, rose up and went his way."
§ 4. How to Reach Perfection in Righteous Conduct
1. Once while the Lord was staying at Shravasti in Jeta's Grove there came to him five hundred lay-followers. One of them was Dhammika.
2. Dhammika asked the Lord : " What principles make your followers reach perfection in righteous conduct.
3. " I ask thee this question because thou art the most matchless judge of the weal of men.
4. " Trained Jains and Mendicants all failed to vanquish thee. Trained Brahmins, ripe in years—with others keen to air their point of view—are led to embrace thy saving truth. For, 'tis thy saving Truth,— subtle, but preached so well for which all yearn. Vouchsafe an answer, Lord, to us !
5. " Let the lay-followers learn from thy lips thy Lore immaculate ! "
6. The Blessed Lord in compassion for his lay-followers said : " Give me your ear. I will explain the principles of righteous conduct. Hear and follow them.
" Slay not, nor doom to death, nor sanction slaughter. Do no violence to aught that lives—strong or weak.
8. " No layman, wittingly, should thieve, or order theft, or sanction any theft,—take but what others give.
9. " And shun incontinence as 'twere a pit of fire, or, failing continence, debauch no wedded wife.
10. " In conclaves, courts, or talk let him not lie; let him not prompt or sanction lies—let him renounce untruth.
11. " Layman, observe this law: Shun drink; make no man drink; sanction no drinking. Mark how drink to madness leads.
12. " Through drink fools sin, and egg lax brethren on to sin. So flee this maddening vice, this folly, bliss of fools.
13. " Slay not, nor steal, nor lie; from strong drink keep away; refrain from lechery; touch not wrong meals at night !
14. "Eschew both scents and wreaths; spread on the ground thy bed; so make thy sabbath vows as week succeeds to week, and keep with pious hearts this eightfold festival.
15. "At morn, these vows performed, with pious, thankful heart be wise and of thy means give Almsmen food and drink.
16. " Cherish thy parents well; follow a righteous trade. Thus shall the layman staunch reach realms of light above.
§ 5. One Need Not Wait for a Companion to Treadon the Path of Righteousness
1. An elephant in battle bears the arrow at him buried, I must bear men's bitter tongues for every evil in the world.
2. Tamed, they lead him into battle; tamed, the king his back ascends; tamed, is he the best of beings when no bitter speech offends.
3. Good are well-tamed mules, and good are Cindian steeds of' lineage famed, good indeed the mighty tusker; best of all the men self-tamed.
4. Yet such mounts can naught avail us, cannot be Nibbana's guide. We can only reach the Path on the self-tamed self-ride
5. Take delight in Earnestness; watch thy thoughts and never tire. Lift thee from the Path of Evil, take the Tusker out of mire.
6. Hast thou found a fellow-traveller, upright, firm, intelligent? Leaving all thy cares behind thee, gladly walk with him intent.
7. Hast thou found no fellow-traveller, upright, intelligent? As a King deserts his borders, by the enemy pursued, like the tusker* in the forest, so go thy way in solitude.
8. Better is the lonely life, for fools companions cannot be. Live alone and do no evil, live alone with scanty needs, lonely, as the. mighty tusker in the forest lonely feeds.
9. Expunge all bad thoughts.
10. Here is the way to expunge.
11. You are to expunge by resolving that, though others may be harmful, you will be harmless.
12. That, though others may kill, you will never kill.
13. That, though others may steal, you will not.
14. That, though others may not lead the higher life, you will.
15. That, though others may lie, traduce, denounce, or prattle, you will not.
16. That, though others may be covetous, you will covet not.
17. That, though others may be malignant, you will be benignant.
18. That, though others may be given over to wrong views, wrong aims, wrong speech, actions, wrong modes of livelihood, wrong effort, wrong mindfulness and wrong concentration you must follow the Noble Eight-fold Path in right outlook, right aims, right speech, right actions, right mode of livelihood, right efforts, right mindfulness and right concentration.
19. That, though others are wrong about the truth and wrong about Deliverance, you will be right about truth and right about Deliverance.
20. That, though others may be possessed by sloth and torpor, you will free yourself therefrom.
21. That, though others may be puffed up, you will be humble-minded.
22. That, though others may be perplexed by doubts, you will be free from them.
23. That, though others may harbour wrath, malevolence, envy, jealousy, niggardliness, avarice, hypocrisy, deceit, imperviousness, arrogance, forwardness, unscrupulousness, lack of instruction, inertness, bewilderment, and unwisdom—you will be the reverse of all these things.
§ 1. What is Nibbana
1. Once the Blessed Lord was staying at Shravasti in Anathapindika's Arama where Sariputta was also staying.
2. The Lord addressing the Brethren said: " Almsmen, be ye partakers not of the world's goods but of my doctrine; in my compassion for you all I am anxious to ensure this."
3. Thus spoke the Lord, who thereupon rose and passed to his own cell.
4. Sariputta remained behind and the Brethren asked him to explain what is Nibbana.
5. Then Sariputta in reply to the Brethren said: " Brethren, know you that greed is vile, and vile is resentment.
6. " To shed this greed and this resentment, there is the Middle Way which gives us eyes to see and makes us know, leading us on to peace, insight, enlightenment and Nibbana.
7. " What is this Middle Way ? It is naught but the Noble Eight-fold Path of right outlook, right aims, right speech, right action, right means of livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration; this. Almsmen is the Middle Way.
8. "Yes, sirs; anger is vile and malevolence is vile, envy and jealousy are vile, niggardliness and avarice are vile, hypocrisy and deceit and arrogance are vile, inflation is vile, and indolence is vile.
9. " For the shedding of inflation and indolence there is the Middle Way—giving us eyes to see, making us know, and leading us on to peace, insight, enlightenment.
10. " Nibbana which is naught but that Noble Eight-fold Path."
11. Thus spoke the reverend Sariputta—glad at heart, the Almsmen rejoiced at what he had said.
§ 2. The Roots of Nibbana
(i)
1. Once the venerable Radha came to the Exalted One. Having done so he saluted the Exalted One and sat down on one side. So seated the venerable Radha thus addressed the Exalted One: " Pray, Lord, what for is Nibbana."
2. " Nibbana means release from passion," replied the Lord.
3. " But Nibbana, Lord,—what is the aim of it ? "
4. " Rooted in Nibbana, Radha, the righteous life is lived. Nibbana is its goal. Nibbana is its end."
(ii)
1. Once the Exalted One was dwelling at Shravasti, in Jeta's Grove, at Anathapindika's Park. Then the Exalted One called the brethren, saying, ^Brethren.' * Yes, Lord,' replied those brethren to the Exalted One. The Exalted One thus spake.
2. " Do ye bear in mind, brethren, the Five Fetters that bind to the lower world, as taught by me ?"
3. Whereupon the venerable Malunkyaputta said this to the Exalted One :
4. " I, Lord, bear in mind those Five Fetters."
5. "And how, Malunkyaputta, do you bear them in mind ?"
6. " I bear in mind. Lord, the view of bodyhood, as taught by the Exalted One, and wavering, and the moral taint of dependence on rite and ritual, the excitement of sensual delight, and malevolence, taught by the Exalted One as fetters that bind to the lower world. These are the Five Fetters that I bear in mind. Lord."
7. "As taught for whom, Malunkyaputta, do you bear in mind these Five Fetters? Will not the wanderers of other views reproach you, using the parable of a tender baby for their reproach and saying thus:
8. " But, Malunkyaputta, there can be no bodyhood for a tender baby-boy, dull of wits and lying on his back. How, then, can there arise in him any view of bodyhood ? Yet there is indeed latent in him a tendency to the view of bodyhood.'
9. ^Likewise, Malunkyaputta, there can be, no mental conditions for a tender baby-boy, dull of wits ana lying on his back. How, then, can there be in him any wavering of mental conditions ? Yet there is in him a latent tendency to wavering.'
10. " ' So also, Malunkyaputta, he can have no moral practice. How, then, can there be in him any moral taint of dependence on rite and ritual? Yet he has a latent tendency thereto.'
11. " Again, Malunkyaputta, that tender babe has no sensual passions. How, then, can be known the excitement of sensual delight ? But the tendency is there.'
12. "'Lastly, Malunkyaputta, for that tender babe beings do not exist. How then can it harbour malevolence against beings ? Yet the tendency thereto is in him.'
13. "Now, Malunkyaputta, will not those wanderers of other views thus reproach you, using for their reproach the parable of that tender baby-boy ? "
14. When this was said, the venerable Ananda thus addressed the Exalted One : " Now is the time, Exalted One. 0 Wayfarer, now is the time for the Exalted One to set."
§ 1. Why Right Views Rank First
1. Of the noble Eightfold path the noblest is Right Outlook.
2. Right thinking is the preface and the key to every thing else in the higher life, and ignorance.
3. The lack of understanding is the root of all evil.
4. For developing right outlook one must see all phenomena of life as a process of causal law. To have right outlook is to recognise the law of cause and effect.
5. " Whatsoever individual, brethren, follows perverted views, perverted aim, perverted speech or acts or living, perverted effort, attention, and contemplation : whose knowledge and emancipation are perverted, for him every action of deed, word or thought, performed and achieved according to such perverted views ; every willed act, every aspiration, every resolve, all his activities, these things one and all conduce to what is distasteful, unpleasing, repulsive, unprofitable, and painful. And why so ? Because of his evil view."
6. To be right is not enough. A baby may be right but that does not mean that a baby knows what is right. To be right one must know what is right.
7. " Anarda, who can be rightly described as an almsman? Only he who has mastered what is rationally possible and what is rationally impossible."
§ 2. Why Bother About Life After Death
1. On a certain occasion the venerable Kassapa the Great and the venerable Sariputta were staying near Benares at Isipatana in the Deer Park.
2. Then the venerable Sariputta rising up at eventide from solitude, went to the venerable Kassapa the Great and sat down on one side.
3. So seated, the venerable Sariputta said to the venerable Kassapa the Great. "How now friend Kassapa ? Does the Tathagata exist beyond death?
4. " Undeclared is it, friend, by the Exalted One that the Tathagata exists beyond death,
5. "What then friend? Does the Tathagata both exist and not exist beyond death ?
6. " This also, friend, is undeclared by the Exalted One.
7. "How then, friend? Does the Tathagata neither not exist beyond death ? That also, friend, is not declared by the Exalted One.
8. " But why, friend, has it not been declared by the Exalted One ? "
9. " This is a question not concerned with profit to humanity or with the first principles of holy life. It does not lead to perfect wisdom nor to Nibbana. That, friend, is why it is not declared by the Exalted One."
§ 3. Prayers and Invocations to God are a Futility
1. Once the Blessed Lord speaking to Vasettha said:
2. " If this river Achiravati were full of water even to the brim and overflowing, and a man with business to be done on the further bank of it should come up, and want to cross over :
3. " And standing on that bank, he should invoke the further bank and say : ' Come hither, 0 further bank ! Come over to this side ! '
4. " Now what think you, Vasettha ? Would the further bank of the river Achiravati, by that man's invoking and praying, and hoping, and praising, come over to this side?
5. "In just the same way, Vasettha, do the Brahmins, versed in the three Vedas, omitting the practice of those qualities which really make a man a Brahmin, and adopting the practice of those qualities which really make men non-Brahmins say thus :
6. " ' Indra we call upon, Brahma we call upon, Isana we call upon, Prajapati we call upon, Brahma, we call upon, we call, we call.'
7. " Verily, Vasettha, that these Brahmins, by reason of their invoking .and praying and hoping and praising, should after death become united with Brahma—verily such a condition of things can in nowise be."
§ 4. It is Not What You Eat that Makes You Holy
1. A Brahmin happened to meet the Lord and raised the question of the effect of food on a man's character.
2. The Brahmin said : " The millet-grain, palm-nuts, pulse, bulbs, and wilding shoots—this diet rightly got, ever prompts the good life. Tis eating carrion that is bad."
3. The Blessed One replied: " Though you (Lord) say you touch no carrion, you eat choice dishes made with flesh of birds—1 ask what you term 'carrion."
4. " Killing and maiming, stripes, bonds, theft, lies, fraud, deceit, adultery—not meats, but these are carrion.
5. " Pursuit of pleasure, lust for guzzlings, life unclean, blatant dissent—not meats, but these are carrion.
6. " Backbiting, cruelty, betrayals, ruthless pride, mean stinginess—not meats, but these are carrion.
7. " Anger, conceit, revolt, guile, envy, bluster, pride, low company—not meats, but these are carrion.
8. " Base living, slander, fraud, cheating, the trickster's wiles, foul infamies—not meats, but these are carrion.
9. " This rage to slay and steal, these crimes, are fraught with doom and end in hell—not meats, but these are carrion.
10. " No abstinence from meat and fish, no nudity, no topknots, shaven crowns, or garb of pelt, no cult of sacred fire, no stark austerities to purchase future bliss, no rinsing, burnt-offering, rites,' can cleanse the man who doubts.
11. " Control thy sense, rule thy powers, hold to Truth, be kind. The saint who leaves all ties and vanquishes all ills, is stained by naught he either sees or hears."
12. Hearing the Lord preach these lofty, saving truths, denouncing 'carrion', and sweeping ills away, the Brahmin meekly knelt and asked to be enrolled as Almsman then and there.
§ 5. Not Food But Evil Actions That Matter
1. A Brahmin by name Amagandha was an ascetic who lived in the region of Himalayas with his pupils.
2. They ate neither fish nor flesh. Every year they came down from their hermitage in search of salt and acids. The inhabitants of the village received them with honour and gave them hospitality for four months.
3. Then the Blessed Lord with his monks visited the same village. The people on hearing the Lord preach his Dhamma became his followers.
4. That year even Amagandha and his disciples as usual went to the villagers but the villagers did not show the same enthusiasm.
5. Amagandha was disappointed to hear that the Lord did not forbid eating fish and flesh. Wishing to have the matter confirmed he went to Jeta Vana at Shravasti where the Blessed Lord was then staying and said:
6. " Millet, cingula-beans and peas, edible leaves and roots, the fruit of any creeper ; the righteous who eat these, obtained justly, do not tell lies for the sake of pleasures.
7. " Thou eatest whatever food is given by others, which is well prepared, nicely got up, pure and excellent. He who enjoys such food made of rice, he eats, Amagandha. You say that the charge of Amagandha, does not apply to me, while eating rice with well prepared bird's flesh.
8. " I inquire the meaning of this from you, of ' what kind is your Amagandha ? "
9. The Lord replied: " Taking life, beating, cutting, binding, stealing, lying, fraud, deceiving, worthless knowledge, adultery ; this is Amagandha and not the eating of flesh.
10. " In this world those individuals, who are unrestrained in sensual pleasures, who are greedy for sweet things, who are associated with impure actions, who are of Nihilistic views, crooked, difficult to follow; this is Amagandha and not the eating of flesh.
11. "In this world those who are rude, harsh, backbiting, treacherous, unkind, excessively egoistic, ungenerous, and do not give anything to anybody; this is Amagandha, and not the eating of flesh.
12. " Anger, pride, obstinacy, antagonism, deceit, envy, boasting, excessive egoism, association with the unrighteous; this is Amagandha, and not eating of flesh.
13. " Those who are of bad morals, refuse to pay their debt, slanderers, deceitful in their dealings, pretenders, those who in this world being the vilest of men, commit such wrongdoings, this is Amagandha and not the eating of flesh.
14. " Those persons who, in this world, are uncontrolled towards living beings, who are bent on injuring others, having taken their belongings; immoral, cruel, harsh, disrespectful; this is Amagandha and not the eating of flesh.
15. " Those who attack these living beings either because of greed or of hostility, and always bent upon (evil), they go to darkness after death and fall into hell headlong ; this is Amagandha and not the eating of flesh.
16. "Abstaining from fish or flesh, nakedness, shaving of the head, matted hair, covering with ashes, wearing rough deer skins, attending the sacrificial fire, nor all these various penances in the world (performed) for immortality, neither incantations, oblations, sacrifices nor seasonal observances, purifies a person who has not overcome his doubt.
17. "He who lives with his senses guarded and conquered and is established in the Dhamma, delights in uprightness and gentleness, who has gone beyond attachments and has overcome all sorrows; that wise man does not cling to what is seen and heard.
18. "It is evil actions which constitute Ama-gandha and not the eating of fish or flesh."
§ 6. Not Enough Is Outward Washing
1. Once the Exalted One was dwelling at Shravat-si. And the Brahmin Sangarava also dwelt there. Now he was a cleanser by water, and practised cleansing by water. Night and day he abode given to the habit of going down to bathe.
2. Now the venerable Ananda, robing himself at an early hour and taking outer robe and bowl, went forth to Shravatsi to beg. And when he had gone his rounds in Shravatsi and had eaten his meal, upon his return, he went to the Exalted One, saluted Him, and sat down on one side. So seated, the venerable Ananda said:
3. "Lord, there is here one Sangarava, a Brahmin, dwelling at Shravatsi, a cleanser by water, one who practises cleansing by water. Night and day does he abide given to the habit of going down to bathe. Well were it. Lord, if the Exalted One would pay a visit to the Brahmin Sangarava, out of compassion for him."
4. And the Exalted One consented by His silence.
5. So next day at an early hour, the Exalted One robed Himself and taking outer robe and bowl went to the dwelling of the Brahmin Sangarava, and when He got there He sat down on a seat made ready.
6. Then the Brahmin Sangarava came to the Exalted One and greeted Him, and after the exchange of mutual courtesies sat down on one side.
7. As he thus sat, the Exalted One said this to the Brahmin Sangarava : " Is it true. Brahmin, as they say, that thou art a cleanser by water, that thou dost practise cleansing by water, abiding night and day given to the habit of going down to bathe ? "
8. " True it is. Master Gotama."
9. " Now, Brahmin, seeking what profit dost thou so practise the habit of going down to bathe, and so forth ? ' '
10. "It is in this way. Master Gotama. Whatsoever evil I do by day, I get it washed away that very evening by my bathing. Whatsoever evil I do by night I get it washed away next morning by my bathing. That is the profit I am looking for in being a cleanser by water and so forth."
11. Then said the Exalted One :
12. " The Norm is the pool. It is clear and undefiled."
13. " Hither when they have come to bathe, the masters of the lore, are cleansed in every limb, and pass unto the Further Shore."
14. Whereupon the Brahmin Sangarava said to the Exalted One : " Excellent it is. Master Gotama. May the Master Gotama accept me as His follower, from this day forth so long as life doth last, as one who has taken refuge in Him."
§7. What is Holy Life
1. Once while the Blessed Lord was on journey he gave, as was his practice, the following discourse to the Bhikkhus who were accompanying him.
2. Addressing the Bhikkhus the Lord said: " 0 brethren, this holy life is not practised with a view to deceive people, nor to seek their favour, nor for the purpose of gain, benefit, or fame, nor with the intention of getting out of difficulties in controversy, nor that one may be known as such and such by men. Indeed, brethren, this holy life is practised for the controlling (of body and speech), the cleansing (of corruptions) and the detachment (from) and cessation (of craving)."
§ 1. Do Not Depend on the Favour of Princes
1. Once the Exalted One was staying at Rajagraha in the Bamboo Grove in the Squirrels' Feeding ground.
2. At that time Prince Ajatasatruwas supporting Devadatta who had turned hostile to the Blessed Lord.
3. He was maintaining the supporters of Devadatta, late and early with five hundred carts, conveying therein food brought in five hundred cooking-pots.
4. Then a number of the brethren came before the Exalted One, saluted Him, and sat down on one side, and •there sitting they told all of these things to the Exalted One.
5. Then the Blessed Lord addressing the brethren said : " Do ye not long for gains, favours and flattery from the kings. So long, brethren, as Prince Ajatasatru thus supports Devadatta late and early, with five hundred carts, conveying therein food brought in five hundred cooking-pots, it is ruin, brethren, that may be expected of Devadatta, and not growth in good conditions.
6. " Just as if, brethren, one were to crumble liver on a mad dog's nose, the dog would only get the madder, even so, brethren, so long as Prince Ajatasatru thus supports Devadatta it is ruin that may be expected of Devadatta, and not growth in good conditions. Thus terrible, brethren, are gains, favours, and flattery of the princes.
7. " They are a bitter, painful hindrance to the attainment of the sure peace that passeth all.
8. " Wherefore, brethren, thus must you train yourselves: ' When gains, favours and flattery befall us, we will reject them, and when they do befall us, they shall not Tay hold of and be established in our hearts' and make us slaves of the prince.' "
§2. If the King is Righteous His Subjects will be Righteous
1. Once the Lord addressing the Almsmen said :
2. " Brethren during such time as kings are unrighteous their ministers and officers also become unrighteous. The ministers and officers, brethren, being unrighteous. Brahmins and householders also become unrighteous. The Brahmins and householders, brethren, being unrighteous, the town-folk and villagers become unrighteous.
3. " But whenever, brethren, kings are righteous, then kings' ministers and officers also become righteous. Whenever kings' ministers and officers become righteous the Brahmins and householders also become righteous. Whenever Brahmins and householders become righteous, the town-folk and villagers also become righteous.
4. "When kine are crossing, if the old bull swerves, they all go swerving, following his lead. So among men, if he who is reckoned chief walks crook-ediy, the others crooked go.
5. " Similarly, the whole realm suffers when the king goes wrong. When kine are crossing, if the bull goes straight they all go straight because his course is straight. So among men, if he who's reckoned chief walks righteously, the others live aright. The whole realm lead happy lives when kings are good."
§3. It is the Social System on which Depends Political and Military Strength
1. The Blessed One was once dwelling in Rajagraha, on the hill called the Vultures' Peak.
2. Now at that time, Ajatasatru, the son of the queen consort of Videha origin, the king of Magadha, was desirous of attacking the Vajjins, and he said to himself, " I will root out these Vajjins, mighty and powerful though they be, I will destroy these Vajjins, I will bring these Vajjins to utter ruin ! "
3. So he spoke to the Brahmin Vasakara, the Prime Minister of Magadha, and said :
4. " Come now, 0 Brahmin, do you go to the Blessed One, and bow down in adoration at his feet on my behalf and enquire on my behalf whether he is free from illness and suffering and in the enjoyment of ease and comfort and vigorous health.
5. " Then tell him that Ajatasatru,' son of Videhi, the King of Magadha, is eager to attack the Vajjins, mighty and powerful though they be, I will destroy these Vajjins, I will bring these Vajjins to utter ruin !
6. " And bear carefully in mind whatever the Blessed One may predict and repeat it to me. For the Buddha speaks nothing untrue."
7. Then the Brahmin Vasakara hearkened to the words of the king, saying, " Be it as you say." And ordering a number of magnificent carriages to be ready he went to the Vultures' Peak.
8. On arriving there he exchanged with the Blessed One the greetings and compliments and then delivered to him the message even as the king had commanded.
9. Now at that time the venerable Ananda was standing behind the Blessed One. And the Blessed One said to him: " Have you heard, Ananda, that theVajjins hold full and frequent public assemblies?
10. " Lord, so I have heard," replied he.
11. "So long, Ananda," rejoined the Blessed One, "as the Vajjins hold these full and frequent public assemblies; so long may they be expected not to decline, but to prosper.
12. "So long, Ananda, as the Vajjins meet together in concord, and rise in concord, and carry out their undertakings in concord.
13. "So long as they enact nothing not already established, abrogate nothing that has been already enacted and act in accordance with the ancient institutions of the Vajjins as established in former days. 14. "So long as they honour and esteem and revere and support the Vajjin Elders, and make it a point of duty to hearken to their words.
15. " So long as no women or girls belonging to their clans are detained among them by force or abduction.
16. " So long as the Vajjins respect and follow religion.
17. "So long, Ananda, the Vajjins may be expected not to decline but to prosper and no one can destroy them."
18. In short, the Blessed Lord declared that so long as the Vajjins believe in democracy and practise democracy there is no danger to their State.
19. Then the Blessed One addressed Vasakara and said:
20. " When I was once staying, 0 Brahmin, at Vaishali I taught the Vajjins these conditions of welfare.
21. "We may expect then," answered the Brahmin, "the welfare and not the decline of the Vajjins, so long as they observe these conditions. So, Gotama, the Vajjins cannot be overcome by the king of Magadha."
22. So Vasakara heard the words of the Blessed One, rose from his seat and went back to Rajagraha to inform the king of what the Lord had said.
§ 4. War is Wrong
1. It so happened that Ajatasatru, the king of Magadha, mustering an army of cavalry and infantry, invaded Kasi, a part of the kingdom of king Pasenadi. And Pasenadi, hearing of the expedition, also mustered a similar army and went to meet him.
2. The two fought with one another and Ajatasatru defeated the king Pasenadi, who retreated to his own capital Shravasti.
3. The Bhikkhus who were in Shravasti returning from their alms round came and told the Exalted One of the battle and the retreat.
4. " Almsmen, the king of Magadha, Ajatasatru, is a friend of whatever is evil. King Pasenadi is a friend of whatever is good. For the present, Pasenadi will pass the night in misery, a defeated man.
5. " Conquest engenders hate; the conquered lives in misery. But whoso is at peace and passionless, happily doth he live ; conquest hath he abandoned and defeat."
6. Again it so happened these two kings met in battle a second time. But in that battle, the Kosala king Pasenadi defeated Ajatasatru and captured him alive. Then king Pasenadi thought: " Although this king injures me who was not injuring him, yet is he my nephew. What if I were now to confiscate his entire army, elephants, horses, chariots and infantry and leave him only his life ? " And he did so.
7. And almsmen returning from their alms tour in Shravasti brought word of this to the Exalted One. Thereupon the Exalted One said: " A man may spoil another, just so far as it may serve his ends, but when he's spoiled by others, he, despoiled, spoils yet again.
8. " So long as evil's fruit is not matured, the fool doth fancy now's the hour, the chance! ' But when the deed bears fruit, he fareth ill.
9. " The slayer gets a slayer in his turn ; the conqueror gets one who conquers him ; the abuser wins abuse from another.
10. " Thus by the evolution of the deed, a man who spoils is spoiled in his turn."
§ 5. The Duty of the Victor Who Has Won Peace
1. When the Victor in war has won the Peace he claims the right further to degrade the vanquished if not to enslave him. The Buddha had a totally different view on the matter. In His view if Peace had any meaning it means that the Victor has a duty to use his victory for the service of the vanquished. This is what he said to the Bhikkhus on this subject :
2. " When Peace is won, the adept in warfare needs to prove an able, upright man, of gracious speech, kind mood, devoid of arrogance, an easy, grateful guest, no busybody wants but few sens-disciplined, quick-witted, bluster-free, never importunate; and let him never stoop to conduct mean or low, evoking grave rebuke.
3. " May creatures all abound, in weal and peace; may all be blessed with peace always, all creatures weak or strong, all creatures great and small ; creatures unseen or seen dwelling afar or near, born or awaiting birth, may all be blessed with peace !
4. "Let none cajole or flout his fellows anywhere ; let none wish others harm in dudgeon or in hate.
5. " Just as with her own life a mother shields from hurt her own, her only child, let all-embracing thoughts for all that lives be thine, an all-embracing love for all the universe in all its heights and depths and breadths, unstinted love, unmarred by hate within, not rousing enmity.
6." So, as you stand or walk, or sit, or lie, reflect with all your might on this : ' Tis deemed a state divine.' "
PART I : HIS PLACE IN HIS DHAMMA
1. The Buddha claimed no place for Himself in His Own Dhamma.
2. The Buddha did not promise to give salvation. He said He was Marga Data (Way Finder) and not Moksha Data (Giver of Salvation).
3. The Buddha did not claim any Divinity for Himself or for His Dhamma. It was discovered by man for man. It was not a Revelation.
1. The Buddha claimed no place for Himself in His own Dhamma
1. Christ claimed to be the Prophet of Christianity.
2. He further claimed that he was the Son of God.
3. Christ also laid down the condition that there was no salvation for a person unless he accepted that Christ was the Son of God.
4. Thus Christ secured a place for Himself by making the salvation of the Christian depend upon his acceptance of Christ as the Prophet and Son of God.
5. Mohammad, the Prophet of Islam, claimed that he was a Prophet sent by God.
6. He further claimed that no one could get salvation unless he accepted two other conditions.
7. A seeker of salvation in Islam must accept that Mohammad is the Prophet of God.
8. A seeker after salvation in Islam must further accept that he is the last prophet.
9. Salvation in Islam is thus ensured only to those who accept these two conditions.
10. Mohammad thus secured a place for Himself by making the salvation of the Muslim depend upon his acknowledgement of Mohammed as the Prophet of God.
11. No such condition was ever made by the Buddha.
12. He claimed that he was no more than the natural son of Suddhodana and Mahamaya.
13. He carved for himself no place in his religion by laying down any such conditions regarding himself for salvation as Jesus and Mahommad did.
14. That is the reason why we are left to know so little about himself even though abundant material was available.
15. As is known, the first Buddhist congregation was held soon after the death of the Buddha at Rajagraha.
16. Kassyappa presided over the congregation. Anand, Upali and many others who belonged to Kapilavatsu and who wandered with him wherever he went and were with him till his death were present.
17. But what did Kassyappa the President do ?
18. He asked Anand to repeat the Dhamma and put the question to the congregation, " Is this right?" They answered in the affirmative. And Kassyappa then closed the question.
19. Thereafter he asked Upali to repeat the Vinaya and put the question to the congregation, " Is this right ?" They answered in the affirmative. Kassyappa then closed the question.
20. Kassyappa then should have put the third question to someone present in the congregation to record some important incidents in the life of the Buddha.
21. But Kassyappa did not. These were the only two questions with which he thought the Sangh was concerned.
22. If Kassyappa had collected the record of the Buddha's life we would have had today a full-fledged biography of the Buddha.
23. Why did it not strike Kassyappa to collect the record about the Buddha's life?
24. It could not be indifference. The only answer one can give is that the Buddha had carved no niche for himself in his religion.
25. The Buddha and his religion were quite apart.
26. Another illustration of the Buddha keeping himself out of his religion is to be found in his refusal to appoint a successor.
27. Twice or thrice the Buddha was requested by his followers to appoint a successor.
28. Every time the Buddha refused.
29. His answer was, "The Dhamma must be its own successor.
30. " Principle must live by itself, and not by the authority of man.
31. "If principle needs the authority of man it is no principle.
32. "If every time it becomes necessary to invoke the name of the founder to enforce the authority of Dhamma then it is no Dhamma."
33. Such was the view he took of his own position regarding his Dhamma.
§2. The Buddha did not promise to give Salvation. He said He was Marga Data (Way Finder) and not Moksha Data (Giver of Salvation)
1. Most religions are described as revelations. But the Buddha's religion is not a revelation.
2. A revealed religion is so called because it is a message of God to His creatures to worship their maker (i.e., God) and to save their souls.
3. Often the message is sent through a chosen individual who is called a prophet to whom the message is revealed and who reveals it to the people. It is then called Religion.
4. The obligation of the prophet is to ensure salvation to the faithful.
5. Salvation of the faithful means the saving of their souls, from being sent to hell provided they obey God's commands and recognise the prophet as his messenger.
6. The Buddha never claimed that he was a prophet or a messenger of God. He repudiated any such description.
7. A more important point than this is that his religion is a discovery. As such it must be sharply distinguished from a religion which is called Revelation.
8. His religion is a discovery in the sense that it is the result of inquiry and investigation into the conditions of human life on earth and understanding of the working of human instincts with which man born, the moulding of his instincts and dispositions which man has formed as a result of history and tradition and which are working to his detriment.
9. All prophets have promised salvation. The Buddha is the one teacher who did not make any such promise. He made a sharp distinction between a moksha data and a marga data, one who gives salvation and one who only shows the way.
10. He was only a marga data. Salvation must be sought by each for himself by his own effort.
11. He made this very clear to the Brahmin Moggallana in the following Sutta.
12. " Once the Exalted One was staying at Shravasti, in the East Park, at the storeyed house of Migara's mother.
13. " Then, the Brahmin Moggallana, the accountant, came to the Exalted One and gave him friendly greeting and after the exchange of courtesies sat down at one side. So seated, the Brahmin Moggallana, the accountant, said this to the Exalted One :
14. " ' Just as. Master Gautama, one gets a gradual view of this storeyed house, a progress, a graduated path, and so on right up to the last step of the stairs, just so is the progressive training of us Brahmins : that is to say, in our course of study in the Vedas.'
15. " ' Just as in a course of archery, Gautama, with us the Brahmins, the training, the progress, the approach is step by step; for instance, in counting.'
16. " ' When we take a private pupil we make him count thus: 'One one, twice two, thrice three, four times four, and so on up to a hundred.' Now is it possible. Master Gautama, for you to point to a similar progressive training on the part of your followers in your Dhamma.'
17. " ' It is so, Brahmin. Take the case, Brahmin, of a clever horse-trainer. He takes a thoroughbred in hand, gives him his first lesson with bit and bridle, and then proceeds to the further course.'
18. " ' Just so. Brahmin, the Tathagata takes in hand a man who is to be trained and gives him his first lesson, thus : ' Come thou, brother ! Be virtuous. Abide, constrained by the restraint of the obligation.'
19. " ' Become versed in the practice of right behaviour ; seeing danger in trifling faults, do you undertake the training and be a pupil in the moralities.'
20. " ' As soon as he has mastered all that, the Tathagata gives him his second lesson, thus : ' Come thou brother ! Seeing an object with the eye, be not charmed by its general appearance or its details.'
21. "'Persist in the restraint of that dejection that comes from craving, caused by the sense of sight uncontrolled, these ill states, which would overwhelm one like a flood. Guard the sense of sight, win control over the sense of sight.'
22. " ' And so do with the other organs of sense. When you hear a sound with the ear, or smell a scent with the nose, taste a taste with the tongue, or with body touch things tangible, and when with mind you are conscious of a thing, be not charmed with its general appearance or its details.'
23. " ' As soon as he has mastered all that, the Tathagata gives him a further lesson, thus : ' Come thou, brother ! Be moderate in eating ; earnest and heedful do you take your food, not for sport not for indulgence, not for adding personal charm or comeliness to body, but do it for body's stabilising, for its support, for protection from harm, and for keeping up the practice of the righteous life, with this thought ; ' I check my former feeling. To no new feeling will I give rise, that maintenance and comfort may be mine.'
24. " ' Then, Brahmin, when he has won restraint in food, the Tathagata gives him a further lesson thus : ' Come thou, brother ! Abide given to watchfulness. By day, when walking or sitting, cleanse your heart from things that may hinder you. By night spend the first watch walking up and down or sitting and do likewise. By night in the second watch, lie down on the right side in the posture of a lion, and placing one foot upon the other, mindful and self-possessed, set your thoughts on the idea of exertion. Then in the third watch of the night rise up, and walking up and down, or sitting, cleanse the heart of things that may hinder.'
25. " ' Then, Brahmin, when the brother is devoted to watchfulness, the Tathagata gives him a further lesson, thus : ' Come thou, brother ! Be possessed of mindfulness and self-control. In going forth or going back, have yourself under control. In looking forward or looking back, in bending or relaxing, in wearing robes or carrying robe and bowl, in eating, chewing, tasting, in easing yourself, in going, standing, sitting, lying, sleeping or waking, in speaking or keeping silence have yourself under control.'
26. " ' Then Brahmin, when he is possessed of self-control, the Tathagata gives him a further lesson thus : ' Come thou, brother ! Seek out a secluded lodging, a forest or root of a tree, a mountain or a cave or a mountain grotto, a charnel field, a forest retreat, the open air, a heap of straw.' And he does so. And when he has eaten his food he sits down crosslegged, and keeping his body straight up, he proceeds to practise the four ecstacies.'
27. " ' Now, Brahmin, for all brothers who are pupils, who have not yet attained mastery of mind, who abide aspiring, for such is the manner of my training.'
28. " ' But as to those brethren who are arhants, who have destroyed the asavas, who have lived the life, done their task, laid down the burden, won their own salvation, utterly destroyed the fetters of becoming, and are released by the perfect insight, for such as those these things are conducive to ease in the present life and to mindful self-control as well.'
29. "When this was said, the Brahmin Moggallana, the accountant, said to the Exalted One :
30. " ' But tell me, Master Gautama. Do the disciples of the worthy Gautama,—do all of them win the absolute perfection which is Nibbana : or do some fail thus to attain?'
31. " Some of my disciples. Brahmin, thus advised and trained by me, do so attain. Others do not,"
32. " But what is the reason, Master Gautama ? What is the cause, Master Gautama ? Here we have Nibbana. Here we have the Path to Nibbana. Here we have the worthy Gautama as instructor. What is the reason, I say, why some disciples thus advised and trained do attain, while others do not attain ? "
33. "That, Brahmin, is a question that I will answer. But first do you answer me this, so far as you think fit. Now how say you. Brahmin—Are you well skilled in the road to Rajagraha?"
34. " I am, master, ' Skilled indeed am I in the road to Rajagraha ! '
35. " Well, thus instructed, thus advised, he takes the wrong road, and off he goes with his face set to the west.
36. " Then a second man comes up with the same request and you give him the same instructions. He follows your advice and comes safe to Rajagraha.
37. " 'That is my business?'
38. " ' What do I in the matter. Brahmin ? The Tathagata is one who only shows the way. ' "
39. Here is a full statement that he does not promise salvation. He only shows the way.
40. Besides what is salvation?
41. With Mohammad and Jesus salvation means saving the soul from being sent to hell by the intercession of the Prophet.
42. With Buddha salvation means Nibbana and Nibbana means control of passions.
43. What promise of salvation can there be in such a Dhamma ?
§ 3. The Buddha did not Claim any Divinity for himself or for his Dhamma. It was discovered by man for man. It was not a Revelation
1. Every founder of religion has either claimed divinity for himself or for his teachings.
2. Moses, although he did not claim for himself any divine origin, did claim divine origin for his teachings. He told his followers that if they wished to reach the land of milk and honey they must accept the teachings because they were the teachings of Jehovah the God.
3. Jesus claimed divinity for himself. He claimed that he was the Son of God. Naturally His teachings acquired a divine origin.
4. Krishna said that he was God himself and the Gita was his own word.
5. The Buddha made no such claim either for himself or his Sasana.
6. He claimed that he was one of the many human beings and his message to the people was the message of man to man.
7. He never claimed infallibility for his message.
8. The only claim he made was that his message was the only true way to salvation as he understood it.
9. It was based on universal human experience of life in the world.
10. He said that it was open to anyone to question it, test it and find what truth it contained.
11. No founder has so fully thrown open his religion to such a challenge.
PART II : DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE BUDDHA'S DHAMMA
1. What others have understood Him to have Taught.
2. The Budha's Own Classification.
1. What others have understood Him to have Taught
1. "What are the teachings of the Buddha?"
2. This is a question on which no two followers of the Buddha or the students of Buddhism agree.
3. To some Samadhi is his principal teaching.
4. To some it is Vippassana (a kind of Pranayam).
5. To some Buddhism is esoteric. To others it is exoteric.
6. To some it is a system of barren metaphysics.
7. To some it is sheer mysticism.
8. To some it is a selfish abstraction from the world.
9. To some it is a systematic repression of every impulse and emotion of the heart.
10. Many other views regarding Buddhism could be collected.
11. This divergence of views is astonishing.
12. Some of these views are those of men who have a fancy for certain things. Such are those who regard thai the essence of Buddhism lies in Samadhi or Vippassana, or Esoterism.
13. The other views are the results of the fact that the majority of the writers on Buddhism are students of ancient Indian history. Their study of Buddhism is incidental and occasional.
14. Some of them are not students of Buddhism.
15. They are not even students of anthropology, the subject matter which deals with the origin and growth of religion.
16. The question that arises is—" Did the Buddha have no Social Message ? "
17. When pressed for an answer, students of Buddhism refer to the two points. They say—
18. "The Buddha taught Ahimsa."
19. "The Buddha taught peace!"
20. Asked—" Did the Buddha give any other Social Message ?"
21. " Did the Buddha teach justice ? "
22. "Did the Buddha teach love?"
23. "Did the Buddha teach liberty?"
24. "Did the Buddha teach equality?"
25. " Did the Buddha teach fraternity ? "
26. " Could the Buddha answer Karl Marx ? "
27. These questions are hardly ever raised in discussing the Buddha's Dhamma.
28. My answer is that the Buddha has a Social Message. He answers all these questions. But they have been buried by modern authors.
§ 2. The Buddha's Own Classification
1. The Buddha adopted a different classification of Dhamma.
2. The first category he called Dhamma.
3. He created a new category called Not-Dhamma (Adhamma) though it went by the name of Dhamma.
4. He created a third category which he called Saddhamma.
5. The third category was another name for Philosophy of Dhamma.
6. To understand His Dhamma one must understand all the three—Dhamma, Adhamma and Saddhamma.
PART III : WHAT IS DHAMMA ?
1. To Maintain Purity of Life is Dhamma.
2. To Reach Perfection in Life is Dhamma.
3. To Live in Nibbana is Dhamma.
4. To Give up Craving is Dhamma.
5. To believe that all compound things are impermanent is Dhamma.
6. To believe that Karma is the instrument of Moral Order is Dhamma.
§ 1. To Maintain Purity of Life is Dhamma
1. "There are these three forms of purity... And of what sort is purity of body ?
2. "Herein a certain one abstains from taking life, from stealing, from sinful living. This is called ' purity of body.'
3. " And of what sort is purity of speech ?
4. "Herein a certain one abstains from falsehood...
5. " And of what sort is purity of mind ?
6. " Herein a monk, if he have some personal sensual desire, is aware: ' There is in me sensual desire.' If there be none he is likewise aware of it. Also he is aware of how the arising of sensual desire not yet arisen comes about, and how it is abandoned when it has arisen, and how in the future there is no such arising.
7. "If he have some personal malevolence, he is aware ; ' There is within me malevolence.' Also he is aware of the arising . . . and the abandoning thereof, and of how in future there is no recurrence thereof.
8. " If he have some personal sloth-and-torpor . . . excitement and flurry . . . if he have some personal doubt-and-wavering, he is aware of the fact. Also of how (each of these) arises, is abandoned and recurs not again in future. This is called ' purity of mind.'
9. " He who is pure in body, speech, and mind, " Sinless and clean and blessed with purity,— " *Sin-washer' is the name men give to him."
1. " There are three forms of purity . . . Purity of body, purity of speech, purity of mind."
2. " And of what sort is purity of body ?"
3. " Herein a certain one abstains from taking life, from stealing from wrong practice in sensual lusts. This is called ' purity of body'."
4. " And of what sort is purity of speech ? "
5. " Herein a certain one abstains from falsehood . . . from idle babble. This is called 'purity of speech.' "
6. " And of what sort is purity of mind ? "
7. "Herein a certain one is not covetous or malevolent of heart and has right view. This is called * purity of mind.' These are the three forms of purity."
1. There are these five weaknesses, which are a source of weakness to training. What five ?
2. Taking life; taking what is not given; lustful, evil practices ; lying ; and indulging in spirituous liquors, which cause idleness.
3. These are the five causes which lead to failure.
4. When these five sources of weakness to training are put away, four arisings of mindfulness should be made to become.
5. Herein a monk abides contemplating the body as body, strenuous, mindful and self-possessed, having overcome both the hankering and discontent common in the world.
6. He abides contemplating the feelings as feelings ...
7. He abides contemplating the mind as mind . . .
8. He abides contemplating ideas as ideas, strenuous, mindful and self-possessed, having overcome both the hankering and discontent common in the world.
9. When these five sources of weakness to training are put away, these four arisings of mindfulness should be made to become.
1. There are these three failures. Failure in morals, failure in mind, failure in view.
2. And of what sort is failure in morals? A certain one takes life, steals, is a wrong-doer in sensual desires, a liar, a slanderer, of bitter speech, an idle babbler. This is called " failure in morals."
3. And of what sort is failure in mind ?
4. A certain one is covetous and malevolent of heart. This is called " failure in mind."
5. And of what sort is failure in view ?
6. Herein a certain one holds the depraved, the perverse view that there is no (virtue in) alms giving, in sacrifice, in offerings : that there is no fruit, no result of good and evil deeds: that this world is not, that there is no world beyond: that there is no mother, no father, no beings of spontaneous birth : that in the world are no recluses and Brahmins who have won the summit, who have won perfection, who of themselves by their own in tuitional powers have realised the world beyond and can proclaim it. This, monks, is called " failure in view."
7. Monks, it is due to failure in morals, failure in mind and in view that beings, when body breaks up after death, are reborn in the Waste, the Way of Woe, in the Downfall, in Purgatory. Such are the three failures.
8. Monks, there are these three successes. What three ? Success in morals, success in mind, success in view.
9. Now of what sort is success in morals ?
10. A certain one abstains from taking life and the rest . . . from bitter speech and idle babbling. This is called " success in morals."
11. And of what sort is success in mind ?
12. Herein a certain one is not covetous or malevolent of heart. This is called " success in mind."
13. And of what sort is success in view ?
14. Herein a certain one has right view: he holds with certainty that there is (virtue in) almsgiving, in sacrifice, in offerings: that there is fruit and result of good and evil deeds: that this world is, that there is a world beyond: that mother, father and beings of spontaneous birth do exist: that in the world there are recluses and Brahmins who have realised the world beyond and can proclaim it. This, monks, is called " success in view." 15. It is owing to success in these three things that beings, when body breaks up after death, are reborn in the Happy Lot, in the Heaven World. Such, monks, are the three successes.
§2. To Reach Perfection in Life is Dhamma
1. There are these three perfections.
2. Perfection in body, speech and mind.
3. And of what sort is perfection in mind ?
4. By the destruction of the asavas, realising in this very life himself, knowing it thoroughly—the heart's release, the release by insight which is free from the asavas, having attained it abides therein. This is called "perfection in mind." These are the three bodily perfections.
5. There are other perfections. The Buddha explained them to Subhuti.
6. SUBHUTI : What is a Bodhisattva's perfection of giving ?
7. the lord : Here a Bodhisattva, his thoughts associated with the knowledge of all modes, gives gifts, i.e., inward or outward things, and, having made them common to all beings, he dedicates them to supreme enlightenment ; and also others he instigates thereto. But there is nowhere an apprehension of anything.
8. SUBHUTI : What is a Bodhisattva's perfection of morality ?
9. the lord : He himself lives under the obligation of the ten ways of wholesome acting, and also others he instigates thereto.
10. subhuti : What is a Bodhisattva's perfection of patience ?
11. the lord : He himself becomes one who has achieved patience, and others also he instigates to patience.
12. subhuti : What is a Bodhisattva's perfection of vigour ?
13. the lord: He dwells persistently in the five perfections, and also others he instigates to do likewise.
14. SUBHUTI : What is the Bodhisattva's perfection of concentration (or meditation) ?
15. the lord : He himself, through skill in means, enters into the trances, yet he is not reborn in the corresponding heavens of form as he could ; and others also he instigates to do likewise.
16. subhuti : What is a Bodhisattva's perfection of wisdom ?
17. the lord : He does not settle down in any dharma, he contemplates the essential original nature of all dharmas ; and others also he instigates to the contemplation of all dharmas.
18. It is Dhamma to cultivate these perfections.
§ 3. To Live in Nibbana is Dhamma
1. "Nothing can give real happiness as Nibbana." So said the Buddha.
2. Of all the doctrines taught by the Buddha the doctrine of Nibbana is the most central one.
3. What is Nibbana ? Nibbana as taught by the Buddha has a totally different meaning and content than what has been given to it by his predecessors.
4. By Nibbana they meant the salvation of the soul.
5. Thus there were four ways in which Nibbana was conceived of: (1) Laukik (material, eat, drink and be merry type) ; (2) Yogic ; (3) Brahmanic and (4) Upanishadic.
6. There was one common feature of the Brahmanic and Upanishadic conceptions of Nibbana. They involved the recognition of a soul as an independent entity—a theory which the Buddha had denied. The Buddha had therefore no difficulty in rejecting the Brahmanic and Upanishadic teaching of Nibbana.
7. The Laukik conception of Nibbana was too materialistic to appeal to the Buddha. It meant nothing but the satisfaction of man's animal appetites. There was nothing spiritual in it.
8. To accept such a conception of Nibbana the Buddha felt was a gross wrong that can be done to a human being.
9. For the satisfaction of appetites can result only in creating more appetites. Such a way of life could bring no happiness, he thought. On the contrary, such happiness was sure to bring more unhappiness.
10. The Yogic conception of Nibbana was a purely temporary state. The happiness it brought was negative. It involved disassociation from the world. It avoided pain but gave no happiness. Whatever happiness it may be said to bring lasted as long as the yoga lasted. It was not permanent. It was temporary.
11. The Buddha's conception of Nibbana is quite different from that of his predecessors.
12. There are three ideas which underlie his conception of Nibbana.
13. Of these the happiness of a sentient being as distinct from the salvation of the soul is one.
14. The second idea is the happiness of the sentient being in Samsara while he is alive. But the idea of a soul and the salvation of the soul after death are absolutely foreign to the Buddha's conception of Nibbana.
15. The third idea which underlies his conception of Nibbana is the exercise of control over the flames of the passions which are always on fire.
16. That the passions are like burning fire was the text of a sermon which the Buddha delivered to the Bhikkus when he was staying in Gaya. This is what he said:
17. " All things, O Bhikkus, are on fire. And what, 0 Priests, are all these things which are on fire ?
18. " The eye, O Bhikkus, is on fire ; forms are on fire ; eye-consciousness is on fire ; impressions received by the eye are on fire ; and whatever sensation, pleasant, unpleasant, - or indifferent, originates in dependence on impression received by he type, that also is on fire."
19. "And with what are these on fire?"
20. " With the. fire of passion say I, with the fire of hatred, with the fire of infatuation ; with birth, old age, death, sorrow, lamentation, misery, grief and despair are they on fire."
21. "The ear is on fire ; sounds are on fire ; the nose is on fire ; odours are on fire ; the tongue is on fire ; tastes are on fire ; the body is on fire ; ideas are on fire ; and whatever sensation, pleasant, unpleasant, or indifferent, originates in dependence on impression received by the mind, that also is on fire.
22. "And with what are these on fire?"
23. " With the fire of passion, say I ; with the fire of hatred ; with the fire of infatuation ; with birth ; old age, death, sorrow, lamentation, misery, grief, and despair are they on fire."
24. " Perceiving this, O Bhikkus, the learned and noble conceives an aversion. And in conceiving this aversion, he becomes divested of passion, and by the absence of passion he becomes free, and when he is free he becomes aware that he is free."
25. How can Nibbana give happiness ? That is the next question which calls for explanation.
26. The common notion is that man is unhappy because he is in want. But this is not always true. Man is unhappy even though he is in the midst of plenty.
27. Unhappiness is the result of greed, and greed is the bane of life of those who have as well as of those who have not.
28. This the Buddha has made clear in a sermon delivered to the Bhikkus in which he said.
29. " Excited by greed (lobha), brothers, furious with anger (dosa), blinded by delusion (moha), with mind overwhelmed, with mind enslaved, men reflect upon their own misfortune, men reflect upon the misfortune of others, men experience mental suffering and anguish.
30. If, however, greed, anger and delusion are done away, men reflect neither upon their own misfortune nor on mental suffering and anguish.
31. Thus, brothers, is Nibbana visible in this life and not merely in the future ; inviting, attractive, accessible to the wise disciple."
32. Herein lies the explanation of what consumes man and makes him unhappy. By using this analogy of burning fire to the working of human passions the Buddha has given the most forceful explanation for the unhappiness of man.
33. What makes man unhappy is his falling a prey to his passions. These passions are called fetters which prevent a man from reaching the state of Nibbana. The moment he is free from the sway of his passions, i.e., he learns to achieve Nibbana, man's way to happiness is open to him.
34.These passions, according to the Buddha's analysis, fall under three groups.
35. First: that which refers to all degrees of craving or attachment—such as lust, infatuation and greed (lobha).
36. Second: that which refers to all degrees of antipathy—hatred, anger, vexation or repugnance (dosa).
37. Third: that which refers to all degrees of ignorance—delusion, dullness and stupidity (moha or avidya).
38. The first and second fires relate to the emotions and over the whole scale of one's attitudes and feelings towards other beings, while the third fire relates to all ideas that are in any way removed from the truth.
39. There are certain misunderstandings about the Buddha's doctrine of Nibbana.
40. The word Nibbana etymologically means outblowing, extinguishing.
41. Taking hold of this root meaning of the word, critics have tried to make nonsense of the doctrine of Nibbana.
42. They hold that Nibbana means extinction of all human passions which is equivalent to death.
43. They have by this means tried to throw ridicule over the doctrine of Nibbana.
44. That such is not the meaning of Nibbana is quite clear if one examines the language of the fire sermon.
45. The fire sermon does not say that life is burning and death is extinction. It says passions are on fire.
46. The fire sermon does not say that the passions must be extinguished completely. It says do not add fuel to the flame.
47. Secondly, critics have failed to make a distinction between Nibbana and Parinibbana.
48. As the Udana says: "Parinibbana occurs when the body becomes disintegrated, all perceptions become stopped, all sensations die away, the activities cease and consciousness goes away. Thus Parinibbana means complete extinction."
49. Nibbana can never have this meaning. Nibbana means enough control over passion so as to enable one to walk on the path of righteousness. It was not intended to mean. anything more.
50. That Nibbana is another name for righteous life is made clear by the Buddha himself to Radha.
51. Once the venerable Radha came to the Exalted One. Having done so he saluted the Exalted One and sat down at one side. So seated the venerable Radha thus addressed the Exalted One: " Pray Lord, what for is Nibbana?"
52. " Nibbana means release from passion " replied the Lord.
53. " But Nibbana, Lord,—what is the aim of it?"
54. " Rooted in Nibbana, Radha, the righteous life is lived. Nibbana is its goal. Nibbana is its end."
55. That Nibbana does not mean extinction is also made clear by Sariputta in the following sermon:
56. " Once the Blessed Lord was staying at Shravasti in Anathpindika's Arama where Sariputta was also staying.
57. "The Lord, addressing the brethren, said : ' Almsmen, be ye partakers not of the world's goods but of my doctrine; in my compassion for you all I am anxious to ensure this.'
58. " Thus spoke the Lord, who thereupon rose and passed to his own cell.
59. " Sariputta remained behind and the brethren asked him to explain what is Nibbana.
60. " Then Sariputta in reply to the brethren said : ' Brethren, know ye that greed is vile, and vile is resentment.
61. "'To shed this greed and this resentment, there is the Middle Way which gives us eyes to see and makes us know, leading us on to peace, insight, enlightenment and Nibbana.
62. " ' What is this Middle Way ? It is naught but the Noble Eightfold Path of right outlook, right aims, right speech, right action, right means of livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration; this, almsmen is the Middle Way.
63. " ' Yes, sirs: anger is vile and malevolence is vile, envy and jealousy are vile, niggardliness and avarice are vile, hypocrisy and deceit and arrogance are vile, inflation is vile, and indolence is vile.
64. " ' For the shedding of inflation and indolence there is the Middle Way—giving us eyes to see, making us know, and leading us on to peace, insight, enlightenment.
65. " 'Nibbana which is naught but that Noble Eightfold Path.' "
66. Thus spoke the revered Sariputta—Glad at heart, the almsmen rejoiced at what he had said.
67. That the idea underlying Nibbana is that it is the path of righteousness. No one will mistake Nibbana for anything else.
68. Complete annihilation is one extreme and Parinibbana is another extreme. Nibbana is the Middle Way.
69. So understood all confusion about Nibbana will disappear.
§4. To Give up Craving is Dhamma
1. In the Dhammapada the Buddha says: " There is no greater benefit than. health and there is nothing more valuable than the spirit of contentment."
2. This spirit of contentment is not to be understood to mean meekness or surrender to circumstances.
3. Because that would be quite contrary to the other teachings of the Buddha.
4. The Buddha has not said, " Blessed are they who are poor."
5. The Buddha has not said that the sufferer should not try to change his condition.
6. On the other hand, he has said that riches are welcome and instead of listless suffering he taught Virya which is energetic action.
7. What the Buddha meant when he said that contentment is the highest form of wealth is that man should not allow himself to be overpowered by greed which has no limits.
8. As the Bhikku Rathapala has said: " Rich men I see who, folly-led, never give, but still amass, athirst for pleasures new; the king whose conquests to the sea extend, for sway over empires overseas will pine, still craving, kings and subjects pass away; lacking, still lacking, they their bodies quit; never on earth can pleasures' measure be filled."
9. In the Maha-Nidan-Suttanta the Buddha has explained to Ananda the necessity of controlling greed. This is what he said.
10. "This it is, Ananda, that craving comes into being because of desire for gain, when desire for gain becomes a passion for possession when the spirit of possession gives rise to tenacity of possession it becomes avarice.
11. " Avarice or possession due to uncontrolled acquisitive instinct calls for watch and ward.
12. " Why is this craving or greed to be condemned ? Because of this," said the Buddha to Ananda, " many a bad and wicked state of things arises—blows and wounds, strife, contradiction and retorts ; quarrelling, slander and lies."
13. That this is the correct analysis of class struggle there can be no doubt.
14. That is why the Buddha insisted upon the control of greed and craving.
§ 5. To believe that all compound things are impermanent is Dhamma
1. This doctrine of impermanence has three aspects.
2. There is the impermanence of composite things.
3. There is the impermanence of the individual being.
4. There is the impermanence of the self nature of conditioned things.
5. The impermanence of composite things has been well explained by the great Buddhist philosopher Asanga.
6. " All things," says Asanga, " are produced by the combination of causes and conditions and have no independent noumenon of their own. When the combination is dissolved, their destruction ensures.
7. " The body of a living being consists of the combination of four great elements, viz., earth, water, fire and air, and when this combination is resolved into the four component elements, dissolution ensues.
8. "This is what is called the impermanence of a composite entity."
9. Impermanence of the living individual is best described by the formula—being is becoming.
10. In this sense a being of a past moment has lived, but does not live nor will he live. The being of a future moment will live but has not lived nor does he live ; the being of the present moment does live but has not lived and will not live.
11. In short, a human being is always changing, always growing. He is not the same at two different moments of his life.
12. The third phase of the doctrine of impermanence is somewhat difficult for a common man to follow.
13. To realise that every living being will die sometime or other is a very easy matter to understand.
14. But it is not quite so easy to understand how a human being can go on changing—-becoming— while he is alive.
15. "How is this possible?" The Buddha's answer was, "This is possible because all is impermanent."
16. This later on gave rise to what is called Sunnya Vad.
17. The Buddhist Sunnyata does not mean nihilism out and out. It only means the perpetual changes occurring at every moment in the phenomenal world.
18. Very few' realise that it is on account of Sunnyata that everything becomes possible ; without it nothing in the world would be possible. It is on the impermanence of the nature of all things that the possibility of all other things depends.
19. If things were not subject to continual change but were permanent and unchangeable, the evolution of all of life from one kind to the other and the development of living things would come to a dead stop.
20. If human beings died or changed but had continued always in the 'same state what would the result have been ? The progress of the human race would have come to a dead halt.
21. Immense difficulty would have arisen if Sunnya is regarded as being void or empty.
22. But this is not so. Sunnya is like a point which has substance but neither breadth nor length.
23. All things are impermanent was the doctrine preached by the Buddha.
24. What is the moral-of this doctrine of the Buddha? This is a much more important question.
25. The moral of 'this doctrine of impermanence is simple. Do not be attached to anything.
26. It is to cultivate detachment, detachment from property, from friends, etc., that he said "All these are impermanent."
§ 6. To believe that Karma is the instrument of Moral Order is Dhamma
1. There is an order in the physical world. This is proved by the following phenomenon.
2. There is a certain order in the movements and actions of the starry bodies.
3. There is a certain order by which seasons come and go in regular sequence.
4. There is a certain order by which seeds grow into trees and trees yield fruits and fruits give seeds.
5. In Buddhist terminology these are called Niyamas, laws which produce an orderly sequence such as Rutu Niyam, Bija Niyam.
6. Similarly is there a moral order in Human Society. How is it produced ? How is it maintained?
7. Those who believe in the existence of God have no difficulty in answering the question. And their answer is easy.
8. Moral order, they say, is maintained by Divine Dispensation. God created the world and God is the Supreme Governor of the world. He is also the author of moral as well as of physical law.
9. Moral law, according to them, is for man's good because it ensues from Divine will. Man is bound to obey God who is his maker and it is obedience to God which maintains the moral order.
10. Such is the argument in support of the view that the moral order is maintained by Divine Dispensation.
11. The explanation is by no means satisfactory. For if the moral law has originated from God, and if God is the beginning and end of the moral order and if man cannot escape from obeying God, why is there so much moral disorder in the world ?
12. What is the authority of the Divine Law ? What is the hold of the Divine Law over the individual? These are pertinent questions. But to none of them is there any satisfactory answer from those who rely on Divine Dispensation as the basis for the moral order.
13. To overcome these difficulties the thesis has been somewhat modified.
14. It is said : no doubt creation took effect at the command of God. It is also true that the cosmos entered upon its life by his will and by his direction, It is also true that He imparted to the cosmos once for all the energy which served as the driving power of a stupendous mechanism.
15. But God leaves it to Nature to work itself out in obedience to the laws originally given by him.
16. So that if the moral order fails to work out as expected by God, the fault is of Nature and not of God.
17. Even this modification in the theory does not solve the difficulty. It only helps to exonerate God from his responsibility. For the question remains, why should God leave it to Nature to execute His laws ? What is the use of such an absentee God ?
18. The answer which the Buddha gave to the question,—" How is moral order maintained ? " is totally different.
19. His answer was simple. "It is the Kamma Niyam and not God which maintains the moral order in the universe." That was the Buddha's answer to the question.
20. The moral order of the universe may be good or it may be bad. But according to the Buddha the moral order rests on man and on nobody else.
21. Kamma means man's action and Vipaka is its effect. If the moral order is bad it is because man does Akusala (Bad) Kamma. If the moral order is good it is because man does Kusala (Good) Kamma.
22. The Buddha was not content with merely speaking of Kamma. He spoke of the law of Kamma which is another name for Kamma Niyam.
23. By speaking of the law of Kamma what the Buddha wanted to convey was that the effect of the deed was bound to follow the deed, as surely as night follows day. It was like a Niyam or rule.
24. No one could fail to benefit by the good effects of a Kusala Kamma and no one could escape the evil effects of Akusala Kamma.
25. Therefore, the Buddha's admonition was: Do Kusala Kamma so that humanity may benefit by a good moral order which a Kusala Kamma helps to sustain ; do not do Akusala Kamma for humanity will suffer from the bad moral order which an Akusala Kamma will bring about.
26. It may be that there is a time interval between the moment when the Kamma is done and the moment when the effect is felt. It is so, often enough.
27. From this point of view, Kamma is either (1) Ditthadamma Vedaniya Kamma (Immediately Effective Kamma); (2) Upapajjavedaniya Kamma (Remotely Effective Kamma); and (3) Aporapariya Vedaniya Kamma (Indefinitely Effective Kamma).
28. Kamma may also fall into the category of Ahosi Kamma, i.e., Kamma which is non-effective. This Ahosi Kamma comprises all such Kammas which are too weak to operate, or which are counteracted by a more Kamma, at the time when it should have worked.
29. But making allowance for all these considerations, it does not in any sense derogate from the claim made by the Buddha that the law of Kamma is inexorable.
30. The theory of the law of Kamma does not necessarily involve the conception that the effect of the Kamma recoils on the doer of it and there is nothing more to be thought about it. This is an error. Sometimes the action of one affects another instead of the doer. All the same it is the working of the law of Kamma because it either upholds or upsets the moral order.
31. Individuals come and individuals go. But the moral order of the universe remains and so also the law of Kamma which sustains it.
32. It is for this reason that in the religion of the Buddha, Morality has been given the place of God.
33. Thus the Buddha's answer to the question— "How the moral order in the universe is sustained?" is so simple and so irrefutable. 34. And yet its true meaning is scarcely grasped.
Often, almost always, it is either misunderstood or misstated or misinterpreted. Not many seem to be conscious that the law 'of Kamma was propounded by the Buddha as an answer to the question—" How the moral order is maintained ?"
35. That, however, is the purpose of Buddha's Law of Kamma.
36. The Law of Kamma has to do only with the question of general moral order. It has nothing to do with the fortunes or misfortunes of an individual.
37. It is concerned with the maintenance of the moral order in the universe.
38. It is because of this that the law of Kamma is a part of Dhamma.
PART IV : WHAT IS NOT—DHAMMA
1. Belief in the Supernatural is Not—Dhamma.
2. Belief in Ishwara (God) is Not Essentially Part of Dhamma.
3. Dhamma Based on Union with Brahma is a False Dhamma.
4. Belief in Soul is Not—Dhamma.
5. Belief in Sacrifices is Not—Dhamma.
6. Belief Based on Speculation is Not—-Dhamma.
7. Reading Books of Dhamma is Not—Dhamma.
8. Belief in the Infallibility of Books of Dhamma is Not— Dhamma.
§ 1. Belief in the Supernatural is Not-Dhamma
1. Whenever any phenomenon occurs, humanity is always wanting to know how it has happened, what is the cause of it.
2. Sometimes cause and the effect are so proximate and so close that it is not difficult to account for the occurrence of the event.
3. But often-times the effect is so far away from the cause for the effect is not accountable. Apparently there appears to be no cause for it.
4. Then the question arises: How has this event occurred?
5. The commonest answer is that the occurrence of the event is due to some supernatural cause which is often called a miracle.
6. The Buddha's predecessors gave very different answers to this question.
7. Pakauda Katyana denied that there was a cause for every event. Events, he said, occurred independently.
8. Makhali Ghosal admitted that an event must have a cause. But he preached that the cause is not to be found in human agency but is to be sought in nature, necessity, inherent laws of things, predestination or the like.
9. The Buddha repelled these doctrines. He maintained that not only every event has a cause but the cause is the result of some human action or natural law.
10. His contention against the doctrine of Time, Nature, Necessity, etc., being the cause of the occurrence of an event, was this.
11. If Time, Nature, Necessity, etc., be the sole cause of the occurrence of an event, then who are we ?
12. Is man merely a puppet in the hands of Time, Nature, Chance, Gods, Fate, Necessity ?
13. What is the use of man's existence if he is not free ? What is the se of man's intelligence if he continues to believe in supernatural causes ?
14. If man is free, then every event must be the result of man's action or of an act of Nature. There cannot be any event which is supernatural in its origin.
15. It may be that man is not able to discover the real cause of the occurrence of an event. But if he has intelligence he is bound one day to discover it.
16. In repudiating supernaturalism the Buddha had three objects.
17. His first object was to lead man to the path of rationalism.
18. His second object was to free man to go in search of truth.
19. His third object was to remove the most potent source of superstition, the result of which is to kill the spirit of inquiry.
20. This is called the law of Kamma or Causation.
21. This doctrine of Kamma and Causation is the most central doctrine in Buddhism. It preaches Rationalism and Buddhism is nothing if not rationalism.
22. That is why worship of the supernatural is Not—Dhamma.
§ 2. Belief in Ishwara (God) is Not Essentially Part of Dhamma
1. Who created the world is a common question. That the world was created by God is also a very common answer.
2. In the Brahmanic scheme this God is called by a variety of names—Prajapati, Ishwar, Brahma or Maha Brahma.
3. To the question who this God is and how He came into being there is no answer.
4. Those who believe in God describe Him as a being who is omnipotent, i.e., all-powerful. Omni present, i.e., he fills the whole universe, and Omniscient, i.e., he knows everything.
5. There are also certain moral qualities which are attributed to God. God is said to be good, God is said to be just and God is said to be all-loving.
6. The question is did the Blessed Lord accept God as the creator of the universe,
7. The answer is, " No. " He did not.
8. There are various grounds why he rejected the doctrine of the Existence of God.
9. Nobody has seen God. People only speak of God.
10. God is unknown and unseen.
11. Nobody can prove that God has created the world. The world has evolved and is not created.
12. What advantage can there be in believing in God ? It is unprofitable.
13. The Buddha said that a religion based on God is based on speculation.
14. A religion based on God is, therefore, not worth having.
15. It only ends in creating superstition.
16. The Buddha did not leave the question there. He discussed the question in its various aspects.
17. The grounds on which he rejected the doctrine were various.
18. He argued that the doctrine of the Existence of God is not based on truth.
19. This he made clear in his dialogue with the two Brahmins, Vasettha and Bhardvaja.
20. Now a dispute arose between them as to which was the true path of salvation and which false.
21. About the time the Blessed One was journeying through Kosala with a great company of the brethren he happened to halt at the Brahmin village called Manaskata and stayed in the mango grove on the bank of the river Akiravati.
22. Manaskata was the town in which Vasettha and Bhardvaja lived. Having heard that the Blessed Lord was staying in their town, they went to him and each one put forth his point of view.
23. Bhardvaja said : " The path of Tarukkha is the straight path, this is the direct way which makes for salvation, and leads him, who acts according to it, into a state of union with Brahma."
24. Vasettha said: "Various Brahmins, 0 Gotama, teach various paths. The Addhariya Brahinmins, the Tittiriya Brahmins, the Kanchoka Brahmins, the Bheehuvargiya Brahmins. They all lead those who act according to them, into a state of union with Brahma.
25. " Just as near a village or a town there are many and various paths yet they all meet together in the village—just in the same way all the various paths taught by the various Brahmins lead to union with Brahma."
26. " Do you say that they all lead aright, Vasettha?" asked the Buddha. "I say so, Gautama," replied Vasettha.
27. " But Vasettha, is there a single one of the Brahmins versed in the three Vedas who has ever seen Brahma face to face."
28. "No, indeed, Gautama."
29. " Is there a single one of the teachers of the Brahmanas versed in the three Vedas who has seen Brahma face to face ? "
30. "No, indeed, Gautama."
31. "Nobody has seen Brahma. There is no perceptual knowledge about Brahma." " So it is," said Vasettha. " How then can you believe that the assertion of the Brahmins that Brahma exists is based on truth ?
32. " Just, Vasettha, as when a string of blind men are clinging one to the other, neither can the foremost see nor can the middle one see nor can the hindmost see—just even so, methinks, Vasettha, is the talk of the Brahmins nothing but blind talk. The first sees not, the middle one sees not, nor can the latest one. The talk of these Brahmins turns out to be ridiculous, mere words, a vain and empty thing.
33. "Is this not a case, Vasettha, of a man falling in love with a woman whom he has not seen ? " " Yes, it is," replied Vasettha.
34. " Now what think you Vasettha ? If people should ask you, 'Well! Good friend ! This most beautiful woman in the land, whom you thus love and long for, who is she? Is she a noble lady, or a Brahmin woman, or of the trader class, or a Sudra ? '
35. " With regard to the origin of Maha Brahma, the so-called creator," the Blessed Lord said, addressing Bhardvaja and Vasettha, " Friends, that being who was first born thinks thus : I am Brahma, the Great Brahma, the Vanquisher, the Unvanquished, the All-seeing, the Disposer, the Lord, the Maker, the Creator, the Chief, the Assignor, the Master of Myself, the father of all that are and are to be. By me are these beings created.
36. "This means that Brahma is the father of those that are and are to be.
37."You say that the worshipful Brahma, the Vanquisher, the Unvanquished, Father of all that are and are to be, he by whom we were created, he is permanent, constant, eternal, unchanging, and he will remain so for ever and ever. Then why are we who are created by that Brahma, have come hither, all impermanent, transient, unstable, short-lived, destined to pass away ?"
38. To this Vasettha had no answer.
39. His third argument had reference to the Omnipotence of God. " If God is Omnipotent and is also the efficient cause of creation, then because of this man cannot have any desire to do anything, nor can there be any necessity to do anything, nor can he have the will to do anything or to put forth any effort. Man must remain a passive creature with no part to play in the affairs of the world. If this is so, why did Brahma create man at all?
40. To this also Vasettha had no answer.
41. His fourth argument was that if God is good then why do men become murderers, thieves, unchaste, liars, slanderers, abusive babblers, covetous, malicious and perverse ? The cause of this must be Ishwara. Is this possible with the existence of God who is good ?
42. His fifth argument was related to God being Omniscient, just and merciful.
43. " If there is a supreme creator who is just and merciful, why then does so much injustice prevail in the world?" asked the Blessed Lord. "He who has eyes can see the sickening sight ; why does not Brahma set his creatures right ? If his power is so wide that no limits can restrain, why is his hand so rarely spread to bless? Why are his creatures all condemned to suffering ? Why does he not give happiness to all ? "Why do fraud, lies and ignorance prevail? Why does falsehood triumph over truth ? Why does truth and justice fail ? I count your Brahma as one of the most unjust, who made a world only to shelter wrong.
44. " If there exists some Lord all-powerful to fulfil in every creature, bliss or woe, and action, good or ill, then that Lord is stained with sin. Either man does not work his will or God is not just and good or God is blind."
45. His next argument against the doctrine of God was that the discussion of this question about the existence of God was unprofitable.
46. According to him the centre of religion lay not in the relation of man to God. It lay in the relation between man and man. The purpose of religion is to teach man how he should behave towards other men so that all may be happy.
47. There was also another reason why the Blessed Lord was against belief in the existence of God.
48. He was against religious rites, ceremonies, and observances. He was against them because they were the home of superstition and superstition was the enemy of Samma Ditthi, the most important element in his Ashtangmarg.
49. To the Blessed Lord belief in God was the most dangerous thing. For belief in God gave rise to belief in the efficacy of worship and prayer and the efficacy of worship and prayer gave rise to the office of the priest and the priest was the evil genius who created all superstition and thereby destroyed the growth of Samma Ditthi.
50. Of these arguments against belief in the existence of God some were practical but the majority of them theological. The Blessed Lord knew that they were not fatal to the belief in the existence of God.
51. It must not, however, be supposed that he had no argument which was fatal. There was one which he advanced which is beyond doubt fatal to belief in God. This is contained in his doctrine of Patit Samutpad which is described as the doctrine of Dependent Origination.
52. According to this doctrine, the question whether God exists or does not exist is not the main question. Nor is the question whether God created the universe the real question. The real question is how did the creator create the world. The justification for the belief in God is a conclusion which follows from our answer to the question how was the world created.
53. The important question is : Did God create something out of nothing or did he create something out of something ?
54. It is impossible to believe that something could have been created out of nothing.
55. If the so-called God has created something out of something, then that something out of which something new was created has been in existence before he created anything. God cannot therefore be called the Creator of that something which has existed before him.
56. If something has been created by somebody out of something before God created anything then God cannot be said to be the Creator or the first Cause.
57. Such was his last but incontrovertible argument against belief in the existence of God.
58. Being false in premises, belief in God as the creator of the universe is Not—Dhamma. It is only belief in falsehood.
§ 3. Dhamma Based on Union with Brahma is a False Dhamma
1. When the Buddha was preaching his religion there was current a doctrine called Vedantism.
2. The tenets of this doctrine are few and simple.
3. Behind the universe there is omnipresent a common principle of life called Brahma or Brahman.
4. This Brahma is a reality.
5. The Atman or the individual soul is the same as Brahma.
6. Man's liberation lies in making Atman to be one with Brahma. This is the second principle.
7. This unity with Brahma the Atman can achieve by realising that it is the same as Brahman.
8. And the way to make the Atman realise that it is the same as Brahman is to give up Sansara.
9. This doctrine is called Vedantism.
10. The Buddha had no respect for the doctrine. He regarded it as based on false premises and producing nothing of value and, therefore, not worth having.
11. This he made clear in his discussion with two Brahmins, Bharadvaj and Vasettha.
12. The Buddha argued that there must be proof before one can accept a thing to be a reality.
13. There are two modes of proof, perception and inference.
14. The Buddha asked, "Has anybody perceived Brahma ; have you seen Brahma ; have you spoken to Brahma ; have you smelt Brahma ? "
15. Vasettha said, " No.
16. " The other mode of proof is inadequate to prove the existence of Brahma."
17. " From what is Brahma the inference of?" asked the Buddha. There again was no answer.
18. There are others who argue that a thing exists although it is invisible. So they say that Brahma exists although it is invisible. 19. In this bald statement it is an impossible position.
20. But for argument's sake let it be granted that a thing exists although it is invisible.
21. The best illustration of it is electricity. It exists although it is invisible.
22. This argument is not enough,
23. An invisible thing must show itself in some other form that is visible. Then alone it can be called real.
24. But if an invisible thing does not show itself in any visible form then it is not a reality.
25. We accept reality of electricity although it is invisible because of the results it produces.
26. Electricity produces light. From light we accept the reality of electricity although it is invisible.
27. What does this invisible Brahma produce? Does it produce any visible results ?
28. The answer is in the negative.
29. Another illustration may be given. In law too it is common to adopt as a basic concept a fiction— a proposition, the existence of which is not proved but which is assumed to be true.
30. And we all accept such a legal fiction.
31. But why is such a legal fiction accepted?
32. The reason is that a legal fiction is accepted because it gives a fruitful and just result.
33. " Brahma is a fiction. What fruitful result does it give?"
34. Vasettha and Bharadvaj were silent.
35. To drive the argument home he turned to Vasettha and asked " Have you seen Brahma ? "
36. "Is there a single one of the Brahmanas versed in three, Vedas who has ever seen Brahma face to face ? "
37. " No, indeed, Gautama."
38. " Is there a single one of the teachers of the Brahmanas versed in the three Vedas who have seen Brahma face to face?"
39. " No, indeed, Gautama."
40. "Is there, Vasettha, a single one of the Brahmanas upto the seventh generation who has seen Brahma face to face?"
41. "No, indeed, Gautama."
42. " Well then, Vasettha—did the ancient Rishis of the Brahmanas—did even they speak thus, saying : We know it, we have seen it, where Brahma is, whither Brahma is ? '
43. " Not so, Gautama."
44. The Buddha continued his questioning of the two Brahmin boys and said :
45. " Now what think you, Vasettha ? Does it not follow, this being so, that the talk of the Brahmanas about union with Brahma turns out to be foolish talk ?
46. " Just, Vasettha, as when a string of blind men are clinging one to the other, neither can the foremost see, nor can the middle one see, nor can the hindmost see—just even so, methinks, Vasettha, is the talk of the Brahmanas all but blind talk? The first sees not, the middle one sees not, nor can the last one. The talk of these Brahmanas turns out to be ridiculous, mere words, a vain and empty thing.
47. "Just, Vasettha, as if a man should, say, How I long for, how I love the most beautiful woman in this land.'
48. " And people should ask him, ' Well ! good friend ! This most beautiful woman in the land, whom you thus love and long for, do you know whether that beautiful woman is a noble lady or a Brahmin woman, or of the trader class, or a Sudra ? '
49. "But when so asked, he would answer: 'No.'
50. " And when people should ask him, ' Well ! good friend ! This most beautiful woman in all the land, whom you love and long for, do you know what the name of that most beautiful woman is, or what her family name, whether she be tall or short or of medium height, dark or brunette or golden in colour, or in what village or town or city she dwells ? ' But when so asked, he would answer : 'No. '
51. "Now what think you, Vasettha? Would it not turn out that being so, that the talk of that man was foolish talk ? "
52. " In sooth, Gautama, that would be so, " said the two Brahmins.
53. So Brahma is not real and any religion based upon it is useless.
§ 4. Belief in Soul is Not Dhumma
1. The Buddha said that religion based on soul is based on speculation.
2. Nobody has seen the soul or has conversed with the soul.
3. The soul is unknown and unseen.
4. The thing that exists is not the soul but the mind. Mind is different from the soul.
5. Belief in soul He said is unprofitable.
6. A religion based on soul is therefore not worth having.
7. It only ends in creating superstition.
8. The Buddha did not leave the question there. He discussed it in all its aspects.
9. Belief in the existence of soul is as common as the belief in the existence of God.
10. Belief in the existence of soul was also a part of the Brahmanic Religion.
II. In the Brahmanic Religion the soul is called Atma or Atman.
12. In the Brahmanic Religion, Atman is the name given to an entity which was held to be abiding separate from the body, but living inside the body constantly existing from the moment of his birth.
13. Belief in the soul included other beliefs, connected with it.
14. The soul does not die with the body. It takes birth in another body when it comes into being.
15. The body serves as an external clothing for the soul.
16. Did the Buddha believe in the soul? No. He did not. His doctrine about the soul is called An-atta, no soul.
17. Given a disembodied soul various questions arise : What is the soul ? Where did it come from ? What becomes of it on the death of the body ? Where does it go ? In what form does it exist " hereafter."
How long does it remain there ? These questions the Buddha tried to argue out with the upholders of the doctrine of the soul.
18. He first tried to show how vague was the idea about the soul by his usual method of cross examination.
19. He asked those who believed in the existence of the soul, what the soul was like in size arid in shape.
20. To Ananda he said the declarations concerning the soul are abounding. Some declare : " My soul has a form and it is minute." Others .declare the soul to have form and to be boundless and minute. Others declare it to be formless and boundless.
21. "In so many ways, Ananda, are declarations made concerning the soul."
22. " How is the soul conceived by those who believe in the soul?" was another question raised by the Buddha. Some say, "My soul is feeling." Others say, " Nay, my soul is not feeling, my soul is not sentient " ; or again : " Nay, my soul is not feeling, nor is it non-sentient ; my soul has feeling, it has the property of sentience." Under such aspects as these is the soul conceived.
23. The Buddha next asked those who believed in the existence of the soul as to the condition of the soul after the death of the body.
24. He also raised the question whether the soul was visible after the death of the body.
25. He found infinite number of vague statements.
26. Does the soul keep its form after the death of the body ? He found that there were eight different speculations.
27. Does the soul die with the body? There were innumerable speculations on this.
28. He also raised the question of the happiness or misery of the soul after the body is dead. Is the soul happy after the death of the body ? On this also the Recluses and Brahmins differed. Some said it was altogether miserable. Some said it was happy. Some said it. is both happy and miserable and some said it is neither happy nor miserable.
29. His answer to all these theories about the existence of the soul was the same which he gave to Cunda.
30. To Cunda he said : " Now, Cunda, to those recluses and Brahmins, who believe and profess any one of these views, I go and say this : ' Is this so, friends ? ' And if they reply: ' Yes. This alone is true, any other view is absurd.' I do not admit their claim. Why is this? Because persons hold different opinions on such questions. Nor do I consider this (or that) view on a level with my own, let alone higher."
31. Now the more important question is what were the arguments of the Buddha against the existence of the soul.
32. The general arguments he advanced in support of his denial of the soul were the same as those which he advanced in support of his denial of the existence of God.
33. He argued that the discussion of the existence of the soul is as unprofitable as the discussion of the existence of God.
34. He argued that the belief in the existence of the soul is as much against the cultivation of Samma Ditthi as the belief in the existence of God.
35. He argued that the belief in the existence of the soul is as much a source of superstition as the belief in God is. Indeed in his opinion the belief in the existence of a soul is far more dangerous than the belief in God. For not only does it create a priesthood, not only is it the origin of all superstition but it gives the priesthood complete control over man from birth to death.
36. Because of these general arguments it is said that the Buddha did not express any definite opinion on the existence of the soul. Others have said that he did not repudiate the theory of the existence of the soul. Others have said that he was always dodging the issue.
37. These statements are quite incorrect. For to Mahali he did tell in most positive terms that there is no such thing as a soul. That is why his theory of the soul is called Anatta, i.e'., non-soul.
38. Apart from the general arguments against the existence of the soul, the Buddha had a special argument against the existence of the soul which he regarded as fatal to the theory of the soul.
39. His theory against the existence of the soul as a separate entity is called Nama-Rupa.
40. The theory is the result of the application of the Vibhaja test, of sharp, rigorous analysis, of the constituent elements of Sentient being otherwise called Human Personality.
41. Nama-Rupa is a collective name for a Sentient Being.
42. According to the Buddha's analysis, a Sentient Being is a compound thing consisting of certain physical elements and certain mental elements. They are called Khandas.
43. The Rupa Khanda primarily consists of the physical elements such as earth, water, fire and air. They constitute the Body or Rupa.
44. Besides Rupa Khanda, there is such a thing as Nama Khanda which goes to make up a Sentient Being.
45. This Nama Khanda is called Vinana, or consciousness. This Nama Khanda includes the three mental elements : Vedana (sensation springing from contact of the six senses with the world), Sanna (perception); Sankhara (states of mind). Chetana (consciousness) is sometimes spoken of along with the three other mental states as being one of them. A modern psychologist would say that consciousness is the mainspring from which other psychological phenomena arise. Vinana is the centre of a sentient being.
46. Consciousness is result of the combination of the four elements, Prithi, Apa, Tej and Vayu.
47. An objection is raised to this theory of consciousness propounded by the Buddha.
48. Those who object to this theory ask, " How is, consciousness produced ? "
49. It is true. that consciousness arises with birth and dies with death. All the same, can it be said that consciousness is the result of the combination of the four elements ?
50. The Buddha's answer was not that the co-existence or aggregation of the physical elements produces consciousness. What the Buddha said was that wherever there was rupa or kaya there was consciousness accompanying it.
51. To give an analogy from science, there is an electric field and wherever there is an electric field it is always accompanied by a magnetic field. No one knows how the magnetic field is created or how it arises. But it always exists along with the electric field.
52. Why should not the same relationship be said to exist between body and consciousness?
53. The magnetic field in relation to the electric field is called an induced field. Why cannot consciousness be called an induced field in relation to Rupa-Kaya.
54.' The Buddha's argument against the soul is not yet complete. He had further to say something of importance.
55. Once consciousness arises man becomes a sentient being. Consciousness is, therefore, the chief thing in man's life.
56. Consciousness is cognitive, emotional and volitional.
57. Consciousness is cognitive when it gives knowledge, information, as appreciating or apprehending, whether it be appreciation of internal facts or of external things and events.
58. Consciousness is emotional when it exists in certain subjective states, characterised by either pleasurable or painful tones, when emotional consciousness produces feeling.
59. Consciousness in its volitional stage makes a being exert himself for the attainment of some end. Volitional consciousness gives rise to what we call will or activity.
60. It is thus clear that all the functions of a sentient being are performed by the sentient being through and as a result of consciousness.
61. After this analysis the Buddha asked what in are the functions which are left to be performed by the soul? All functions assigned to the soul are performed by consciousness.
62. A soul without any function is an absurdity.
63. This is how the Buddha disproved the existence of the soul.
64. That is why. the existence of the soul cannot be a part of Dhamma.
§ 5. Belief in Sacrifices is Not—Dhamma
(i)
1. The Brahmanic religion was based upon sacrifices.
2. Some sacrifices were classified as Nittya and other sacrifices were classified as Naimitik.
3. The Nittya sacrifices were obligations and had to be performed whether one got any fruit therefrom or not.
4. The Naimittitik sacrifices were performed when the performer wanted to gain something by way of worldly advantage.
5. The Brahmanic sacrifices involved drinking, killing animals and merry-making.
6. Yet these sacrifices were held as religious observances.
7. The Buddha declined to regard a religion based on sacrifices as worth having.
8. He has given his reasons to many a Brahmin who went to have a controversy with him as to why sacrifices were not part of religion.
9. It is reported that there were three Brahmins who had a controversy with him on the subject.
10. They were Kutadarita, Ujjaya and the third was Udayin.
11. Kutadanta the Brahmin requested the Blessed One to tell him what he thought about the value of a sacrifice.
12. The Blessed One said: " Well then, 0 Brahmin, give ear and listen attentively and I will speak."
13. " Very well, sir, " said Kutadanta in reply ; and the Blessed One spoke as follows :
14. " Long ago, 0 Brahmin, there was a king by name Maha Vigeta, mighty, with great wealth and large property; with stores of silver and gold, of aids to enjoyment, of goods and corn ; with his treasure-houses and his garners full.
15. "Now when King Maha Vigeta was once sitting alone in meditation he became anxious at the thought: ' I have in abundance all the good things a mortal can enjoy. The whole wide circle of the earth is mine by conquest to possess. It were well if I were to offer a great sacrifice that should ensure me weal and welfare for many days.'
16. " Thereupon the Brahmin who was chaplain said to the king : ' The king's country, sire, is harassed and harried. There are dacoits abroad who pillage the villages and townships and who make the roads unsafe. Were the king, so long as that is so, to levy a fresh tax, verily his majesty would acting wrongly.
17. " ' But perchance his majesty might think : 'I'll soon put a stop to these scoundrels' game by degradation and banishment, and fines and bonds and death ! ' But their licence cannot be satisfactorily put a stop to. The remnant left unpunished would still go on harassing the realm.
18. " ' Now there is one method to adopt to put a thorough end to this order. Whosoever there be in the king's realm who devote themselves to keeping cattle and the farm, to them let His Majesty the King give food and seed-corn. Whosoever there be in the king's realm who devote themselves to trade, to them let His Majesty the King give capital. Whosoever there be in the king's realm who devote themselves to government service, to them let His Majesty the King give wages and food.
19. '' ' Then those men, following each his own business, will no longer harass the realm; the king's revenue will go up; the country will be quiet and at peace.; and the populace, pleased one with another and happy, dancing their children in their arms, will dwell with open doors without fear.'
20. "Then King Maha Vigeta, 0 Brahmin, accepted the word of his chaplain, and did as he had said. And those men, following each his business, harassed the realm no more. And the king's revenue went up. And the country became quiet and at peace. And the populace, pleased one with another and happy, dancing their children in their arms, dwelt with open doors.
21. " When peace and order was restored. King Maha Vigeta had hischaplain called again and said : * The disorder is at an end. The country is at peace. I want to offer that great sacrifice—let the Venerable One instruct me how—for my weal and my welfare for many days.'
22. " The chaplain, replying to the king, said, * Be it so. Let His Majesty the King send invitations to those in the town and the country in his realm who are Kshatriyas, vassals of his; who are ministers and officials of his or who are Brahmins of position, or who are householders of substance, saying: ' I intend to offer a great sacrifice. Let the Venerable Ones give their sanction to what will be to me for weal and welfare for many days.'
23. "Then the king, 0 Brahmin Kutadanta, accepted the word of his chaplain, and did as he had said. And they each—Kshatriya and Ministers and Brahmins and householders—made a like reply: ' Let His Majesty the King celebrate the sacrifice. The time is suitable, 0 King ! '
24. " King Vigeta was wise and gifted in many ways. And his chaplain was equally wise and gifted.
25. " The chaplain, 0 Brahmin, before the sacrifice had begun, explained to the king what it would involve.
26. ' ' Should His Majesty the King, before starting on the great sacrifice or whilst he is offering the great sacrifice, or when the great sacrifice has been offered, feel any such regret as : ' Great alas, has been the portion of my wealth used up herein,' let not the king harbour such regret,
27. "And further, 0 Brahmin, the chaplain, before the sacrifice had begun, in order to prevent any compunction that might afterwards arise as regards those who had taken part therein, said: ' Now there will come to your sacrifice, sire, men who destroy the life of living things, and men who refrain therefrom— men who take what has not been given, and men who refrain therefrom, men who act evilly in respect of lusts, and men who refrain therefrom, men who speak lies, and men who do not, men who slander, and men who do not, men who speak rudely, and men who do not, men who chatter vain things and men who refrain therefrom, men who covet, and men who covet not, men who harbour ill will and men who harbour it not, men whose views are Wrong, and men whose views are right. Of each of these let them, who do evil, alone with their evil. For them who do well let Your Majesty offer, for them, sire, arrange the rites, them let the king gratify, in them shall your heart within find peace.'
28. " And further, 0 Brahmin, at that sacrifice neither were any oxen slain, neither goats, nor fowls, nor fatted pigs, nor were any kinds of living creatures put to death. No trees were cut down to be used as posts, no Dabbha grasses mown to strew around the sacrificial spot. And the slaves and messengers and workmen there employed were driven neither by rods nor fear, nor carried on their work weeping with tears upon their faces. Whose chose to help, he worked who so chose not to help, worked not. What each chose to do, he did; what they chose not to do, that was left undone. With ghee, and oil and butter, and milk and honey, and sugar only was that sacrifice accomplished.
29. " Let your sacrifice be such as that of King Vigeta if you at all wish to perform any sacrifice. Sacrifices are a waste. Animal sacrifices are cruelties. Sacrifices cannot be part of religion. It is a worst form of religion which says you can go to heaven by killing an animal."
30. I was inclined to ask " Is there, 0 Gautama, any other sacrifice with more fruit and more advantage than killing animals ? "
31. " Yes, 0 Brahmin, there is."
32. " And what, 0 Gautama, may that be ? "
33. "When a man with trusting heart takes upon himself the precepts—abstinence from destroying life; abstinence from taking what has not been given; abstinence from evil conduct in respect of lusts; abstinence from lying words; abstinence from strong, intoxicating, maddening drinks, the root of carelessness that is a sacrifice better than open largesse, better than perpetual alms, better than the gift of dwelling places, better than accepting guidance."
34. And when he had thus spoken, Kutadanta the Brahmin said to the Blessed One: " Most excellent, 0 Gautama, are the words of thy mouth, most excellent. "
(ii)
1. Now the Brahmin Ujjaya said this to the Exalted One:
2. "Pray does the worthy Gautama praise sacrifice?"
3. " No Brahmin, I do not praise every sacrifice. Yet I would not withhold praise from every sacrifice. In whatever sacrifice. Brahmin, cows are slaughtered, goats and sheep are slaughtered, poultry and pigs are slaughtered and divers living creatures come to destruction—such sacrifice. Brahmin, which involves butchery, I do not praise." " Why so ? "
4. " To such a sacrifice. Brahmin, involving butchery, neither the worthy ones nor those who have entered on the worthy way draw near.
5. " But in whatever sacrifice. Brahmin, cows are not slaughtered—and living creatures come not to destruction, such sacrifice not involving butchery,
I do praise; such as, for instance, a long-established charity, an oblation for the welfare of the family."
6. "Why so?" "Because, Brahmin, the worthy ones, those who have entered on the worthy way, do draw near to such- a sacrifice which involves not butchery."
(iii)
1. The Brahmin Udayin asked the same question to the Exalted One as was asked by the Brahmin Ujjaya:
2. "Pray, does the worthy Gautama praise sacrifice ? " The Buddha gave the same answer which he gave to Ujjaya. 3. He said:
" Fit sacrifice performed in season due And free from cruelty, to such draw near Those well trained in the God-life, even those Who have the veil rolled back while (yet on earth), Who have transcended time and going. Such do the enlightened praise,' those skilled in merit, " Whether in sacrifice or act of faith, Oblation fitly made with heart devout To that good field of Merit,—those who live . The Good—life, sacrificed, conferred,—so given Lavish the offering; devas therewith are pleased, Thus offering, the thoughtful, thereby becoming wise, Wins the blissful world from suffering free"
§6. Belief Based on Speculation is Not—Dhamma
(i)
1. It was usual to ask such questions as (1) Was I in ages past ? (2) Was I not in ages past ? (3) What was I then ? (4) From what did I pass to what? (5) Shall I be in ages to come? (6) Shall I not be in ages to come? (7) What shall I then be? (8) How shall I then be ? (9) From what shall I pass to what? Or, again, it is Self today about which he is in doubt, asking himself—(1) Am I? (2) Am I not? (3) What am 1? (4) How am I? (5) Whence came my being ? (6) Whither will it pass ? "
2. As regards the Universe various questions were raised. Some of them were as follows -
3. " How was the Universe created ? Is it everlasting ? "
4. In answer to the first question some said everything was created by Brahma—others said it was created by Prajapati.
5. In answer to the second question some said it was everlasting. Others said it was not. Some said it was finite. Others said. it was infinite.
6. These questions the Buddha refused to entertain. He said that they could only be asked and entertained by wrong-headed people. –
7. To answer these questions required omniscience which nobody had.
8. He said that he was not omniscient enough to answer these questions. No one could claim to know all that is to be known nor what we wish to know at any time is known at the time. There is always something that is unknown.
9. It is for these reasons that the Buddha excluded such doctrines from his religion.
10. He regarded a religion which made such doctrines a part of it as a religion not worth having.
(ii)
1. The doctrines with which the contemporaries of the Buddha had made the basis of their religion were concerned with (1) Self; and (2) the origin of the Universe.
2. They raised certain questions about the self. They asked : "(1) Was I in ages past? (2) Was I not in ages past ? (3) What was I then ? (4) From what did I pass to what ? (5) Shall I be in ages to come ? (6) Shall I not be in ages to come ? (7) What shall I then be ? (8) How. .shall I then be ? (9) From what shall I pass to what ? Or, again, it is Self today about which he is in doubt, asking himself—(1) Am I ? (2) Am I not? (3) What am 1, (4) How am 1, (5) Whence came my being ? (6) Whither will it pass ? "
3. Others raised the question regarding the origin of the Universe.
4. Some said it was created by Brahma.
5. Others said it was .created by Prajapati sacrificing himself.
6. Other teachers had other questions to raise : "The world is everlasting,—the world is not everlasting—the world is finite,—the world is infinite, the body is the life (jiva),—the body is the one thing and the life another,.—truth-finder exists after death,—a truth-finder does not exist after death,—he both exists and does not exist after death,—he neither exists nor does not exist after death."
7. These were questions which the Buddha said could be asked by wrong-headed persons.
8. There were three reasons why the Buddha condemned these religious theories.
9. In the first place, there was no reason to make them part of religion. '
10. In the second place, to answer these questions required omniscience which nobody had. He emphasised this in his addresses.
11. He said that at one and the same time, no one can know and see everything. Knowledge is never final. There is always something more to be known.
12. The third argument against these theories was that they were merely speculative. They are not verified nor are they verifiable.
13. They were the result of imagination let .loose. There was no reality behind them.
14. Besides of what good were these speculative theories to man in his relation to men? None whatever.
15. The Buddha did not believe that the world was created. He believed that the world had evolved.
§ 7. Reading Books of Dhamma is Not— Dhamma
1. The Brahmins put all their emphasis upon knowledge. They taught that knowledge was the be-all and end-all of every thing. Nothing further was to be considered.
2. The Buddha was on the other hand an upholder of education for all. Besides, he was more concerned with the use of knowledge a man is likely to make than with knowledge itself.
3. Consequently he was very particular to emphasise that he who has knowledge must have Sila (Virtue) and that knowledge without Sila (Virtue) was most dangerous.
4. The importance of Sila as against Prajna is well illustrated by what he told the Bhikku Patisena.
5. In olden times when Buddha was residing at Sravasti, there was an old mendicant called Patisena who being by nature cross and dull, could not learn so much as one Gatha by heart.
6. The Buddha accordingly ordered 500 Arahatas day by day to instruct him, but after three years he still was unable to remember even one Gatha.
7. Then all the peoples of the country (the four orders of people) knowing his ignorance, began to ridicule him, on which the Buddha, pitying his case, called him to his side, and gently repeated the following stanza : " He who guards his mouth, and restrains his thoughts, he who offends not with his body, the man who acts thus shall obtain deliverance."
8. Then Patisena, moved by a sense of the Master's goodness to him, felt his heart opened, and once he repeated the stanza.
9. The Buddha then addressed him further— " You now, an old man, can repeat a stanza only, and men know this, and they will still ridicule you, therefore, I will now explain the meaning of the verse to you, and do you on your part attentively listen."
10. Then the Buddha declared the three causes connected with the body, the four connected with the mouth, and the three connected with the thoughts, by destroying which men might obtain deliverance, on which the mendicant, fully realizing the truth thus explained, obtained the condition of an Arahat.
11. Now, at this time, there were 500 Bhikkhunis dwelling in their Vihara, who sent one of their number to the Buddha to request him to send them a priest to instruct them in the Dhamma.
12. On hearing their request the Buddha desired the old mendicant Patisena to go to them for this purpose.
13. On knowing that this arrangement had been made, all the nuns began to laugh together, and agreed on the morrow, when he came, to say the Gatha wrong (backward), and so confuse the old man and put him to shame.
14. Then on the morrow when he came, all the Bhikkhunis, great and small, went forth to salute him and as they did so, they looked at one another and smiled.
15. Then sitting down, they offered him food. Having eaten and washed his hands, they then begged him to begin his sermon. On which the aged mendicant ascended the elevated seat, and sitting down, began:
16. " Sisters! My talent is small, my learning is very little. I know only one Gatha, but I will repeat that and explain its meaning. Do you listen with attention and understand."
17. Then all the young nuns began to attempt to say the Gatha backwards; but lo! they could not open their mouths ; and filled with shame, they hung down their heads in sorrow.
18. Then Patisena having repeated the Gatha, began to explain it, as the Buddha instructed him.
19. Then all the Bhikkhunis hearing his words, were filled with surprise, and rejoicing to hear such instruction, with one heart they received it, and became Arahatas.
20. On the day after this, the King Prasenjit invited the Buddha and the whole congregation of priests to assemble at his palace to partake of hospitality.
21. The Buddha therefore recognizing the superior and revered appearance of Patisena, desired him to bear his alms-dish and follow him as he went.
22. But when they came to the palace gate, the porter, knowing his character (antecedents), would not let him go into the hall, saying: "We have no hospitality for a priest who knows but one Gatha ; there is no room for such common fellows as you— make place for your betters and begone."
23. Patisena accordingly sat down outside the door.
24. The Buddha now ascended the dais, after having washed his hands, and to the arm of Patisena, with the alms-dish in its hand, entered the room.
25. Then the king, the ministers, and all the assembly seeing this sight, were filled with astonishment, and said, " Ah ! Who is this ? "
26. On which the Buddha replied, " It is Patisena, the mendicant. He has but just obtained enlightenment, and I desired him to bear my alms-dish behind me; but the porter has refused him admission."
27. On this he was admitted and entered the assembly.
28. Then Prasenjit, turning, to Buddha, said : " I hear that this Patisena is a man of small ability, and knows only one Gatha, how, then, has he obtained the supreme wisdom ?"
• 29. To which Buddha replied : " Learning need not be much, conduct (Sila) is the first thing.
30. "This, Patisena, has allowed the secret virtue of the words of this one Gatha to penetrate his spirit ; his body, mouth, and thoughts have obtained perfect quietude; for though a man knows ever so much, if his knowledge reaches not to his life, to deliver him from the power which leads to destruction, what benefit can all his learning be ? "
31, Then the Buddha . " Although a man repeats a thousand stanzas (sections), but understands not the meaning of the lines he repeats, his performance is not equal to the repetition of one sentence well understood, which is able when heard to control thought. To repeat a thousand words without understanding, what profit is there in this? But to understand one truth, and hearing it, to act accordingly, this is to find deliverance.
33. " A man may be able to repeat many books but if he cannot explain them what profit is there in this ? But to explain one sentence of the law and to walk accordingly, this is the way to find supreme wisdom."
34. On hearing these words, the two hundred bhikkhus, the king and his ministers were filled with joy.
§ 8. Belief in the infallibility of Books of Dhamma is Not— Dhamma
1. The Brahmins had declared that the Vedas were not only sacred but in point of authority they were final.
2. Not only were the Vedas declared by the Brahmins to be final but they were declared by them to be infallible.
3. The Buddha was totally opposed to the Brahmins on this point.
4. He denied that the Vedas were sacred. He denied that whatever the Vedas said was final. He denied that the Vedas were infallible.
5. There were many teachers who had taken the same position as he had done. However, later on they or their followers all gave in order to win respect and goodwill from the Brahmins for their systems of philosophy. But the Buddha never yielded on this issue.
6. In the Tvijja Sutta the Buddha declared that the Vedas were a waterless desert, a pathless jungle, in fact perdition. No man with intellectual and moral thirst can go to the Vedas and hope to satisfy his thirst.
7. As to infallibility of the Vedas, he said nothing is infallible, not even the Vedas. Everything, he said, must be subject to examination and re-examination.
8. This he made clear in his sermon to the Kalamas.
9. Once the Blessed One, while passing through the land of the Kosalas accompanied by a large following of disciples, came to the town of Kesaputta which .was inhabited by the Kalamas.
10. When the Kalamas came to know of his arrival they betook themselves thither where the Blessed One was and sat down on one side. So seated, the Kalamas of Kesaputta spoke thus to the Blessed One :
11. " There are. Lord, some ascetics and recluses who come to Kesaputta and who elucidate and exalt their own views, but they break up, crush down, revile and oppose the views of others. And there be other ascetics and recluses. Lord, who come to Kesaputta, and they too expound and magnify their own beliefs, but destroy, suppress, despise and set themselves against the beliefs of others.
12. "And so. Lord, we are in uncertainty and doubt, knowing not which among these venerable ascetics speaks truth and which falsehood."
13. " Good cause, indeed, have you Kalamas to be uncertain ; good cause have you to doubt," said the Blessed One. "Truly, upon just occasion has uncertainty and doubt arisen in you."
14. " Come, 0 you Kalamas," continued the Lord, " do not go merely by what you hear ; do not go merely by what has been handed down from one to another ; do not go by what is commonly reported ; do not go merely by what is found written in the scriptures ; do not go by subtleties of reasoning, do not go by subtleties of logic ; do not go merely by considerations based upon mere appearances ; do not go merely by agreeable beliefs and views ; do not go merely by what looks to be genuine ; do not go merely by word of some ascetic or superior."
15. "What, then, should we do? What test should we apply?" asked the Kalamas.
16. "The tests are these," replied the Blessed One; " ask. yourselves, do we know whether : ' These things are insalutary ; these things are blameworthy ; these things are reprehended by the wise ; these things being done or attempted lead to ill-being and to suffering.' '
17. " Kalamas, you should go further and ask whether the doctrine taught promotes craving, hatred, delusion, and violence.
18. "This is not enough, Kalamas, you should go further and see whether the doctrine is not likely to make a man captive of his passions, and is not likely to lead him to kill living creatures ; take what has not been given to him ; go after another's wife ; utter falsehood, and cause others to practise like deeds ?
19. " And finally you should ask : ' Whether all this does not tend to his ill-being and suffering.'
20. " Now, Kalamas, what think you ?
21. "Do these things tend to man's ill-being or well-being ? "
22. -"To his ill-being, Lord," replied the Kalamas.
23. " What think you, Kalamas,—are these things salutary or insalutary ? "
24. "They are insalutary. Lord."
25. "Are these things blameworthy?"
26. " Blameworthy, Lord," replied the Kalamas.
27. " Reprehended by the wise or approved by the wise?"
28. " Reprehended by the wise," replied the Kalamas.
29. " Being done or attempted, do they lead to ill-being and to suffering ? "
30. " Done or attempted, Lord, they lead to ill-being and to suffering."
31. "A scripture which teaches this cannot be accepted as final or infallible ? "
32. " No, Lord," said the Kalamas.
33. " But this, 0 Kalamas, is just what I have said. What I have said is " do not go merely by what you hear; do not go merely by what has been handed down from one to another; do not go merely by subtleties of reasoning; do not go by subtleties of logic ; do not go by considerations based upon mere appearances ; do not go merely by agreeable beliefs and views ; do not go merely by the word of some ascetic or superior.
34. " Only when of yourselves you indeed know : These things are insalutary ; these things are blameworthy ; these things are reprehended by the wise ; these things being done or attempted lead to ill-being and to suffering '—then, Kalamas, you should put them away."
35. " Wonderful, Lord, most wonderful! We go to Lord, the Blessed One, for refuge, and to his Teachings. As followers. Lord, may the Blessed One accept us, from this day henceforth long as life shall last, we take our refuge in you."
36. The substance of the argument is plain. Before you accept anybody's teachings as authoritative, do not go by the fact that it is contained in the scriptures, do not go by the subtleties of logic ; do not go by considerations based upon mere appearances; do not go merely by the fact that beliefs and views preached are agreeable ; do not go merely because they look to be genuine; do not go merely by the fact that the beliefs and views are those of some ascetic or superior.
37. But consider whether the beliefs and views sought to be inculcated are salutary or insalutary, blameworthy or blameless, lead to well-being or ill-being.
38. It is only on these grounds that one can accept the teachings of anybody.
PART V : WHAT IS SADDHAMMA
Section I—The Functions of Saddhamma.
1. To cleanse the Mind of its impurities.
2. To make the world a Kingdom of Righteousness.
Section II—Dhamma to be Saddhamma must promote Pradnya.
1. . Dhamma is Saddhamma when it makes learning open to all.
2. Dhammaris Saddhamma when it teaches that mere learning is not enough. It may lead to pedantry.
3. Dhamma is Saddhamma when it teaches that what is needed is Pradnya.
Section III—Dhamma lo be Saddhamma must promote Maitri.
1. Dhamma is Saddhamma only when it teaches that mere Pradnya is not enough. It must be accompanied by Sila.
2. Dhamma is Saddhamma only when it teaches that besides Pradnya and Sila what is necessary is Karuna.
3. Dhamma is Saddhamma only when it teaches that more than Karuna what is necessary is Maitri.
Section IV—Dhamma lo be Saddhamma must pull down all social barriers.
1. Dhamma to be Saddhamma must break down barriers between man and man.
2. Dhamma to be Saddhamma must teach that worth and not birth is the measure of man.
3. Dhamma to be Saddhamma must promote equality between man and man.
THE FUNCTIONS OF SADDHAMMA
§ 1. To Cleanse the Mind of its Impurities
1. Once when the .Blessed Lord was residing at Shravasti, Prasenjit,the king of the Kosalas, came to the place where he was staying and descending from his chariot, approached the Teacher with the deepest reverence.
2. And invited him on the morrow to enter the city and partake of his hospitality, with a view to exhibit to the people the excellence of his person and doctrine, that they might believe in him.
3. The Buddha having consented, on the morrow entered the city with all his disciples, and having passed through the four cross streets of the town, he came to the place appointed and sat down.
4. After finishing the meal, he began, on the request of the king, to preach in the midst of the four highways, whilst his auditors were very many.
5. At this time there were two merchants listening to him.
6. One of them reflected, " What excellent wisdom on the part of the king to have such doctrines as these publicly preached! How wide their application, how searching their character ! "
7. The other reflected thus, " What folly is this on the part of the king, bringing this man here to preach!
8. "Like the calf that follows the cow, here and there, fastened to a vehicle she draws, by eating as it goes, so is- this Buddha following the king." The two merchants having departed from the city came to an inn where they put up.
9. In taking some wine the good merchant was restrained and protected by the four guardian spirits that watch over the world.
10. The other on the contrary was incited by an evil spirit to drink on, till he was overpowered by sleep, and lay down in the road near the inn.
11. Early in the morning, the merchants' wagons leaving the place, the drivers not perceiving the man lying in the road, crushed him to death by the wagon wheels.
12. The other merchant, having come to a distant country, was selected by the genuflection of a sacred horse to succeed the king ; and he accordingly was appointed to the throne.
13. After this, considering the strange turn, events had taken, he returned and invited the Buddha to visit him, and preach to his people.
14. On which occasion the World-honoured One declared the reason of the death of the evil-minded merchant, and the prosperity of him who thought wisely, and then added these lines :
15. " The mind is the origin of all this is; the mind is .the master, the mind is the cause.
16. " /f in the midst of the mind there are evil thoughts, then the words are evil, the deeds are evil, and the sorrow which results from sin follows that man, as the chariot wheel follows him (or it) who draws it,
17. " The mind is the origin of all that is ; it is the mind that commands, it is the mind that contrives.
18. " If in the mind there are good thoughts, then the words are good and the deeds good, and the happiness which results from such conduct follows that man, as the shadow accompanies the substance."
19. On hearing these words, the king and his ministers, with countless others, were converted, and became disciples.
§ 2. To Make the World a Kingdom of Righteousness
1. What is the purpose of Religion ?
2. Different religions have given different answers.
3. To make man seek after God and to teach him the importance of saving his soul is the commonest answer one gets to this question.
4. Most religions speak of three kingdoms.
5. One is called the kingdom of heaven. The second is called the kingdom of earth and the third is called the kingdom of hell.
6. This kingdom of heaven is said to be ruled by God. The kingdom of hell is described to be a place where the supremacy of the Evil One is undisputed. The kingdom of earth is a disputed field. It is not under the dominance of the Evil One. At the same time God's sovereignty does not extend to it. It is hoped that one day it will.
7. In some religions the kingdom of heaven is said to be a kingdom in which Righteousness prevails no doubt because it is directly ruled by God.
8. In other religions the kingdom of heaven is not on earth. It is another name for heaven. It can be reached by one who believes in God and his Prophet. When he reaches heaven all the carnal pleasures of life are placed within the reach of all those who are faithful.
9. All religions preach that to reach this kingdom of heaven should be the aim of man and how to reach it is the end of all.
10. To the question " What is the purpose of religion ? " the Buddha's answer is very different.
11. He did not tell people that their aim in life should be to reach some imaginary heaven. The kingdom of righteousness lies on earth and is to be reached by man by righteous conduct.
12. What he did was to tell people that to remove their misery each one must learn to be righteous in his conduct in relation to others and thereby make the earth the kingdom of righteousness.
13. It is this which distinguishes his religion from all other religions.
14. His religion emphasizes Panch Sila, the Ashtanga Marga and the Paramitas.
15. Why did the Buddha make them the basis of his religion ? Because they constitute a way of life which alone can make man righteous.
16. Man's misery is the result of man's inequity to man.
17. Only righteousness can remove this inequity and the resultant misery.
18. That is why he said that religion must not only preach but must inculcate upon the mind of man the supreme necessity for being righteous in his conduct
19. For the purpose of inculcating righteousness religion, he said, had certain other functions to undertake.
20. Religion must teach man to know what is right and to follow what is right.
21. Religion must 'teach man to know what is wrong and not to follow what is wrong.
22. Besides these purposes of religion he emphasised two other purposes which he regarded as of supreme importance.
23. The first is training of man's instincts and dispositions as distinguished from offering prayers or performing observances or doing sacrifices.
24. This the Buddha has made clear in his exposition of Jainism in the Devadaha Sutta.
25. What Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, affirmed was that whatsoever the individual experiences—be it pleasant or unpleasant, all comes from acts done in former births.
26. That being so, by expiration and purge of former misdeeds and by not committing fresh misdeeds, • nothing accrues for the future: as nothing accrues for the future, the misdeeds die away; as misdeeds die away, misery dies away : as misery dies away, feelings die away : and as feelings die away, all misery will wear out and pass.
27. This is what Jainism affirmed,
28. On this the Buddha asked this question: "Do you know that, here and now, wrong dispositions have been got rid of and right dispositions acquired?"
29. The answer was " No."
30. " What is the use," asked the. Buddha, " of a purge for former misdeeds, what is the use of not committing fresh misdeeds, if there is no training of the mind to turn bad disposition into good disposition."
31. This was in his opinion a very serious defect in religion. A good disposition is the only permanent foundation of and guarantee of permanent goodness.
32. That is why the Buddha gave the first place to the training of the mind which is the same as the training of a man's disposition.
33. The second thing to which he gave great importance is courage to stand by what is right even if one is alone.
34. In the Sallekha-Sutta the Buddha has emphasised this point.
35. This is what he has said :
36. "You are to expunge by resolving that, though others may be harmful, you will be harmless.
37. " That though others may kill, you will never kill.
38. "That though others may steal, you will not.
39. "That though others may not lead the higher life, you will.
40. "That though others may lie, traduce, denounce, or prattle, you will
41. " That though others may be covetous, you will covet not.
42. "That though others may be malignant, you will not be malignant.
43. "That though others may be given over to wrong views, wrong aims, wrong speech, wrong actions, and wrong concentration, you must follow (the Noble Eightfold Path in) right outlook, right aims, right speech, right actions, right mode of livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
44. "That though others are wrong about the truth and wrong about Deliverance, you will be right about truth and right about Deliverance.
45. " That though others may be possessed by sloth and torpor, you will free yourselves therefrom.
46. "That though others may be puffed up. you will be humble-minded.
47. "That though others may be perplexed by doubts, you will be free from them.
48. " That though others may harbour wrath, malevolence, envy, jealousy, niggardliness, avarice, hypocrisy, deceit, imperviousness, arrogance, forwardness, association with bad friends, slackness, unbelief, shamelessness, unscrupulousness, lack of instruction, inertness, bewilderment, and unwisdom, you will be the reverse of all these things.
49. "That though others may clutch at and hug the temporal nor loose their hold thereon, you will clutch and hug the things that are not temporal, and will ensue Renunciation.
50. " I say it is the development of the will which is so efficacious for right states of consciousness, not to speak of act and speech. And therefore, Cunda, there must be developed the will to all the foregoing resolves I have detailed." 51. Such is the purpose of religion as conceived by the Buddha.
SECTION II
DHAMMA TO BE SADDHAMMA MUST PROMOTE PRADNYA
§ 1. Dhamma is Saddhamma when it Makes Learning Open to All
1. The Brahminic doctrine was that acquisition of knowledge cannot be thrown open to all. It must necessarily be limited to a few.
2. They permitted acquisition of knowledge only to the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. But it was only to the male sex of these three classes.
3. All women, no matter whether they belonged to the Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishyas, and all Shudras, both males and females, were prohibited from acquiring knowledge, even from acquiring literacy.
4. The Buddha raised a revolt against this atrocious doctrine of the Brahmins.
5. He preached that the road to knowledge must be open to all—to males as well as to females.
6. Many Brahmins tried to controvert his views. His controversy with the Brahmin Lohikka throws great light on ,his views.
7. The Exalted One, when once passing on a tour through the Kosala districts with a multitude of the members of the Order, arrived at Salavatika, a village surrounded by a row of sala trees.
8. Now at the time, Lohikka the Brahmin was living at Salavatika, a spot teeming with life, with much grassland and woodland and corn, on a royal domain granted him by King Pasenadi of Kosala, as a royal gift, with power over it as if he were the king.
9. Lohikka the Brahmin was of opinion that if a Samana or a Brahmana acquired knowledge, he should not communicate it to the women or to the Shudras.
10. Then the Brahmin Lohikka heard that the Blessed Lord was staying in Salavatika.
11. Having heard of this he said to Bhesika the barber : " Come now, good Bhesika, go where the Samana Gotama is staying, and, on your arrival, ask in my name as to whether his sickness and indisposition has abated, as to his health and vigour and condition of ease ; and speak thus : " May" the venerable Gotama, and with him the brethren of the Order, accept tomorrow's meal from Lohikka the Brahmin."
12. "Very well, sir," said the barber.
13. Acquiescing in the word of Lohikka the Brahmi'i, he did so even as he had been enjoined. And the Exalted One consented, by silence, to his request.
14. Early next morning, the Exalted One went robed, and carrying his bowl with him, with the brethren of the Order, towards Salavatika.
15. Bhesika, the barber, who had been sent by Lohikka to fetch the Blessed One, walked step by step, behind the Exalted One. On the way he told the Blessed One that Lohikka the Brahmin held the wicked opinion that a Samana or a Brahmana shall not communicate any knowledge or learning to women and the Shudras.
16. " That may well be, Bhesika, that may well be," replied the Blessed One.
17. And the Exalted One went on to the dwelling place of Lohikka the Brahmin, and sat down on the seat prepared for him.
18. And Lohikka the Brahmin served the Order, with the Buddha at its head, with his own hand, with sweet food both hard and soft, until they refused any more.
19. And when the Exalted One had finished his meal, and had cleansed the bowl and his hands, Lohikka the Brahmin, brought a low seat and sat down beside him.
20. And to him, thus seated, the Exalted One said : " Is it true, what they say, Lohikka, that you hold the view that a Samana or a Brahmana should not communicate any knowledge or learning to women and Shudras,? "
21. "That is so, Gotama," replied Lohikka.
22. " Now what think you, Lohikka? Are you not established at Salavatika ? " " Yes, that is so, Gotama."
23. "Then suppose, Lohikka, one were to speak thus: ' Lohikka the Brahmin has a domain at Salavatika. Let him alone enjoy all the revenue and all the produce of Salavatika, allowing nothing to anybody else!' Would the utterer of that speech be a danger-maker as touching the men who live in dependence upon you or not ? "
24. " He would be a danger-maker, Gotama."
25. " And making that danger, would he be regarded as a person who sympathised with their welfare?"
26. " No. He would not be considering their welfare, Gotama," replied Lohikka.
27. " And not considering their welfare, would his heart stand fast in love towards them or in enmity ? "
28. " In enmity, Gotama."
29. " But when one's heart stands fast in enmity, is that unsound doctrine, or sound ? "
30. " It is an unsound doctrine, Gotama."
31. "Now what think you, Lohikka? Is not King Pasenadi of Kosala in possession of Kasi and Kosala?"
32. " Yes, that is so, Gotama."
33. " Then suppose, Lohikka, one were to speak thus : ' King Pasenadi of Kosala is in possession of Kasi and Kosala. Let him enjoy all the revenue and all the produce of Kasi and Kosala, allowing nothing to anybody else.' Would the utterer of that speech be a danger-maker as touching the men who live in dependence on King Pasenadi of Kosala—both you yourself and others—or not ? "
34. " He would be a danger-maker, Gotama."
35. " And making that danger, would he be a person who sympathised with their welfare ? "
36. " He would not be considering their welfare, Gotama."
37. " And not considering their welfare, would his heart stand fast in love towards them, or in enmity ?"
38. " In enmity, Gotama."
39. " But when one's heart stands fast in enmity, is that unsound doctrine, or sound?"
40. " It is an unsound doctrine, Gotama."
41. " So then, Lohikka, you admit that he who should say that you, being in occupation of Salavatika, should therefore yourself enjoy all the revenue and produce thereof, bestowing nothing on anyone else ; and he who should say that King Pasenadi of Kosala, being in power over Kasi and Kosala, should therefore himself enjoy all the produce thereof, bestowing nothing on anyone else, would be making danger for those living in dependence on you; or for those, you and others, living in dependence upon the king. And that those who thus make danger for others, must be wanting in sympathy and have their hearts set fast in enmity. And that to have one's heart set fast in enmity is unsound doctrine.
42. " Then just so, Lohikka, is he who should say that a Samana or a Brahmin should not communicate his knowledge and learning to women and Shudras.
43. " Just so, he who should say thus, would be putting obstacles in the way of others and would be out of sympathy for their welfare.
44. " Being out of sympathy for their welfare his heart would become established in enmity ; and when one's heart is established in enmity, that is unsound doctrine."
§2. Dhamma is Saddhamma when it Teaches that Mere Learning is Not Enough: it may Lead to Pedantry
1. Once when the Buddha was residing in the country of Kausambi, in a certain Vihara called the " Beautiful Voice," preaching to the people assembled there was a certain Brahmacharin.
2. The Brahmacharin felt that he was unrivalled for knowledge of scriptures and being unable to find anyone equal to himself in argument, was accustomed to carry, wherever he went, a lighted torch in his hand.
3. One day a man in the market place of a certain town, seeing him thus, asked him the reason of his strange conduct, on which he replied:
4. " The world is so dark, and men so deluded, that I carry this torch to light it up so far as I can."
5. Seeing this the Buddha forthwith called out to the Brahmacharin, "What ho there ! What are you about with that Torch ? "
6. The Brahmacharin replied, " All men are so wrapped in ignorance and gloom, that I carry this torch to illumine them."
7. Then the Blessed Lord asked him again, " And are you so learned as to be acquainted with the four treatises (Vidyas) which occur in the midst of the Sacred Books, to wit, the treatise on ' Literature ' (Sabdavidya) ; the treatise on the ' Heavenly Bodies and their Paths ' ; the treatise on ' Government ' and the treatise on 'Military Art'?"
8. On the Brahmacharin being forced to confess he was unacquainted with these things, he flung away his torch, and the Buddha added these words:
9. " If any man, whether he be learned or not, considers himself so great as to despise other men he is like a blind man holding a candle—blind himself, he illumines others."
§3. Dhamma is Saddhamma when it Teaches that what is Needed is Pradnya
1. The Brahmins regarded Vidya (Knowledge, Learning) as in itself a thing of value. A man of mere learning and knowledge was to them an object of veneration irrespective of the question whether or not he was a man of virtue.
2. Indeed they said that a king is honoured in his own country but a man of learning is honoured all over the world, suggesting thereby that a man of learning is greater than the king.
3. The Buddha made a distinction between Vidya and Pradnya, i.e.,
4. It may be said that the Brahmins also made a distinction between Pradnya and Vidya.
5. That may be true. But there is a vast difference between the Pradnya of the Buddha and the Pradnya of the Brahmins.
6. This distinction has been well brought out by the Buddha in his sermon reported in Anguttara Nikaya.
7. On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Rajagraha, in the bamboo grove at the squirrels' feeding ground.
8. Now on that occasion Vassakara the Brahmin, a great official ofMagadha, came to visit the Exalted One, and on coming to him greeted him courteously, and after exchange of greetings and courtesies sat down at one side. As he' sat thus Vassakara the Brahmin said this to the Exalted One :
9. " Master Gotama, we Brahmins proclaim a man, if he possesses four qualities, as one of great wisdom, as a great man. What are the four qualities ?
10. " Herein, Master Gotama, he is learned. Of whatsoever he hears he understands the meaning as soon as it is uttered, saying: ' This is the meaning of that saying! ' Moreover, he has a good memory, he can remember and recall a thing done long ago, and said long ago.
11. " Again, in all the business of a householder he is skilled and diligent, and therein he is resourceful and capable of investigating what is proper to be done, what should be arranged.
12. " Now, master Gotama, if a man possesses these qualities, we proclaim him as one of great wisdom, as a great man. If the worthy Gotama thinks me worthy of commendation herein, let him commend me. On the contrary, if he thinks me blameworthy, let him blame me therefor."
13. "Well, Brahmin I neither commend you nor blame you herein. I myself proclaim a man to be one of great wisdom, if he possesses the following four qualities which are quite different from those mentioned by you,
14. " Herein, Brahmin, we have a man given to the welfare of many folk, to the happiness of many folk. By him are many folk established in the Ariyan Method, to wit : in what is of a lovely nature, in what is of a profitable nature.
15. "To whatsoever train of thought he wishes to apply himself, to that train of thought he applies himself : to whatever train of thought he desires not to apply himself, to that train of thought he applies not himself.
16. "Whatever intention he wishes to intend, he does so or not if he so wishes. Thus is he master of the mind in the ways of thought.
17. " Also he is one who attains at will, without difficulty and without trouble the four musings which belong to the higher thought, which even in this very life are blissful to abide in.
18. " Also by destruction of the asavas (fetters) in this very life thoroughly comprehending it by himself, he realises the heart's release, the release by wisdom, and attaining it abides therein.
19. " No Brahmin, I neither commend nor blame you herein, but I myself proclaim a man possessed of these four different qualities to be one of great wisdom, to be a great man."
20. " It is wonderful, Master Gotama! It is marvellous. Master Gotama, how well this has been said by the worthy Gotama !
21. " I myself do hold the worthy Gotama to be possessed of these same four qualities. Indeed, the worthy Gotama is given to the welfare of many folk, to the happiness of many folk. By him are many folk established in the Ariyan 'Method, to wit: in what is of a lovely nature, in what is of a profitable nature.
22. " Indeed, the worthy Gotama, to whatever train of thought he wishes to apply himself, to that train of thought applies himself . . Surely the worthy Gotama is master of the mind in the ways of thought.
23. " Surely the worthy Gotama is one who attains at will . . . the four musings . . . Surely the worthy Gotama by destruction of the asavas . . . realises the heart's release, the release by wisdom . . . and attaming it abides therein."
24. Herein is stated in the clearest terms the difference between Pradnya according to the Buddha and Pradnya, according to the Brahmins.
25. Herein is set out his case why the Buddha regarded Pradnya as more important than Vidya.
DHAMMA TO BE SADDHAMMA MUST PROMOTE MAITRI
§ 1. Dhamma is Saddhamma only when it Teaches that Mere Pradnya is Not Enough: it must be accompanied by Sila
1. Pradnya is necessary. But Sila is more necessary. Pradnya without Sila is dangerous.
2. Mere Pradnya is dangerous.
3. Pradnya is like a sword in the hand of a man.
4. In the hand of a man with Sila it may be used for saving a man with danger.
5. But in the hand of a man without Sila it may be used for murder.
6. That is why Sila is more important than Pradnya.
7. Pradnya is Vichar Dhamma or thinking aright. Sila is Achar Dhamma, acting aright.
8. The Buddha prescribed five basic principles regarding Sila.
9. One relating to taking life.
10. Second relating to stealing,
11. Third relating to sexual immorality.
12. Fourth relating to telling a lie.
13. Fifth relating to drink.
14. On each of these the Blessed Lord directed the people not to kill; not to steal; nor to tell a lie; nor to indulge in sex immorality and not to indulge in drinking.
15. The reason why the Buddha gave greater importance to Sila than to knowledge is obvious.
16. The use of knowledge depends upon a man's Sila. Apart from Sila, knowledge has no value. This is what he said.
17. At another place, he said, " Sila is incomparable in this world.
18. " Sila is the beginning and the refuge, Sila is the mother of all good. It is the foremost of all good conditions. Therefore, purify your Sila."
§ 2. Dhamma is Saddhamma only when it Teaches that besides Pradnya and Sila what is Necessary is Kamna
1. There has been some difference of opinion on the issue as to foundation of Buddha's Dhamma.
2. Is Pradnya alone the foundation of his religion? Is Kanma alone the foundation of his religion ?
3. The controversy had divided the followers of the Buddha into two schools. One school held that Pradnya alone is the foundation of the Buddha's religion. The other school held that Karuna alone is the foundation of the Buddha's religion.
4. These two schools still remain divided.
5. Both the schools seem to be wrong if judged in the light of the Buddha's own words.
6. There is no difference of opinion that Pradnya is one of the two pillars of the Buddha's religion.
7. The dispute is whether Kamna is also a pillar of his religion.
8. That Karuna is a pillar of his religion is beyond dispute.
9. His own words can be quoted in support of it.
10. In days gone by there was a country called Gandhara, in which was a very old mendicant afflicted with a very loathsome disease, which caused him to pollute every place he occupied.
11. Being in a certain Vihara belonging to the place, no one would come near him or help him in his distress.
12. On this Buddha came with his 500 followers, and obtaining all sorts of necessary utensils and warm water, they together visited the place where the old mendicant lay.
13. The smell in the place was so offensive that all the Bhikkus were filled with contempt for the man; but the World-honoured, causing Sakra-deva to bring the warm water, then with his own hand began to wash the body of the mendicant and attend to his maladies.
14. Then the earth shook, and the whole place was filled with a supernatural light, so that the king and the ministers, and all the heavenly host (Devas, Nagas, etc.) flocked to the place, and paid adoration to Buddha.
15. Having done so, they all addressed the World-honoured, and quired how one so highly exalted could lower himself to such offices as these, on which Buddha explained the matter thus :
16. "The purpose of Tathagata in coming into the world, is to befriend those poor and helpless and unprotected, to nourish those in bodily affliction, whether they be Samanas or men of any other religion—to help the impoverished, the orphan and the aged, and to persuade others so to do."
§ 3. Dhamma is Saddhamma only when it Teaches that More than Karuna what is Necessary is Maitri
1. The Buddha did not stop with teaching Karuna.
2. Karuna is only love for human beings. Buddha went beyond and taught Maitri. Maitri is love for living beings'.
3. The Buddha wanted man not to stop with Karuna but to go beyond mankind and cultivate the spirit of Maitri for all living beings.
4. This he has well explained in a Sutta when the Blessed One was staying in Shravasti.
5. Speaking about Maitri, the Blessed Lord told the almsmen:
6. " Suppose a man comes to dig the earth. Does the earth resent?"
7. " No, Lord," the almsmen replied.
8. " Supposing a man comes with lac and colours to paint pictures in the air. Do you think he could do it?"
9. "No, Lord."
10. " Why ? " " Because there are no dark patches in the air, " said the Bhikkus.
II. "In the same way you must not have any dark patches in your mind which are the reflections of your evil passions."
12. " Suppose a man comes with a blazing wisp of bracken to set the River Ganges on fire. Could he do it?"
13. " No, Lord."
14. "Why?" "Because the Ganges has no combustibility in its water."
15. Concluding his address, the Blessed Lord said : " Just as the earth does not feel hurt and does not resent, just as the air does not lend to any action against it, just as the Ganges water goes on flowing without being disturbed by the fire so also you Bhikkus must bear all insults and injustices inflicted on you and continue to bear Maitri towards your offenders.
16. "So almsmen, Maitri must flow and flow for ever. Let it be your sacred obligation to keep your mind as firm as the earth, as clean as the air and as deep as the Ganges.. If you do so your Maitri will not be easily disturbed, by an act however unpleasant. For all who do injury will soon be tired out.
17. " Let the ambit of your Maitri be as boundless as the world and let your thought be vast and beyond measure in which no hatred is thought of.
18. " According to my Dhamma, it is not enough to practise Karuna. It is necessary to practise Maitri."
19. In the course of the sermon the Blessed Lord told a story to the almsmen which is worth remembering.
20. " Once upon a time there lived in Shravasti a lady named Videshika, who was reputed gentle and meek, and mild. She had a maid servant named Darkie, a bright girl, an early riser and a good worker. ' I wonder,' thought Darkie, ' whether my mistress, who is so well spoken of, has really got a temper of her own which she does not show or whether she has got no temper atall? Or do 1 do my work so well, that though she has got a temper, she does not show it? I will try her.'
21. " So next morning she got up late. ' Darkie ! Darkie ! cried the mistress.' ' Yes, madam,' answered the girl. ' Why did you get up so late ? ' ' Oh, that's nothing, madam.' ' Nothing , indeed, you naughty girl! ' thought the mistress, frowning with anger and displeasure.
22. " ' So she has got a temper, though she does not show it," thought the maid : ' It is because I do my work so well that she does not show it ; I will try her further.' So she got up later next morning. 'Darkie! Darkie!' cried the mistress. 'Yes, madam,' answered the girl. ' Why did you get up so late ? ' ' Oh that's nothing, madam.' ' Nothing, indeed, you naughty girl ! ' exclaimed the mistress, giving vent in words to her anger and displeasure.
23. " ' Yes,' thought the maid, " she has got a temper though she does not show it because I do my work so well; I will try her yet further.' So next morning she got up later still. ' Darkie ! Darkie ! cried her mistress.' ' Yes, madam,' answered the girl. ' Why did you get up so late?' 'Oh, that's nothing, madam.'
24. " ' Nothing indeed you naughty girl, to get up so late!' exclaimed the mistress and in her anger and displeasure she picked up the lynch-pin and struck the girl on the head with it, drawing blood.
25. "With her broken head streaming with blood, Darkie roused the neighbourhood with shrieks: ' See, lady, what the gentle one has done! See, lady, what the meek one has done ! See, lady, what the mild one has done. What for ? Just became her only maid got up late, she was so angry and displeased that she just jumped with the lynch-pin to strike her on the head and break it.'
26. "In the result the lady Videshika got the reputation of being violent, anything but meek and mild.
27. " In like manner an almsman may be gentle and meek, and mild enough so long as nothing unpleasant is said against him. It is only when unpleasant things are said against him that you can test if he has Maitri—fellowship in him."
28. Then he added, " I do not call an almsman Charged with the spirit of Maitri if he shows it only to get clothes and food. Him only do I recognise as a true almsman whose Maitri springs from the doctrine."
29. " None of the means employed to acquire religious merit, 0 Monks, has a sixteenth part of the value of loving kindness. Loving kindness, which is freedom of heart, absorbs them all ; it glows, it shines, it blazes forth.
30.. " And in the same way, 0 Monks, as the light of all the stars has not a sixteenth part of the value of the moonlight, but the moonlight absorbs it and glows and shines and blazes forth ; in the same way, 0 Monks, none of the means employed to acquire religious merit has a sixteenth part of the value of loving kindness. Loving kindness, which is freedom of heart, absorbs them; it glows, it shines, it blazes forth.
31. "And in the, same way, 0 Monks, as at the end of the rainy season, the sun, rising into the clear and cloudless sky, banishes all the dark spaces and glows and shines and blazes forth ; and in the same way again, as at night's end the morning star glows and shines and blazes forth; so, 0 Monks, none of the means employed to acquire religious merit has a sixteenth part of the value of loving kindness. Loving kindness, which is freedom of heart, absorbs them; it glows, it shines, it blazes forth."
DHAMMA TO BE SADDHAMMA MUST PULL DOWN ALL SOCIAL BARRIERS
§ 1. Dhamma .to be Saddhamma must break down barriers between Man
and Man
1. What is an ideal society ? According to the Brahmins, the Vedas have defined what is an ideal society and the Vedas being infallible, that is the only ideal society which man can accept.
2. The ideal society prescribed by the Vedas is known by the name Chaturvama.
3. Such a society, according to the Vedas, must satisfy three conditions.
4. It must be composed of four classes. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
5. The interrelations of these classes must be regulated by the principle of graded inequality. In other words, all these classes are not to be on equal level but to be one above the other, in point of status, rights and privileges.
6. The Brahmins were placed at the top ; the Kshatriyas were placed below the Brahmins but above the Vaishyas; the Vaishyas were placed below the Kshatriyas but above the Shudras and the Shudras were placed the lowest of all.
7. The third feature of Chaturvama was that each class must engage itself in an occupation assigned to it. The Brahmins' occupation was to learn, teach and officiate at religious ceremonies. The Kshatriyas' occupation was to bear arms and to fight. The occupation of the Vaishyas was trade and business. The Shudras' occupation was to do menial service for all the three superior classes.
8. No class is to transgress and trench upon the occupation of the other classes.
9. This theory of an ideal society was upheld by the Brahmins and preached to the people.
10. The soul of this theory, it is obvious, is inequality. This social inequality is not the result of historical growth. Inequality is the official doctrine of Brahminism.
11. The Buddha opposed it root and branch.
12. He was the strongest opponent of caste and the earliest and staunchest upholder of equality.
13. There is no argument in favour of caste and inequality which he did not refute.
14. There were many Brahmins who challenged Buddha on this issue. But he silenced them completely.
15. The story is told in the Assalayana-Sutta that once the Brahmins persuaded one of them, by name Assalayana, to go to the Buddha and controvert his views against caste and inequality.
16. Assalayana went to the Buddha and placed before him the case in favour of the superiority of the Brahmins.
17. He said, " Brahmins maintain, Gotama, that only Brahmins form the superior class, all other classes being inferior ; that only Brahmins form the white class, all other classes being black fellows ; that purity resides in Brahmins alone and not in non-Brahmins; and that only Brahmins are Brahma's legitimate sons, born from his mouth, offspring of his, creations of his, and his heirs. What does Gotama say hereon ? "
18. The Buddha's answer simply pulverized Assalayana.
19. The Buddha said : " Assalayana, are not the Brahmin wives of Brahmins known to have their periods, and to conceive, and to lie and give birth? Notwithstanding this do Brahmins really maintain all what you have said though they are themselves born of women like everybody else ? "
20. Assalayana gave no answer.
21. The Buddha went further and asked Assala;-yana another question.
22. " Suppose, Assalayana, a young noble con-softs with a Brahmin maiden, what would be the issue ? Will it be an animal or human being ? "
23. Again Assalayana gave no answer.
24. " As to the possibility of moral development, is it only a Brahmin and not a man of the other three classes, who in this country, can develop in his heart the love that knows no hate or ill-will ? "
25. " No. All four classes can do it," replied Assalayana.
26. " Assalayana ! Have you ever heard," asked the Buddha, " that in the Yona and Kamboja countries and in other adjacent countries, there are only two classes, namely, masters and slaves, and that a master can become a slave and vice versa ? "
27. " Yes, I have heard so," replied Assalayana.
28. " If your Chaturvarna is an ideal society, why is it not universal ? " .
29. On none of these points was Assalayana able to defend his theory of caste and inequality. He was completely silenced. He ended by becoming a disciple of the Buddha.
30. A Brahmin by name Vasettha had embraced the religion of the Blessed Lord. The Brahmins used to abuse him for his conversion.
31. One day he went to Buddha and disclosed to him what the Brahmins said of him.
32. Then Vasettha said : " The Brahmins, Lord, say thus : ' Only a Brahmin is of the best social grade ; other grades are low. Only a Brahmin is of a clear complexion ; other complexions are swarthy. Only Brahmins are of pure breed ; not they that are not of the Brahmins. Only Brahmins are genuine children of Brahma, born of his mouth, offspring of Brahma, created by Brahma, heirs of Brahma.
33. " ' As for you, you have renounced the best rank and have gone over to that low class, to the shaven recluses, to vulgar rich, to them of swarthy skins, to the foot-born descendants. Such a course is not good, such a course is not proper, even this, that you, having forsaken that upper class, should associate with an inferior class, to wit, with shavelings, fair folks, menials, swarthy of skin, the offspring of our kinsmen's heels.'
34. " In these terms. Lord, do the Brahmins blame and revile me with characteristic abuse, copious, not at all stinted. "
35. "Surely, Vasettha," said the Buddha, "the Brahmins have quite forgotten the ancient lore when they say so. On the contrary, the wives of Brahmins, like all women of other classes, are seen to be with child, bringing forth and nursing children. And yet it is these very womb-born Brahmins who say that Brahmins are genuine children of Brahma, born from his mouth ; his offspring ; his creation ; and his heirs ! By this they make a travesty of the nature of Brahma."
36. Once the Brahmin Esukari went to the Buddha to argue with him three questions.
37. The first question he raised related to the permanent division of occupations. In defence of the system he began by saying : "I have come to ask you a question. The Brahmins say they shall serve nobody because they stand above all. Everyone else is born to serve them.
38. " Service, Gotama, is divided into four— service of Brahmin, service of noble, service of a middle-class man, or by a peasant; while a peasant may be served only by a peasant,—for who else could ? " What does the reverend Gotama say hereon ? "
39. The Buddha answered him by asking a question : " Is the whole world in accord with Brahmins in their fourfold division of service ? " asked the Lord.
40. " For myself, I neither assert that all service is to be rendered nor that all service is to be refused. If the service makes a man bad and not good, it should not be rendered; but if it makes him better and not bad, then it should be rendered.
41. "This is the guiding consideration which should decide the conduct alike of nobles, of Brahmins, of middle-class men and of peasants ; each individual should refuse service which makes him bad and should accept only the service which makes him a better man."
42. The next question raised as by Esukari. " Why should ancestry and lineage not have a place in determining the status of a man ? "
43. To this question the Buddha replied thus : " As against pride of ancestry, the station into which a man happens to be born determines only his desig- nation be it noble or Brahmin or middle-class or peasant. Even as a fire is called after the material out of which it is kindled, and may thus be called either a wood-fire, or a chip-fire, or a bracken-fire, or a cowdung fire, just in the same way the noble, tran-scendant doctrine, I aver, is the source of true wealth for every man, birth merely determining his designation in one of the four classes.
44. " Lineage does not enter into a man's being either good or bad : nor do good looks or wealth. For, you will find a man of noble birth who is a murderer, a thief, a fornicator, a liar, a slanderer, a man of bitter tongue, a tattler, a covetous person, a man of rancour or of wrong views, and therefore I assert that noble birth does not make a good man. Or again you will find a man of noble birth who is innocent of all these vices ; and, therefore, I assert that it is not lineage which makes a man bad."
45. The third question which Esukari raised was with regard to the ways of earning a living assigned to each class.
46. The Brahmin Esukari said to the Lord: " Brahmins give a fourfold assignment of income, from alms, for Brahmins ; from his bow and arrows, for the noble; from ploughing and tending cattle, for the middle-class man ; and for the peasant, by the carriage of crops on the pole slung over his shoulder. If anyone of these deserts his vocation for something else, he does what he should not do, not less than a guardian who appropriates what is not his. What does the reverend Gotama say on this ? "
47. "Is the whole world in accord with this Brahmin classification ? " asked the Lord.
48. "No," replied Esukari.
49. To Vasettha he said : " What is important is high ideals and not noble birth.
50. " No caste ; no inequality ; no superiority ; no inferiority ; all are equal. This is what he stood for.
51. "Identify yourself with others. As they, sol. As I, so they," so said the Buddha.
§ 2. Dhamma to be Saddhamma must Teach that Worth and not Birth is the Measure of Man
1. The theory of Chaturvama, preached by the Brahmins, was based on birth.
2. One is a Brahmin because he is born of Brahmin parents. One is a Kshatriya because he is born of Kshatriya parents. One is a Vaishya because one is born of Vaishya parents. And one is a Shudra because one is born of Shudra parents.
3. The worth of a man according to the Brahmins was based on birth and on nothing else.
4. This theory was as repulsive to the Buddha as was the theory of Chaturvama.
5. His doctrine was just the opposite of the doctrine of the Brahmins. It was his doctrine that worth and not birth was the measure of man.
6. The occasion on which the Buddha propounded his doctrine has its own peculiar interest.
7. Once the Blessed One was staying in Anath-pindika's Asram. One day in the forenoon he took his begging bowl and entered Shravasti for alms.
8. At that time a sacrificial fire was burning and an offering was prepared. Then the Blessed One, going for alms from house to house in Shravasti, approached the house of the Brahmin Aggika.
9. The Brahmin, seeing the Blessed One coming at a distance, became angry and said : " Stay there, 0 Shaveling ! There, stay, ye wretched monk ! Stay there, ye miserable outcast."
10. When he spoke thus, the Blessed One addressed him as follows: " Do you know, 0 Brahmin, who an outcast is, or the things that make a person an outcast ? "
11. " No, Gotama, I do not know who an outcast is. Nor indeed do I know what things make a man an outcast."
12. The Lord pleaded that nothing would be lost in knowing who is an outcast. " Now that you insist on my knowing it," the Brahmin Aggika said, " well go on and explain."
13. The Brahmin having responded, the Blessed One speak as follows :
14. " The man who is irritable, rancorous, vicious, detractive, perverted in views, and deceitful— know ye that he is an outcast.
15. "Whosoever in this world harms living beings once-born or twice-born, in whom there is no compassion for living beings—know ye that he is an outcast.
16. " Whosoever destroys and besieges villages and hamlets, and is known as an oppressor—know ye that he is an outcast.
17. "Whether in the village or in the forest whosoever appropriates by theft what belongs to others, or what is not given—know ye that he is an outcast,
18. " Whosoever, having really taken a debt, flees, when pressed, saying, ' There is no debt to you,'— know ye that he is an outcast.
19. " Whosoever, desiring some trifle, kills a man going alone on the road, and pillages him—know ye that he is an outcast.
20. " Whosoever for his own sake, or for the sake of others, or for the sake of wealth, utters lies when asked as a witness—know ye that he is an outcast.
21. "Whosoever by force or with consent is seen transgressing with the wives of relatives or friends - know ye that he is an outcast.
22. "Whosoever, being rich, does not support aged mother and father who have passed their youth— know ye that he is an outcast.
23. "Whosoever, when questioned about what is good, counsels what is wrong and teaches in a concealing way—know ye that be is an outcast.
24. " No one is an outcast by birth—and no one is a Brahmin by birth."
25. Aggika, on hearing this, felt greatly ashamed for the abuse he had buried against the Blessed Lord.
§ 3. Dhamma to be Saddhamma must
Promote Equality between Man and Man
1. Men are born unequal.
2. Some are robust, others are weaklings.
3. Some have more intelligence, others have less or none.
4. Some have more capacity, others have less.
5. Some are well-to-do, others are poor.
6. All have to enter into what is called the struggle for existence.
7. In the struggle for existence if inequality be recognised as the rule of the game the weakest will always go to the wall.
8. Should this rule of inequality be allowed to be the rule of life?
9. Some answer in the affirmative on the ground that it results in the survival of the fittest.
10. The question, however, is: Is the fittest the best from the point of view of society.
11. No one can give a positive answer.
12. It is because of this doubt that religion preaches equality. For equality may help the best to survive even though the best may not be the fittest.
13. What society wants is the best and not the fittest.
14. It is, therefore, the primary reason why religion upholds equality.
15. This was the viewpoint of the Buddha and it was because of this that he argued that a religion which does not preach equality is not worth having. 16. Can you respect or believe in a religion which recommends actions that bring happiness to oneself by causing sorrow to others, or happiness to others by causing sorrow, to oneself or sorrow to both oneself and others ?
17. Is not that a better religion which promotes the happiness of others simultaneously with the happiness of oneself and tolerates no oppression.
18. These were some of the most pertinent questions which he asked the Brahmins who opposed Equality.
19. The religion of the Buddha is perfect justice springing from a man's own meritorious disposition.
PART I : BUDDHA AND HIS VISHAD YOGA
1. To preach or not to preach.
2. Proclamation of good news by Bramha Sahampati.
3. Two types of conversion.
1. To Preach or Not to Preach
1. After having attamed enlightenment and after having formulated his way, doubt arose in the mind of the Buddha. Should he go forth and preach his doctrine or should he continue to devote himself to his own personal perfection.
2. He said to himself: "True, I have gained a new doctrine. But it is too difficult for the common man to accept it and follow it. It is too subtle even for the wise.
3. " It is hard for mankind to liberate itself from the entanglement of God and Soul. It is hard for mankind to give up its belief in rites and ceremonies. It is hard for mankind to give up its belief in Karma.
4. " It is hard for mankind to give up its belief in the immortality of the Soul and accept my doctrine that the Soul as an independent entity does not exist and does not survive after death.
5. " Mankind is intent on its selfishness and takes delight and pleasure in it. It is hard for mankind to accept my doctrine of righteousness overriding selfishness.
6. " If I were to teach my doctrine, and others did not understand it or understanding it did not accept or accepting it did not follow it, it would be weariness to others and a vexation to me.
7. " Why not remain a sanyasi away from the world and use my gospel to perfect my own self ? " He asked himself. " At least I can do good to myself."
8. Thus as he reflected, his mind turned to inaction, not to teaching of the gospel.
9. Then Brahma Sahampati knowing what was passing in the mind of the Buddha thought, " Verily the world is being destroyed, verily the world is going to destruction, if the Tathagata, the fully enlightened, turns to inaction and not to teaching his doctrine." 10. Filled with anxiety Brahma Sahampati leftthe Brahma world and appeared before the Buddha. And arranging his upper robe on one shoulder he bent down and with clasped hands said: " Thou art no longer Siddharth Gautama, Thou art Buddha. Thou art the Blessed One who is blessed with the fullest enlightenment. Thou art the Tathagatha. How can thou refuse to enlighten the world ? How can thou refuse to save erring humanity?
11. " There are beings full of impurity that are falling away through not hearing the doctrine.
12. "As the Lord knows," proceeded Brahma Sahampati, " Among the Magadhas arose in ancient times, doctrine impure, with many blemishes devised.
13. " Will not the Lord open for them the door of his immortal doctrine ?
14. " As one upon a rocky mountain standing, beholdeth all the people round about him even thus, 0 thou, with wisdom distilled, ascending all, behold, look down, thou griefless one, upon those plunged in their griefs.
15. " Rise up, 0 hero, victor in battle, 0 caravan-leader, free from the debt of birth, go to the world and not turn away from it.
16. " May the Lord in his compassion design to teach his gospel to men and to gods"
17. "0 Brahma, Eminent and Excellent among men, if I did not give public utterance to my gospel, it is because I perceived vexation," was the reply of the Buddha.
18. Knowing that there was so much unhappiness in the world the Buddha realised that it was wrong for him to sit as a sanyasi with folded arms and allow things to remain as they were.
19. Asceticism he found to be useless. It was vain to attempt to escape from the world. There is no escape from the world even for an ascetic. He realised that what is necessary is not escape from the world. What is necessary is to change the world and to make it better.
20. He realised that be left the world because there was so much conflict resulting in misery and unhappiness and for which he knew no remedy. If he can banish misery and unhappiness from the world by the propagation of his doctrine, it was his duty to return to the world and serve it and not sit silent as the personification of inactive impassivity
21. The Buddha therefore agreed to the request of Brahma Sahampati and decided to preach his doctrine to the world.
§ 2. Proclamation of Good News by Brahma Sahampati
1. Then, Brahma Sahampati, thinking, "I have been instrumental in persuading the Buddha to agree to preach his doctrine to the masses," felt extremely happy. He saluted the Buddha, went round him passing to the right, took a look and departed.
2. On his way back he kept on proclaiming to the world: " Rejoice at the glad tidings. The Buddha, our Lord, has found the root of all evil and unhappiness in the world. He knows the way out.
3. " The Buddha will bring comfort to the weary and sorrow-laden. He will give peace to those stricken by war. He will give courage to those who are broken in heart. He will give to those who are suppressed and oppressed, faith and hope.
4. " Ye that suffer from the tribulations of life, ye that have to struggle and endure, ye that yearn for justice, rejoice at the glad tidings.
5. "Heal your wounds, ye that are wounded. Eat your fill, ye that are hungry. Rest, ye that are weary, and quench your thirst, ye that are thirsty. Seek the light, ye that are in darkness. Be of good cheer, ye that are forlorn.
6. "In his doctrine there is love to create a longing to own those who are disowned or unowned: to the degraded there is the ennoblement ever present to raise them: to the disinherited and the downtrodden there is equality blazing forth their path to advancement.
7. " His doctrine is the doctrine of righteousness and his aim is to establish the kingdom of righteousness on earth.
8. " His doctrine is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
9. " Blessed is the Buddha for his is the path of reason and his is the way of emancipation from superstition. Blessed is the Buddha who teaches the middle way. Blessed is the Buddha who teaches the law of righteousness. Blessed is the Buddha who teaches the peace of Nibbana. Blessed is the Buddha who preaches love, kindness and fellowship to help fellow beings to obtain salvation."
§ 3. Two Types of Conversion
1. In the Buddha's scheme of things conversion has two meanings.
2. Conversion to the Order of Bhikkus called Sangh.
3. Secondly, it means conversion of a householder as an Upasaka or lay follower of the Buddha's Dhamma.
4. Except on four points there is no difference in the way of life of the Bhikku and the Upasaka.
5. An Upasaka remains a householder. A Bhikku becomes a homeless wanderer.
6. Both the Upasakas and the Bhikkus must observe in their life certain rules.
7. Here again to the Bhikku they are vows the breach of which ends in punishment. To the Upasaka they are precepts. They must be observed to the best of his ability.
8. An Upasaka can have property. A Bhikku cannot have.
9. To become an Upasaka there is no ceremony.
10. To become a Bhikku he must undergo a ceremony called Upasampada.
11.The Buddha converted those who came to him according to their wish either as Bhikku or as Upasaka.
12. An Upasaka could become a Bhikku whenever he felt like it.
13. And a Bhikku had to cease to be a Bhikku when he committed a breach of the major vows or whenever he wished to give up his membership of the Order.
14. It must not be understood that the Buddha converted only those whose names occur in the following pages.
15. The instances are chosen only to show that he did not observe any distinction as to caste or sex in admitting persons to his Sangh or preaching his Dhamma.
PART II: THE CONVERSION OF THE PARIVRAJAKAS
1. Arrival at Sarnath.
2. The Buddha's First Sermon.
3. The Buddha's First Sermon (continued).
4. The Buddha's First Sermon (continued).
5. The Buddha's First Sermon (continued).
6. The Buddha's First Sermon (concluded).
7. The Response of the Parivrajakas.
§ 1. Arrival at Sarnath
1. Having decided to preach his doctrine the Buddha asked himself " to whom shall I first teach the doctrine ? " The thought of Alara Kalam whom the Buddha adored as the learned, wise, intelligent and of little impurity ; " What if I first teach him the doctrine ? " But he was told that Alara Kalam was dead.
2. Then thought he of preaching it to Uddaka Ramputta. But he too was dead.
3. Then he thought of the five old companions of his who were with him at Niranjana when he was practising austerities and who had left him in anger on his abandonment of austerities.
4. "They did much for me, attended me and looked after me, what if I first teach the doctrine to them ? " said he to himself.
5. "He asked for their whereabouts. Having learnt that they were dwelling at Sarnath in the deer park of Isipatana, he left in search of them.
6. The five, seeing him coming, decided among themselves not to welcome him. Said one of them, "This, friends, is the ascetic Gautama coming, who has abandoned austerities and has turned to life of abundance and luxury. He has committed a sin. We must not therefore greet him, nor rise in respect, nor take his bowl and robe. We will only set apart a seat for him. If he wishes, he may sit down." And they all agreed.
7. But when the Buddha approached, the five Parivrajakas were not able to abide by their decision, so greatly impressed were they by his personality that they all rose in their seats. One took his bowl, one took his robe, and one prepared a seat, and one brought water to wash his feet.
8. It was really a great welcome to an unwelcome guest.
9. Thus those who intended to scoff remained to pray.
§ 2. The Buddha's First Sermon
1. After exchange of greetings the five Pariv-rajakas asked the Buddha whether he still believed in asceticism. The Buddha replied in the negative.
2. He said there were two extremes, a life of pleasure and a life of self-mortification.
3. One says let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. The other says, kill all vasanas (desires) because they bring rebirth. He rejected both as unbecoming to man.
4. He was a believer in the Madhyama Marga (Majjhima Patipada), the middle path, which is neither the path of pleasure nor the path of self-mortification.
5. " Answer me this," he said to the Parivrajakas, " So long as your self remains active and continues to lust after either worldly or heavenly pleasures, is not all mortification vain?" And they answered, " It is as thou sayest."
6. " How can ye be free from self by leading a wretched life of self-mortification if ye do not thereby succeed in quenching the fires of lust ? " And they replied, " It is as thou sayest."
7. " Only when the self in ye has been conquered that ye are free from lust ; ye will then not desire worldly pleasures, and the satisfaction of your natural wants will not defile ye. Let ye eat and drink according to the needs of your body.
8. "Sensuality of all kinds is enervating. The sensual man is a slave of his passion. All pleasure-seeking is degrading and vulgar. But I say unto you that to satisfy the needs of life is not an evil : to keep the body in good health is a duty, or otherwise you shall not be able to keep your mind strong and clear and have the lamp of wisdom burning.
9. " Know ye, 0 Parivrajakas, that there are these two extremes which man ought not to follow—the habitual indulgence on the one hand, of those things whose attraction depends upon the passions, and especially of sensuality—a low and pagan way of seeking satisfaction, unworthy, unprofitable and the habitual practice thereof, and on the other hand, of asceticism or self-mortification, which is painful, unworthy and unprofitable.
10. " There is a middle path which avoids both these extremes. Know ye, that, this is the path which I preach."
11. The five Parivrajakas listened to him with attention. Not knowing what to say in reply to the Buddha's middle path, they asked him what he was doing after they had left him. Then the Buddha told them how he left for Gaya, how he sat in contemplation under the Banyan Tree and how after four weeks of contemplation he obtained enlightenment as a result of which he was able to discover a new path of life.
12. On hearing this, the Parivrajakas became extremely impatient to know what the path was and requested the Buddha to expound it to them.
13. The Buddha agreed.
14. He began by saying that his path which is his Dhamma (religion) had nothing to do with God and Soul. His Dhamma had nothing to do with life after death. Nor has his Dhamma any concern with rituals and ceremonies.
15. The centre of his Dhamma is man and the relation of man to man in his life on earth.
16. This he said was his first postulate.
17. His second postulate was that men are living in sorrow, in misery and poverty. The world is full of suffering and that how to remove this suffering from the world is the only purpose of Dhamma. Nothing else is Dhamma.
18. The recognition of the existence of suffering and to show the way to remove suffering is the foundation and basis of his Dhamma.
19. This can be the only foundation and justification for Dhamma. A religion which fails to recognise this is no religion at all.
20. " Verily, Parivrajakas! whatsoever recluses or Brahmins (i.e., preachers of religion) understand not, as it really is, that the misery in the world and the escape therefrom, is the main problem of Dhamma, such recluses and Brahmins in my opinion are not to be regarded as recluses and Brahmins ; nor have those worthies come to know fully of themselves what in this very life is the real meaning of Dhamma."
21. The Parivrajakas then asked him : "If the foundation of your Dhamma is the recognition of the existence of suffering and the removal of suffering, tell us how does your Dhamma remove suffering !"
22. The Buddha then told them that according to his Dhamma if every person followed (1) the Path of Purity ; (2) the Path of Righteousness ; and (3) the Path of Virtue, it would bring about the end of all suffering.
23. And he added that he had discovered such a Dhamma.
§ 3. The Buddha's First Sermon—(contd.) The Path of Purity
1. The Parivrajakas then asked the Buddha to explain to them his Dhamma.
2. And the Buddha was pleased to do so.
3. He addressed them first on the Path of Purity.
4. " The Path of Purity," he told the Parivrajakas, " teaches that a person who wishes to be good must recognise some principles as principles of life.
5. " According to my Path of Purity the principles of life recognised by it are : Not to injure or kill : Not to steal or appropriate to oneself anything which belongs to another : Not to speak untruth : Not to indulge in lust : Not to indulge in intoxicating drinks.
6. " The recognition of these principles, I say, is most essential for every man. For every man must have a standard by which to judge whatever he does. And these principles according to my teachings constitute the standard.
7. " There are everywhere people who are patit (fallen). But there are two classes of the patit : the patit who has a standard and a patit who has no standard.
8. " The path who has no standard does not know that he has fallen. Consequently he always remains fallen. On the other hand a patit who has a standard tries to rise from his fallen state. Why? The answer is because he knows that he has fallen
9. "This is the difference between having a standard and having no standard for regulating a man's life. What matters is not so much the fall of the man but the absence of any standard.
10. " You may ask, ye Parivrajakas ! Why are these principles worthy of recognition as a standard of life.
11. "The answer to this question you will find for yourselves, if you ask : "Are these principles good for the individual ? " also if you ask : " Do they promote social good ? "
12. " If your answers to these questions are in the affirmative then it follows that the principles of my Path of Purity are worthy of recognition as forming a true standard of life."
§ 4. The Buddha's First Sermon—{contd.) Ashtanga Marga or the Path of Righteousness
1. The Buddha next addressed the Parivrajakas on the Ashtangamarga. He said that there are eight constituents in the Ashtangamarga.
2. He began his discourse with the exposition of Samma Ditti (Right Views), the first and foremost element in the Ashtangmarga,
3. " To realise the importance of Samma Ditti, " the Buddha said to the arivrajakas:
4. " O, ye, Parivrajakas, you must realise that the world is a dungeon and man is a prisoner in the dungeon.
5. " This dungeon is full of darkness. So dark is it that scarce anything at all can rightly be seen by the prisoner. The prisoner cannot see that he is a prisoner.
6. "Indeed, man has not only become blind by living too long in the darkness, but he very much doubts if any such strange thing as light is said to be, can ever exist at all.
7. " Mind is the only instrument through which light can come to man.
8. " But the mind of these dungeon-dwellers is by no means a perfect instrument for the purpose.
9. " It lets through only a little light, just enough to show to those with sight that there is such a thing as darkness.
10. " Thus defective in its nature, such understanding as this is.
11. " But know, ye, Parivrajakas! the case of the prisoner is not as hopeless as it appears.
12. " For there is in man a thing called will. When the appropriate motives arise the will can be awakened and set in motion.
13. "With the coming of just enough light to see in what directions to guide the motions of the will, man may so guide them that they shall lead to liberty.
14. " Thus though man is bound, yet he may be free ; he may at any moment begin to take the first steps that will ultimately bring him to freedom.
15. "This is because it is possible to train the mind in whatever directions one chooses. It is mind that makes us to be prisoners in the house of life, and it is mind that keeps us so.
16. " But what mind has done, that mind can undo. If it has brought man to thraldom, it can also, when rightly directed, bring him to liberty.
17. "This is what Samma Ditti can do."
18. " What is the end of Samma Ditti ? " asked the Parivrajakas. " The end of Samma Ditti," replied the Buddha, " is the destruction of Avijja (Nescience). It is opposed to Miccha Ditti.
19. " And Avijja means the failure to understand the noble truths, of the existence of suffering and the removal of suffering.
20. " Samma Ditti requires giving up of belief in the efficacy of rites and ceremonies, to have disbelief in the sanctity of the Shasras.
21. " Samma Ditti requires the abandonment of superstition and supernaturalism.
22. " Samma Ditti requires the abandonment of all doctrines which are mere speculations without any basis in fact or experience
23. " Samma Ditti requires free mind and free thought.
24. " Every man has aims, aspirations and ambitions. Samma Sankappo teaches that such aims, aspirations and ambitions shall be noble and praiseworthy and not ignoble and unworthy. 25. " Samma Vacca (Right Speech) teaches:
(1) that one should speak only that which is true;
(2) that one should not speak what is false ; (3) that one should not speak evil of others ; (4) that one should refrain from slander ; (5) that one should not use angry and abusive language towards any fellow man; (6) that one should speak kindly and courteously to all ; (7) that one should not indulge in pointless, foolish talk, but let his speech be sensible and to the purpose.
26. " The observance of Right Speech, as I have explained, is not to be the result of fear or favour. It is not to have the slightest reference to what any superior being may think of his action or to any loss which Right Speech may involve.
27. " The norm for Right Speech is not the order of the superior or the personal benefit to the individual.
28. " Samma Kamanto teaches right behaviour. It teaches that every action should be founded on respect for the feelings and rights of others.
29. " What is the norm for Samma Kamanto ? The norm is that course of conduct which is most in harmony with the fundamental laws of existence.
30. " When his actions are in harmony with these laws they may be taken to be in accord with Samma Kamanto.
31. " Every individual has to earn his livelihood. But there are ways and ways of earning one's livelihood. Some are bad ; some are good. Bad ways are those which cause injury or injustice to others. Good ways are those by which the individual earns his livelihood without causing injury or injustice to others. This is Samma Ajivo.
32. " Samma Vyayamo (Right Endeavour) is primary endeavour to remove Avijja ; to reach the door that leads out of this painful prison house, to swing it open.
33. " Right endeavour has four purposes.
34. " One is to prevent states of mind which are in conflict with the Ashtangamarga.
35. " Second is to suppress such states of mind which may already have arisen.
36. "Third is to bring into existence states of mind which will help a man to fulfil the requirements of the Ashtangamarga.
37. " Fourth is to promote the further growth and increase of such states of mind as already may have arisen.
38. " Samma Satti calls for mindfulness and thoughtfulness. It means constant wakefulness of the mind. Watch and ward by the mind over the evil passions is another name for Samma Satti.
39. " There are, ye Parivrajakas, five fetters or hindrances which come in the way of a person trying to achieve Samma Ditti, Samma Sankappo, Samma Vacca, Samma Kamanto, Samma Ajeevo, Samma Vyayamo and Samma Satti.
40. "These five hindrances are covetousness, ill-will, sloth and torpor, doubt and indecision. It is, therefore, necessary to overcome these hindrances which are really fetters and the means to overcome them is through Samadhi. But know ye Parivrajakas, Samma Samadhi is not the same as Samadhi, It is quite different.
41. " Samadhi is mere concentration. No doubt it leads to Dhyanic states which are self-induced, holding the five hindrances in suspense.
42. "But these Dhyana states are temporary. Consequently the suspension of the hindrances is also temporary. What is necessary is a permanent turn to the mind. Such a permanent turn can be achieved only by Samma Samadhi.
43. " Mere Samadhi is negative inasmuch as it leads to temporary suspension of the hindrances. In it there is no training to the mind. Samma Samadhi is positive. It trains the mind to concentrate and to think of some Kusala Kamma (Good Deeds and Thoughts) during concentration and thereby eliminate the tendency of the mind to be drawn towards Akusala Kamma (Bad Deeds and Bad Thoughts) arising from the hindrances.
44. " Samma Samadhi gives a habit to the mind to think of good and always to think of good. Samma Samadhi gives the mind the necessary motive power to do good."
§ 5. The Buddha's First Sermon— (contd.) The Path of Virtue
1. The Buddha then explained to the Pariv-rajakas the Path of Virtue.
2. He told them that the path of virtue meant the observance of the virtues called : (1) Sila; (2) Dana; (3) Uppekha; (4) Nekkhama; (5) Virya; (6) Khanti; (7) Succa; (8) Adhithana ; (9) Karuna ; and (10)Maitri
3. The Parivrajakas asked the Buddha to tell them what these virtues meant.
4. The Buddha then proceeded to satisfy their desire.
5. " Sila is moral temperament, the disposition not to do evil and the disposition to do good ; to be ashamed of doing wrong. To avoid to do evil for fear of punishment is Sila, Sila means fear of doing wrong.
6. " Nekkhama is renunciation of the pleasures of the world.
7. " Dana means the giving of one's possessions, blood and limbs and even one's life, for the good of others without expecting anything in return. 8. " Virya is right endeavour. It is doing with all your might whatever you have undertaken to do with never a thought of turning back, whatever you have undertaken to do.
9. " Khanti is forbearance. Not to meet hatred by hatred is the essence of it. For hatred is not appeased by hatred. It is appeased only by forbearance.
10. " Succa is truth. A person must never tell a lie. His speech must be truth and nothing but truth.
11. " Adhithana is resolute determination to reach the goal.
12. " Karuna is loving kindness to human beings.
13. " Maitri is extending fellow feeling to all beings, not only to one who is a friend but also to one who is a foe : not only to man but to all living beings.
14. " Upekka is detachment as distinguished from indifference. It is a state of mind where there is neither like nor dislike. Remaining unmoved by the result and yet engaged in the pursuit of it.
15. "These virtues one must practice to his utmost capacity. That is why they are called Paramitas (States of Perfection).
§ 6. The Buddha's First Sermon—(concld.)
1. Having explained His Dhamma and what it involved, the Buddha then asked the Parivrajakas:
2. "Is not personal purity the foundation of good in the world?" And they answered, "It is as thou sayest."
3. And he continued : " Is not personal purity undermined by covetousness, passion, ignorance, the destruction of life, theft, adultery and lying? Is it not necessary for personal purity to build up sufficient strength of character so that these evils should be kept under control ? How can a man be the instrument of good if he has no personal purity in him ? " And they replied, " It is as thou sayest."
4. " Again why do men not mind enslaving or dominating others ? Why do men not mind making the lives of others unhappy ? Is it not because men are not righteous in their conduct towards one another?" And they answered in the affirmative.
5. " Will not the practice of the Ashtanga Marga, the path of right views, right aims, right speech, right livelihood, right means, right mindfulness, right perseverance, and right contemplation, in short, the Path of Righteousness, if followed by every one, remove all injustice and inhumanity that man does to man?" And they said, "Yes."
6. Turning to the path of virtue, he asked, "Is not Dana necessary to remove the suffering of the needy and the poor and to promote general good? Is not Karuna necessary to be drawn to the relief of poverty and suffering wherever it exists? Is not Nekkamma necessary to selfless work? Is not Uppekka necessary for sustained endeavour even though there is no personal gain?
7. "Is not love for man necessary?" And they said " Yes."
8. "I go further and say, "Love is not enough ; what is required is Maitri." It is wider than love. It means fellowship not merely with human beings but with all living beings. It is not confined to human beings. Is not such Maitri necessary? What else can give to all living beings the same happiness which one seeks for one's own self, to keep the mind impartial, open to all, with affection for every one and hatred for none ? "
9. They all said "Yes."
10. " The practice of these virtues must, however, be accompanied by Prajna, i.e., intelligence.
11. "Is not Prajna necessary?" The Pariv-rajakas gave no answer. To force them to answer his question the Buddha went on to say that the qualities of a good man are : "do no evil, think nothing that is evil, get his livelihood in no evil way and say nothing. that is evil or is likely to hurt anyone." And they said, " Yes, so it is."
12. "But is doing good deeds blindly to be welcomed?" asked the Buddha "I say, 'no.' This is not enough," said the Buddha to the Pariv- rajakas. " If it was enough," said the Buddha to the Parivrajakas, " then a tiny babe could be proclaimed to be always doing good. For as yet, the babe does not know what a body means, much less will it do evil with its body beyond kicking about : it does not know what speech is, much less will it say anything evil beyond crying ; it does not know what thought is, beyond crying with delight ; it does not know what livelihood is, much less will it get its living in an evil way, beyond sucking its mother.
13. " The Path of Virtue must, therefore, be subject to test of Prajna which is another name for understanding and intelligence.
14. "There is also another reason why Prajna-paramita is so important and so necessary. There must be Dana. But without Prajna, Dana may have a demoralizing effect. There must be Karuna. But without Prajna, Karuna may end in supporting evil. Every act of Paramita must be tested by Prajna Paramita which is another name for wisdom.
15. " I premise that there must be knowledge and consciousness of what wrong conduct is, how it arises ; similarly, there must also be knowledge and consciousness of what is right conduct and wrong conduct. Without such knowledge there cannot be real goodness though the act may be good. That is why I say Prajna is a necessary virtue."
16. The Buddha then concluded his sermon by addressing the following admonition to the Parivrajakas.
17. " You are likely to call my Dhamma pessimistic because it calls the attention of mankind to the existence of suffering. I tell you such a view of my Dhamma would be wrong.
18. " No doubt my Dhamma recognises the existence of suffering but forget not that it also lays equal stress on the removal of suffering.
19. " My Dhamma has in it both hope and purpose.
20. " Its purpose is to remove Avijja, by which I mean ignorance of the existence of suffering.
21. "There is hope in it because it shows the way to put an end to human suffering.
22. " Do you agree with this or not ? " And the Parivrajakas said , "Yes, we do."
§ 7. The Response of the Parivrajakas
1. The five Parivrajakas at once realised that this was really a new Dhamma. They were so struck by this new approach to the problems of life that they were unanimous in saying : " Never in the history of the world has any founder of religion taught that the recognition of human suffering was the real basis of religion.
2. " Never in the history of the world has any founder of religion taught that the removal of this misery is the real purpose of it !
3. " Never in the history of the world had a scheme of salvation been put forth, so simple in its nature, so free from supernatural and superhuman agency, so independent of, even so antagonistic to, the belief in a soul, to the belief in God and to the belief in life after death!
4. " Never in the history of the world had a scheme of religion been put forth which had nothing to do with revelation and whose commands are born of the examination of the social needs of man and which are not the orders of a God !
5. "Never in the history of the world has salvation been conceived as the blessing of happiness to be attained by man in this life and on this earth by righteousness born out of his own efforts ! "
6. These were the sentiments which the Pariv-rajakas uttered after they ad heard the Buddha's Sermon on his new Dhamma.
7. They felt that in him they had found a reformer, full of the most earnest moral purpose and trained in all the intellectual culture of his time, who had the originality and the courage to put forth deliberately and with a knowledge of opposing views, the doctrine of a salvation to be found here, in this life, in inward change of heart to be brought about by the practice of self-culture and self-control.
8. Their reverence for him became so unbounded that they at once surrendered to him and requested him to accept them as his disciples.
9. The Buddha admitted them into his order by uttering the formula " Ehi Bhikkave " (come in Bhikkus). They were known as the Panchavargiya Bhikkus.
PART III : CONVERSION OF THE HIGH AND THE HOLY
1. Conversion of Yashas.
2. Conversion of the Kassyapas.
3. Conversion of Sariputta and Moggallana.
4. Conversion of Bimbisara.
5. Conversion of Anathapindika.
6. Conversion of Pasenjit.
7. Conversion of Jeevaka.
8. Conversion of Ratthapala.
§1. Conversion of Yashas
1. There lived in the town of Benares a nobleman's son called Yashas. He was young in years and very attractive in appearance. He was beloved of his parents. He lived in abounding wealth. He had a big retinue and a large harem and passed his time in nothing but dancing, drinking and carnal pleasures.
2. As time past, a feeling of disgust came over him. How could he escape from this orgy? Was there any better way of life than the way he was leading ? Not knowing what to do, he decided to leave his father's house.
3. One night he left his father's house and was wandering about; He happened to wend his way towards Isipathana.
4. Feeling tired he sat down and as he was seated he said to himself in loud tones: ' Where am I, what is the way ? Alas! What distress; alas! What danger! '
5. This happened on the night of the same day on which the Blessed One preached his first sermon to the Panchavargiya Bhikkus at Isipathana. Just when Yashas was approaching Isipathana, the Blessed One who was staying at Isipathana, having arisen at dawn, was walking up and down in the open. air. And the Blessed One saw Yashas, the noble youth coming from after giving utterance to his feelings.
6. And the Blessed One having heard his cry of distress, said: " There is no distress, there is no danger. Come, I will show you the way, " and the Blessed Lord preached his gospel to Yashas.
7. And Yashas, when he heard it, became glad and joyful; and he put off his gilt slippers, and went and sat down near the Blessed One and respectedly saluted him.
8. Yashas hearing the Buddha's words, requested the Blessed One to take him as his disciple.
9. Then he bade him come and asked him to be a Bhikku to which Yashas agreed.
10. The parents of Yashas were in great distress on finding that their son had disappeared. The father started in search. Yashas's father passed by the same spot where the Lord and Yashas in the Bhikku's garb were seated, and in passing, he asked the Blessed One: " Pray, have you seen Yashas, my son ? "
11. The Lord replied : " Come in. Sir, you will find your son." He went in and sat near his son but he knew him not.
12. The Lord explained to him how Yashas met him and how on hearing him he became a Bhikku. The father then recognised his son and was happy his son had chosen the right path.
13. " My son, Yashas," said the father, " your mother is absorbed in lamentations and grief. Return home and restore your mother to life."
14. Then Yashas looked at the Blessed One, and the Blessed One said to Yashas's father, "Is that your wish that Yashas should return to the world and enjoy the pleasures of a worldly life as he did before ? "
15. And Yasha's father replied : " If Yashas, my son, finds it a gain to stay with you, let him stay." Yashas preferred to remain a Bhikku.
16. Before departing Yashas's father said: " May the Blessed One, 0 Lord, consent to take his meal at my home with the members of my family."
17. The Blessed One, having donned his robes, took his alms bowl and went with Yashas to the house of his father.
18. When they arrived there, they met the mother and also the former wife of Yashas. After the meal the Blessed One preached to the members of the family his doctrine. They became very happy and promised to take refuge in it.
19. Now there were four friends of Yashas belonging to the wealthy family of Benares. Their names were Vimala, Subahu, Punyajit and Gavampati.
20. When Yashas's friends learned that Yashas had taken refuge in the Buddha and his Dhamma they felt that what is good for Yashas must be good for them. 21. So they went to Yashas and asked him to approach the Buddha on their behalf to receive them as his disciples.
22. Yashas agreed and he went to the Buddha, saying: " May the Blessed One preach the Dhamma to these four friends of mine." The Lord agreed and Yashas's friends took refuge in the
Dhamma.
§ 2. Conversion of the Kassyapas
1. There lived in Benaras a family known as the Kassyapa family. There were three sons in the family. They were very highly educated and carried on a rigorous religious life.
2. After some time the eldest son thought of taking up Sannyasa. Accordingly he left his home, took Sannyasa and went in the direction of Uruvella where he established his Ashram.
3. His two younger brothers followed him and they too became Sannyasis.
4. They were all Agnihotris or worshippers of fire. They were called Jatilas because they kept long hair.
5. The three brothers were known as Uruvella Kassyapa, Nadi Kassyapa (Kassyapa of the River, i.e., the Niranjana), and Gaya Kassyapa (of the village Gaya).
6. Of these the Uruvella Kassyapa had a following of five hundred Jatilas ; Nadi Kassyapa had three hundred Jatilas as his disciples and Gaya Kassyapa had two hundred Jatilas. Of these the chief was Uruvella Kassyapa.
7. The fame of Uruvella Kassyapa had spread far and wide. He was known to have obtained Mukti (Salvation) while alive. People from far-away places came to his Ashram which was located on the banks of the river Falgu.
8. The Blessed Lord having come to know of the name and fame of Uruvella Kassyapa, thought of preaching his gospel to him and if possible to convert him to his Dhamma.
9. Having come to know of his whereabouts the Blessed Lord went to Uruvella.
10. The Blessed One met him and wanting to have an opportunity to instruct him and convert him, said: "If it is not disagreeable to you, Kassyapa, let me dwell one night in your Ashram."
11. "I am not agreeable to this," said Kassyapa. "There is a savage Naga king called Muchalinda who rules over this place. He is possessed of dreadful powers. He is the deadly enemy of all ascetics performing fire worship. He pays nocturnal visits to their Ashrams and does them great harm. I fear he may do you the same harm as he does to me."
12. Kassyapa did not know that the Nagas had become the friends and followers of the Blessed One. But the Blessed One knew it.
13. So the Blessed One pressed for his request, saying : " He is not likely to do any harm to me : pray, Kassyapa, allow me a place in your fire room, for one night."
14. Kassyapa continued to raise many difficulties and the Blessed One continued to press his request.
15. Then Kassyapa said : " My mind desires no controversy, only I have my fears and apprehensions, but follow your own good pleasure."
16. The Blessed Lord forthwith stepped into the fire grove and took his seat.
17. The Naga king Muchalinda came into the room at his usual time. But instead of finding Kassyapa he found the Blessed One seated in his place.
18. Muchalinda, seeing the Lord seated, his face glowing with peace and serenity, felt as though he was in the presence of a great divinity, and bending his head, began to worship.
19. That night Kassyapa's sleep was very much disturbed by the thought of what might have happened to his guest. So he got up with great misgivings fearing that his guest might have been burnt up.
20. Then Kassyapa and his followers at morning light came one and all to have a look. Far from the Lord injured by Muchalinda, they found Mucha-linda worshipping the Lord.
21. Beholding the scene, Kassyapa felt that he was witnessing a great miracle.
22. Struck by this miracle Kassyapa requested the Blessed Lord to stay near him and make an Ashram, and,promised to look after him.
23. The Blessed Lord agreed to stay on.
24. The two, however, had different motives. Kassyapa's motive was to obtain protection against Muchalinda Naga. The Blessed Lord thought that one day Kassyapa will give him opportunity to propound his gospel.
25. But Kassyapa showed no such inclination. He thought that the Blessed Lord was only a miracle maker and nothing more.
26. One day the Blessed Lord thought of himself taking the initiative and asked Kassyapa, "Are you an Arhant?
27. " If you are not an Arhant, what good is this Agnihotra going to do to you ? "
28. Kassyapa said: "I do not know what is to be an Arhant ? Will you explain it to me ? "
29. The Lord then told Kassyapa, " An Arhant is one who has conquered all the passions which disturb a man from pursuing the eight-fold Path. Agnihotra cannot cleanse a man of his sins."
30. Kassyapa was a proud person. But he did feel the force of the Blessed Lord's argument. Making his mind pliant and yielding, until at length prepared to be a vehicle of the true law, he confessed that his poor wisdom could not compare with the wisdom of the world-honoured One.
31. And so, convinced at last, humbly submitting, Uruvella Kassyapa accepted the doctrine of the Lord and became his follower.
32. Following their master, the followers of Kassyapa, virtuously submissive, in turn received the teaching of the law. Kassyapa and all his followers were thus entirely converted. 33. Uruvella Kassyapa, then, lifting his goods and all his sacrificial vessels, threw them together into the river, which floated down upon the surface of the current.
34. Nadi and Gaya, who dwelt down the stream, seeing these articles of clothing (and the rest) floating along the stream disorderly, said, "These are the belongings of our brother ; why has he thrown them away ? Some great change has happened," and were deeply pained and restless. The two, each with five hundred followers, went up the stream to seek their brother.
35. On seeing him and all his followers now dressed as hermits, strange thoughts engaged their minds and they inquired into the reasons. Uruvella Kassyapa told them the story of his conversion to the Buddha's Dhamma.
36. " Our brother having submitted thus, we too should also follow him," they said.
37. They conveyed their wishes to their eldest brother. Then the two brothers, with all their band of followers, were brought to hear the Lord's discourse on the comparison of a fire sacrifice with his own gospel.
38. In his discourse to the two brothers the Blessed Lord said : " The dark smoke of ignorance arises, whilst confused thoughts, like wood drilled into wood, create the fire.
39. " Lust, anger, delusion, these are as fire produced, and these enflame and burn all other things which cause grief and sorrow in the world.
40. " If once this way is found and lust, anger and delusion consumed, then with it is born sight, knowledge and pure conduct.
41. "So when the heart of a man has once conceived distaste for sin, this distaste removes covetous desire, covetous desire extinguished, there is recluse."
42. The great Rishis listening to him, lost all regard for fire worship and wished to be the disciples of the Buddha. 43. The conversion of the Kassyapas was a great triumph for the Blessed Lord. For they had a very strong hold on the imagination of the people.
§ 3. Conversion of Sariputta and Moggallana
1. While the Blessed Lord was in Rajagraha there resided a well-known person by name Sanjaya with a great retinue of Parivrajakas numbering about two hundred and fifty as his disciples.
2. Among his disciples were Sariputta and Moggallana—two young Brahmins.
3. Sariputta and Moggallana were not satisfied with the teachings of Sanjaya and were in search of something better.
4. Now one day the venerable Assaji, one of the Panchvargiya Bhikkus, in the forenoon, having put on his under-robes, and having taken his alms bowl and outer robe, entered the city of Rajagraha for alms.
5. Sariputta was observing the dignified deportment of Assaji and was struck by it. On seeing the venerable Assaji, Sariputta thought, "Indeed this person is one of those monks who are the worthy ones in the world. What if I were to approach this monk and to ask him : 'In whose name, friend, have you retired from the world? Who is your teacher? Whose Dhamma do you profess ?' "
6. Now Sariputta thought : " This is not the time to ask this monk ; he has entered the inner yard of a house for alms. What if I were to follow this monk step by step, according to the course recognised by those who want something ? "
7. And the venerable Assaji, having finished his alms pilgrimage through Rajagraha, went back with the food he had received. Then Sariputta went to the place where the venerable Assaji was ; having approached him, he exchanged greetings and with complaisant words, he stood at his side.
8. Standing at his side the wandering ascetic Sariputta said to the venerable Assaji: " Your countenance, friend, is serene; your complexion is pure and bright. In whose name, friend, have you retired from the world? Who is your teacher? Whose Dhamma do you profess ? "
9. Assaji replied : " There is, friend, the great recluse of the Sakya's clan ; in this Blessed One's name, have I retired from the world ; this Blessed One is my teacher, and it is the Dhamma of this Blessed One that I follow."
10. "And what, venerable Sir, is the doctrine which your teacher holds ? And what does he preach to you?"
11. "I am only a young disciple, friend ; I have but recently received ordination ; and I have newly adopted this Dhamma and discipline. I cannot explain to you the Dhamma in detail ; but I will tell you in short what it means."
12. Then Sariputta, the wandering ascetic, said to the venerable Assaji : " So be it, friend, tell me as much or as little as you like, but tell me the meaning, I want just meaning. Why make so much of the letter?"
13. Then the venerable Assaji explained to Sariputta the substance of the teachings of the Buddha and Sariputta was completely satisfied.
14. Sariputta and Moggallana, though not brothers, were bound together as hough they were brothers. They had given their word to each other. He who first attains the truth shall tell the same to the other one. That was their mutual engagement.
15. Accordingly Sariputta went to the place where Moggallana was. Seeing him, he said to Sariputta : " Your countenance, friend, is serene ; your complexion is pure and bright. Have you then really reached the truth ? "
16. " Yes, friend, I have come to know the truth." " And how, friend, have you done so ? " Then Sariputta told him what happened between him and Assaji.
17. Then Moggallana said to Sariputta, " Let us go, friend, and join the Blessed One ; that he, the Blessed One, may be our teacher." 18. Sariputta replied : " It is on our account, friend, that these two hundred and fifty wandering Parivrajakas live here, and it is we whom they regard ; let us first tell them before taking leave of them ; they will do what they think fit."
19. Then Sariputta and Moggallana went to the place where they were ; having approached them they said to them, " Friends, we are going to join the Blessed One ; he, the Blessed One, is our teacher."
20. They replied : "It is on your account. Sirs, that we live here, and it is you whom we regard ; if you. Sirs, will lead the holy life under the great Samana, we all will do the same."
21. Then Sariputta and Moggallana went to the place where Sanjaya was ; having approached him, they said : " Friend, we go to join the Blessed One ; he, the Blessed One, is our teacher."
22. Sanjaya replied : "Nay, friends, do not go ; we will all three look after this company."
23. And a second and third time Sariputta and Moggallana said this and Sanjaya answered as before.
24. Then Sariputta and Moggallana took with them two hundred and fifty wandering ascetics and went to the Veluvana in Rajagraha where the Blessed One was staying.
25. And the Blessed One saw them—Sariputta and Moggallana, coming from afar : on seeing them he thus addressed the monks: "There, monks, arrive two companions," pointing towards Sariputta and Moggallana, "these will be my chief pair of disciples, and auspicious pair."
26. When they had arrived at the bamboo grove, they went to the place where the Blessed One was ; having approached him, they prostrated themselves, with their heads at the feet of the Blessed One, and said to the Blessed One : " Lord, let us receive ordination from the Blessed One."
27. The Blessed One then uttered the usual formula indicating dmission, " Ehi Bhikku " (Come Monks), and Sariputta and Moggallana and the two hundred Jatilas became the disciples of the Buddha."
§ 4. Conversion of King Bimbisara
1. Rajagraha was the capital of Seniya Bimbisara; King of Magadha.
2. Having heard of the conversions of this large number of Jatilas, everyone in the city had begun to talk about the Blessed One.
3. Thus King Bimbisara came to know of his arrival in the city.
4. " To have converted the most orthodox and the most obstinate Jatilas was no mean task." " Truly so," said King Bimbisara to himself, " he must be the Blessed, holy, absolute Buddha, proficient in knowledge and conduct, the way-farer, who understands the world, the highest one, who guides men, the teacher of gods and men. He must be teaching the truth, which he understood himself.
5. " He must be preaching that Dhamma which is lovely in the beginning, lovely in the middle, lovely at the end, in the spirit and in the letter ; he must be proclaiming the consummate perfect, pure and holy life. It is good to obtain the sight of a man like him."
6. So King Bimbisara, surrounded by twelve myriads of Magadha Brahmins and householders, went to the place where the Blessed One was. Having approached him and respectfully saluted the Blessed One, he sat down near him. And of those twelve myriads of Magadha Brahmins and householders, some also respectfully saluted the Blessed One and sat down near him ; some exchanged greetings with the Blessed One, and having done so they sat down near him with complaisant words ; some bent their clasped hands towards the Blessed One and sat down near him ; some made known their name and family name before the Blessed One and sat down near him ; some sat down near him silently.
7. Now those twelve myriads of Magadha Brahmins and householders saw Uruvella Kassyapa among the monks who came with the Blessed Lord. They thought: " How now is this ? Does the great Samana follow the holy life under Uruvella Kassyapa, or does Uruvella Kassyapa follow the holy life under the great Samana?"
8. And the Blessed One, who understood in his mind the reflection which had arisen in the minds of those twelve myriads of Magadha Brahmins and householders, addressed the venerable Uruvella Kassyapa : "What has thou seen, 0 dweller of Uruvella, that thou who art called the great one has forsaken the fire worship? How is it thou has forsaken the fire sacrifice ? "
9. Kassyapa replied : " It is sights and sounds, and also tastes, and omen of sense desire that the sacrifices promise ; because I understood that these things are impure that I took no more delight in sacrifices and offerings."
10. " But if you don't mind, tell us what made you think so ? "
11. Then the venerable Uruvella Kassyapa rose from his seat, adjusted his upper robe so as to cover one shoulder, prostrated himself, inclining his head to the feet of the Blessed One, and said to the Blessed One: " My teacher is the Blessed One, I. am his pupil." Then those twelve myriads of Magadha Brahmins and householders understood : " Uruvella Kassyapa follows the holy life under the great Samana."
12. And the Blessed One, who understood in his mind 'the reflection that had arisen in the minds of those twelve myriads of Magadha Brahmins and householders, preached to them his Dhamma. Just as a clean cloth free from black specks properly takes the dye, thus eleven myriads of those Magadha Brahmins and householders with Bimbisara at their head, while sitting there, obtained the pure and spotless dye of the Dhamma. One myriad announced their having become lay followers.
13. Then the Magadha king, Seniya Bimbisara, having witnessed the scene, having understood the Dhamma, having penetrated the Dhamma, having overcome uncertainty, having dispelled all doubts, having gained full knowledge, said to the Blessed One : " In former days. Lord, when I was a prince, I entertained five aspirations ; these are now fulfilled.
14. " In former days. Lord, to me when I was a prince, came this thought : ' O that I might be inaugurated king ! ' That was my first aspiration, Lord ; that is now fulfilled. ' And might then a holy one, a fully Enlightened One, come over into my kingdom ! ' This was my second aspiration, Lord ; that is now fulfilled. ' And might I minister to that Blessed One ! ' That was my third aspiration. Lord ; that is now fulfilled. ' And might he, the Blessed One, preach the Dhamma to me ! ' This was my fourth aspiration, Lord ; and that is now fulfilled. ' And might I understand the Dhamma of that Blessed One! 'This was my fifth aspiration, Lord; this is now fulfilled. These were my five aspirations, Lord, which I entertained in former days when I was a prince.
15. " Wonderful, Lord ! Wonderful, just as if one should set up, what had been overturned, or should reveal what had been hidden, or should point out the way to one who had lost his way, or should bring a lamp into the darkness, in order that those who had eyes might see things, thus has the Blessed One preached the Dhamma in many ways. I take refuge. Lord, in that Blessed One, and in the Dhamma, and in the fraternity of Bhikkus (monks). May the Blessed One receive me from this day forth, while my life lasts, as a lay disciple who has taken refuge in him."
§ 5. Conversion of Anathapindika
1. Sudatta was a resident of Shravasti, the capital of the kingdom of Kosala. It was ruled by King Pasenjit. Sudatta was treasurer of the king. From his bounties to the poor, Sudatta was known as Anathapindika.
2. When the Lord was at Rajagraha, Anathapindika happened to visit the place on some private business of his own. He was stopping with his who was married to the guild master of Rajagraha.
3. When he arrived he found the guild master preparing a meal for the Lord and his monks on so great a scale that he thought that a wedding was in progress or that the king had been invited.
4. On learning the truth he became very eager to visit the Lord and he set out in the very night to meet the Blessed One.
5. And the Blessed One saw at once the sterling quality of Anathapindika's heart and greeted him with words of comfort. After taking his seat Anathapindika expressed a desire to hear a discourse on some religious subject.
6. The Blessed Lord responding to his wishes raised the question, " Who is it that shapes our lives ? Is it Ishavara, a personal creator ? If Ishavara be the maker, all living things should have silently to submit to their maker's power. They would be like vessels formed by the potter's hand. If the world had been made by Ishavara there should be no such thing as sorrow, or calamity, or sin ; for both pure and impure deeds must come from him. If not, there would be another cause beside him, and he would not be the self-existent one. Thus, you see, the thought of Ishavara is overthrown.
7. " Again, it is said that the Absolute cannot be a cause. All things around us come from a cause as the plant comes from the seed; how can the Absolute be the cause of all things alike ? If it pervades them, then certainly it does not make them.
8. " Again, it is said that self is the maker. But if self is the maker, why did he not make things pleasing? The cases of sorrow and joy are real and objective. How can they have been made by self?
9. " Again, if you adopt the argument, there is no maker, or fate in such as it is, and there is no causation, what use would there be in shaping our lives and adjusting means to an end?
10. " Therefore, we argue that all things that exist are not without cause. However, neither Ishavara, nor the Absolute, nor the self, nor causeless chance, is the maker, but our deeds produce results both good and evil.
11. "The whole world is under the law of causation, and the causes that act are not un-mental, for the gold of which the cup is made is gold throughout.
12. " Let us, then, surrender the heresies of worshipping Ishavara and praying to him; let us not lose ourselves in vain speculations of profitless subtleties; let us surrender self and all selfishness, and as all things are fixed by causation, let us practise good so that good may result from our actions."
13. And Anathapindika said : " I see the truth of what the Blessed One has said and I wish to open my whole mind. Having listened to my words let the Lord advise me what I should do.
14. " My life is full of work, and having acquired great wealth, I am surrounded with cares. Yet do I enjoy my work, and I apply myself to it with all diligence. Many people are in my employ and depend upon the success of my enterprises.
15. " Now, I have heard your disciples praise the bliss of the hermit and denounce the unrest of the world. ' The Blessed One,' they say, ' has given up his kingdom and his inheritance, and has found the path of righteousness, thus setting an example to all the world how to attain Nirvana.'
16. " My heart yearns to do what is right and to be a blessing unto my fellow-beings. Let me then ask you, must I give up my wealth, my home, and my business enterprises, and, like you, go into homelessness in order to attain the bliss of a religious life ?"
17. And the Blessed Lord replied : " The bliss of a religious life is attainable by every one who walks in the noble eight-fold path. He that cleaves to wealth, had better cast it away than allow his heart to be poisoned by it ; but he who does not cleave to wealth, and possessing riches, uses them rightly, will be a blessing unto his fellow-beings.
18. "I say unto thee, remain in thy station of life and apply thyself with diligence to thy enterprises. It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, but the cleaving to life and wealth and power.
19. " The Bhikku who retires from the world in order to lead a life of leisure will have no gain. For a life of indolence is an abomination, and lack of energy is to be despised.
20. "The Dhamma of the Tathagata does not require a man to go into homelessness or to resign the world unless he feels called upon to do so ; what the Dhamma of the Tathagata requires is for every man to free himself from the illusion of self, to cleanse his heart, to give up his thirst for pleasure, and lead a life of righteousness.
21. "And whatever men do, whether they remain in the world as artisans, merchants, and officers of the king, or retire from the world and devote themselves to a life of religious meditation, let them put their whole eart into their task ; let them be diligent and energetic, and, if they are like the lotus, which, though it grows in the water, yet remains untouched by the water, if they struggle in life without cherishing envy or hatred, if they live in the world a life not of self but a life of truth, then surely joy, peace, and bliss will dwell in their minds."
22. Anathapindika perceived that this was the most excellent system of truth, simple and of wisdom-born.
23. Thus firmly settled in the true doctrine he slowly bent in worship at the feet of the Blessed One and with closed hands made his request.
§ 6. Conversion of King Pasenjit
1. Then King Pasenjit, hearing that the Lord had come, went in his royal equippage to the Jetavana Vihara. Saluting him with clasped hands, he said:
2. " Blessed is my unworthy and obscure kingdom that it has met with so great a fortune. For how can calamities and dangers befall it in the presence of Lord of the World, the Dharma Raja, the King of Truth.
3. " Now that I have seen your sacred features, let me partake of the refreshing waters of your teachings.
4. "Worldly profit is fleeting and perishable, but religious profit is eternal and inexhaustible. A worldly man, though a king, is full of trouble, but even a common man who is holy has peace of mind."
5. Knowing the tendency of the king's heart, weighed down by avarice and love of pleasure, the Blessed One seized the opportunity and said :
6. " Even those who, have been born in low degree, when they see a virtuous man, feel reverence for him, how much more must an independent king, who by his previous conditions of life has acquired much merit, feel ?
7. " And now as I briefly expound the law, let the Maharaja listen and weigh my words, and hold fast to what I say.
8. " Our good or evil deeds follow us continually like shadows.
9. " That which is most needed is a loving heart !
10. " Regard your people as we do an only son. Do not oppress them, do not destroy them ; keep in due check every member of your body, forsake unrighteous doctrines and walk in the straight path; do not exalt yourself by trampling down others. Give comfort and befriend the sufferer.
11. "Neither ponder much on kingly dignity, nor listen to the smooth words of flatterers.
12. "There is no profit in vexing oneself by austerities, but meditate on Dhamma and weigh the righteous law.
13. " We are enclosed on all sides by the rocks of sorrow and ill and only by considering the true law can we escape from this sorrow-filled mountain.
14, " What profit, then, in practising inequity ?
15. " All who are wise spurn the pleasures of the body. They loathe lust and seek to promote their spiritual existence.
16. " When a tree is burning with fierce flames, how can the birds congregate therein ? Truth cannot dwell where passion lives. Without a knowledge of this, the learned man, though he may be praised as a sage, is ignorant.
17. "On him who has this knowledge true wisdom dawns. To acquire this wisdom is the one aim needed. To neglect it implies the failure of life.
18. " The teachings of all schools should centre here, for without it there is no reason.
19. "This truth is not for the hermit alone ; it concerns every human being, priest and layman alike. There is no distinction between the monk who has taken the vows, and the man of the world living with his family. There are hermits who fall into perdition, and there are humble householders who mount to the rank of rishis.
20. " The tide of lust is a danger common to all ; it carries away the world. He who is involved in its eddies finds no escape. But wisdom is the handy boat, reflection is the rudder. The slogan of religion calls you to the rescue of your self from the assaults of Mara, the enemy.
21. " Since it is impossible to escape the result of our deeds, let us practise good works.
22. " Let us inspect our thoughts that we do no evil, for as we sow so shall we reap.
23. " There are ways from light into darkness and from darkness into light. There are ways, also, from gloom into deeper darkness, and from the dawn into brighter light. The wise man will use the light as he has to receive more light. He will constantly advance to the knowledge of the truth.
24. " Exhibit true superiority by virtuous conduct and the exercise of reason; meditate deeply on the vanity of earthly things, and understand the fickleness of life.
25. " Elevate the mind, and seek sincere faith with firm purpose; transgress not the rules of kingly conduct, and let your happiness depend, not upon external things but upon your own mind. Thus you will lay up a good name for distant ages.
26. The king listened with reverence and remembered all the words of the Blessed One in his heart and promised to become his lay disciple.
§ 7. Conversion of Jeevaka
1. Jeevaka was the son of Salvati, a courtesan of Rajagraha.
2. Immediately after birth the child, being illegitimate, was placed in a basket and thrown on a dust-heap.
3. A large number of people were standing by the dust-heap watching the child. Abhaya, the Raja-kumara, happened to pass by the site. He questioned the people who said : " It is alive."
4. For this reason the child was called Jeevaka. Abhaya adopted him and brought him up.
5. When Jeevaka grew in age he learned how he was saved and was charged with the intense desire to qualify himself to save others.
6. He therefore went to the University of Takashila without the knowledge and permission of Abhaya and studied medicine for seven years.
7. Returning to Rajagraha he set up his practice as a doctor and within a very short time acquired a great name and fame in the profession.
8. His first patient was the wife of a sethi of Saketa and for curing her he received sixteen thousand kahapanas, a man-servant, a maid-servant and a coach with a horse.
9. Knowing his eminence, Abhaya gave him residence in his own establishment.
10. At Rajagraha he cured Bimbisara of a troublesome fistula and is said to have received as reward all the ornaments of Bimbisara's five hundred wives.
11. Other noteworthy cures of Jeevaka included that of the sethi of Rajagraha on whom he performed the operation of trepanning and of the son of the sethi of Benares who was suffering from chronic intestinal trouble due to misplacement.
12. Jeevaka was appointed physician to the king and the king's women.
13. But Jeevaka was greatly attached to the Blessed Lord. Consequently he also acted as a physician to him and the Sangh.
14. He became a disciple of the Lord. The Blessed Lord did not make him a Bhikku as he wanted him to remain free to tend to the sick and the wounded.
15. When Bimbisara died Jeevaka continued to serve his son Ajatsatru and was mainly instrumental in bringing him to the Lord after his crime of parricide.
§ 8. The Conversion of Ratthapala
1. Once when the Lord was on an alms pilgrimage in the Kuru country with a great company of almsmen, he stayed at Thullakotthita, which was a township of the Kurus.
2. They came to know of it and went to him to pay their respects.
3. When they were seated, the Lord instructed them with a discourse on the Doctrine. Having received their instruction from the Lord, the Brahmin heads of houses of Thullakotthita gratefully thanked him, rose up and departed with deep obeisance.
4. Seated among them was a young man named Ratthapala, a scion of a leading family of the place, to whom this thought came : "So far as I understand, the Doctrine which the Lord has preached is no easy matter for one who lives in a home to lead the higher life in all its fullness, purity, and perfection.
5. " What if I were to cut off hair and beard, don the yellow robes and go forth from home to homelessness as a pilgrim!"
6. When the Brahmins had not been gone long, then Ratthapala came up and, after salutations, told the Lord the thought which had come to him, and asked to be admitted to, and confirmed in, the confraternity under him.
7. " Have you your parents' consent to this step, Ratthapala?' asked the Lord.
8. "No, Sir."
9. "I do not admit those who have not their parents' consent."
10. "That consent. Sir, I will take steps to obtain," said the young man, who rising up and taking a reverential leave of the Lord, went off to his parents, told them his thoughts and asked their consent to his becoming a Bhikku.
11. The parents made answer as follows : " Dear Ratthapala, you are our only son, very dear to us and beloved ; you live in comfort and have been brought up in comfort, with no experience at all of discomfort. Go away ; eat, drink, enjoy yourself, and do good works in all happiness. We refuse our consent.
12. " Your death would leave us desolate, with no pleasure left in life ; why, while we have you still, should we consent to your going forth from home to homelessness as a Bhikku".
13. A second and yet a third time did Ratthapala repeat his request, only to be met by the same refusal from his parents.
14. Failing thus to get his parents' consent, the young man flung himself down on the bare ground, declaring that he would either die there or become a Bhikku.
15. His parents entreated him to get up while repeating their objections to his becoming a Bhikku, but the young man said not a word. A second and a third time they entreated him but still he said not a word.
16. So the parents sought out Ratthapala's companions to whom they told all this and besought them to urge, as from themselves, what his parents had said to him.
17. Thrice his companions appealed to him, but still he said not a word. So his companions came to the parents with this report : " There on the bare ground he lies, declaring that he will either die there or become a Bhikku. If you refuse your consent, he will never get up alive. But, if you give your consent, you will see him when he has become a Bhikku. Should he not like being a Bhikku, what alternative will he have! Why, only to come back here. Do give your consent ! " they urged.
18. " Yes, we consent ; but when he is a Bhikku, he must come and see us."
19. Off now went his companions to Ratthapala, and they told him that his parents had given their consent, but that when he was a Bhikku he was to come and see them.
20. Thereupon the young man arose and, when he had regained his strength, betook himself to the Lord, and after salutations seated himself on one side, saying: " I have got my parents' consent to my becoming a Bhikku ; I ask the Lord to admit me."
21. Admission and confirmation were granted him under the Lord; and a fortnight afterwards the Lord, having stayed at Thullakotthita as long as he wanted, proceeded on his alms pilgrimage towards Sravasti, where he took up his abode in Jeta's grove in Anathapindika's pleasance.
22. Dwelling alone and aloof, strenuous, ardent and purged of self, the reverend Ratthapala was not long before he won the prize in quest of which young men go forth from home to homelessness as Bhikkus, that prize of prizes which crowns the highest life.
23. Then, he went to the Lord and, seated on one side after salutations, said that with the Lord's permission, he wished to go and see his parents.
24. Scanning with his own heart the thoughts of Ratthapala's heart, and recognizing thereby that he was incapable of abandoning his training and reverting to the lower life of a layman, the Lord bade him go when he would.
25. Hereupon, rising up and taking his leave of the Lord with deep reverence, Ratthapala, after duly putting away his bedding, set out, with his robe and bowl, on an alms pilgrimage to Thullakotthita where he took up his abode in the deer-park of the Kuru king.
26. Early next morning, duly robed and bowl in hand, he went into the town for alms, and there as he passed from house to house on his undiscriminating round, he came to his father's house.
27. Indoors, in the hall within the middle door, his father was having his hair combed and, seeing Ratthapala coming in the distance, he said : " It was these shavelings of reduces who made Bhikku of my only dear and beloved son."
28. So at his own father's house Ratthapala was given nothing, not even a refusal; all he got was abuse.
29. At this moment a slave-girl of the family was about to throw away the previous day's stale rice; and to her Ratthapala said: " If, sister, that is to be thrown away, put it in my bowl here."
30. As the girl was doing so, she recognised his hands and feet and voice, and going straight to her mistress, cried out: " Do you know, madam, the young master is back."
31. " If what you say is true, you are a slave no longer," said the mother, who hurried off to tell her husband that she heard their son was back.
32. Ratthapala was eating that stale rice under the hedge when his father arrived, exclaiming; " Can it be, my dear son, that you are eating stale rice? Should you not have come to your own house ?"
33. Said Ratthapala, ' 'What house of our own, householder, can we have who are homeless, having gone forth from home to homelessness ? I did come to your house, where I was given nothing not even a refusal ; all I got was abuse."
34. ' Come, my son; let us go indoors.' ' Not so, householder; I have finished my eating for today.' said Ratthapala.
35. ' Well then, my son promise to take your meal here tomorrow.'
36. By his silence the reverend Ratthapala gave consent.
37. Then the father went indoors,—where first he ordered great heaps of gold and bullion to be piled up under a covering of mats and then he told his daughters-in-law, who had been the reverend Ratthapala's wives aforetime, to deck themselves out in all the finery their husband liked to see them in.
38. When night had passed, the father, having ordered an excellent meal to be got ready in his house, told his son when it was ready. Early that forenoon, the reverend Ratthapala, duly robed and bowl in hand, came and took the seat set for him.
39. Hereupon, ordering the heap of treasure to be unveiled, the father said: ' This is your mother's fortune, that is your father's and that came from your grand-father. You have the wherewithal both to enjoy yourself and to do good works.
40. 'Come, my son; abandon your training; revert to the lower life of the layman; enjoy your substance and do good works.'
41. ' If you will take my advice, householder, you will cart away all this heaped-up treasure and sink it in the middle of the Ganges. And why ? Because thence you will only derive sorrow and lamentation, ills, pain of mind, pain of body and tribulation.'
42. Clinging to his feet, the reverend Ratthapala's whilom wives asked like what were the nymphs divine for whose sake he was leading the higher life.
43. " For the sake of no nymphs at all, sisters," said he.
44. At hearing themselves called sisters, the ladies all fainted and fell to the ground.
45. Said Ratthapala to his father: " If food is to be given, householder, give it; trouble me not."
46. " The food is ready, my son ; begin," said the father as he served that excellent meal without stint till his son had his fill.
47. After taking food he departed to the deer-park of the Kuru king, where he sat down under a tree during the noontide heat.
48. Now the king had given directions to his huntsman to tidy up the park against his coming to see it; and the obedient huntsman was engaged on his task when he saw Ratthapala seated under a tree during the noontide heat, and reported to the king that the park was in. order but that under a tree there was seated Ratthapala, the young gentleman of whom His Majesty had often heard tell.
49. " Never mind about the park today," said the king; " I will pay a call on His Reverence." Ordering, therefore, all the repast which had been prepared to be made ready, he mounted a chariot and drove forth in procession in royal state out of the city to see Ratthapala.
50. Riding as far as the ground was passable for his chariot and proceeding thence on foot with his princely train, the king came at last upon the reverend Ratthapala, whom, after exchange of courteous greetings, the king—still standing—invited to be seated on a clump of flowers.
51. " Nay, sire; sit you there, I have got a seat."
52. Seating himself on the seat indicated to him, the king said: " There are four kinds of losses, Ratthapala, which impel men to cut off hair and beard, don the yellow robes, and go forth from home to homelessness—namely, (i) old age, (ii) failing health, (iii) impoverishment, and (iv) death of kinsfolk.
53. " Take a man who, being aged and old, far advanced in life, stricken in years, and at the close of life, recognises his position, and realises the difficulty either of acquiring new wealth or of doing well with what he has got; so he decides to take to homelessness. This is known as the loss which old age entails. But here are you in the prime of youth and early manhood, with a wealth of coal-black hair untouched by grey, and in all the beauty of your prime;—not yours is the loss old age entails. What have you known or seen or heard to make you take to homelessness ?
54. " Or take a man who, being in ill-health or pain, or gravely ill, recognises his position and realises the difficulty either of acquiring new wealth or doing well with what he has already; so he decides to take to homelessness. This is known as the loss which failing health entails. But here are you neither ill nor ailing, with a good digestion maintained by humours neither too hot nor too cold ; not yours is the loss which failing health entails. What have known or seen or heard to make you take to homelessness ?
55. "Or take a man who, after being rich and wealthy and of great substance, and after gradually losing it, recognises his, position and realises the difficulty either of acquiring new wealth or of doing well with what he has got; so he decides to become a pilgrim. This is known as the loss which impoverishment entails. But the revered Ratthapala is the son of leading family in this very Thullakotthita, and there is none of this loss of wealth for the revered Ratthapala. What has the good Ratthapala known or seen or heard that he has gone forth from home into homelessness ? And what, good Ratthapala, is loss of relations ? As to this, good Ratthapala, someone has many friends and acquaintances, kith and kin, but gradually these relations of his diminish. He reflects thus: ' Formerly I had many friends and acquaintances, kith and kin, but gradually these relations of mine have diminished, so it is not easy for me to acquire wealth etc....' So he that is followed by this loss of relations, having cut off hair and beard, having donned saffron garments, goes forth from home into homelessness. This is known as the loss which kinsfolk's death entails. But here are you with a host of friends and relations; not yours is the loss which kinsfolk's death entails. What have you known or seen or heard to make you take to homelessness?"
56. " I have gone forth," replied Ratthapala, " sire, from home to homelessness because I have known, seen, and heard the following four propositions enunciated by the All-Englightened Lord who knows and sees :
"(i) The world is in continual flux and change.
(ii) The world has no protector or preserver. "(iii) We own nothing; we must leave everything behind. "(iv) The world lacks and bankers, being enslaved to craving." 57. "It is wonderful, it is marvellous," said the king, "how right in this the Lord was !"
PART IV : CALL FROM HOME
1. Suddhodana and the Last Look.
2. Meeting Yeshodhara and Rahula.
3. Reception by the Sakyas.
4. Last attempt to make Him a Householder.
5. The Buddha's answer.
6. The Minister's reply.
7. The Buddha's Determination.
§ 1. Suddhodana and the Last Look
1. After the conversion of Sariputta and Moggallana the Lord stayed in Rajagraha for two months.
2. Having heard that the Lord was residing at Rajagraha, Suddhodana, his father, sent word to him saying : " I wish to see my son before I die. Others have had the benefit of his doctrine, but not his father nor his relatives."
3. The man with whom the message was sent was Kaludayin, the son of one of the courtiers of Suddhodana.
4. And the messenger on arrival said: " O, world-honoured Tathagata, your father looks for your coming, as the lily longs for the rising of the sun."
5. The Blessed One consented to the request of his father and set out on the journey to his father's house accompanied by a large number of his disciples.
6. The Lord journeyed by slow stages. But Kaludayin went ahead of him to inform Suddodhana that the Blessed One was coming and was on his way.
7. Soon the tidings spread in the Sakya country. " Prince Siddharth, who wandered forth from home into homelessness to obtain enlightenment, having attained his purpose, is coming home to Kapilavatsu." This was on the lips of every one.
8. Suddhodana and Mahaprajapati went out with their relatives and ministers to meet their son. When they saw their son from afar, they were struck with his beauty and dignity and his lustre and they rejoiced in their heart, but they could find no words to utter.
9. This indeed was their son ; these were the features of Siddharth! How near was the great Samana to their heart and yet what a distance lay between them! That noble muni was no longer Siddharth their son ; he was now the Buddha, the Blessed One, the Holy One, Lord of Truth and Teacher of Mankind!
10. Suddhodana, considering the religious dignity of their son, descended from the chariot and having saluted him first, said : " It is now seven years since we saw you. How we have longed for this moment."
11. Then the Buddha took a seat opposite his father, and the king eagerly gazed at his son. He longed to call him by his name but he dared not. "Siddharth," he exclaimed silently in his heart, " Siddharth, come back to your old father and be his son again." But seeing the determination of his son, he suppressed his sentiments. Desolation overcame him and Mahaprajapati.
12. Thus the father sat face to face with his son, rejoicing in his sadness and sad in his rejoicing. Well may he be proud of his son, but his pride broke down at the idea that his great son would never be his heir.
13. " I would offer thee my kingdom," said the king, " but if I did, thou would account it but as ashes."
14. And the Lord said: "I know that the king's heart is full of love and that for his son's sake he feels deep grief. But let the ties of love that bind you to the son whom you lost, embrace with equal kindness all your fellow-beings, and you will receive in his place a greater one than your son Siddharth ; you will receive one who is the teacher of truth, the preacher of righteousness, and the bringer of peace and of Nirvana will enter into your heart."
15. Suddhodana trembled with joy when he heard the melodious words of his son, the Buddha, and clasping his hands, exclaimed with tears in his eyes : " Wonderful is the change ! The overwhelming sorrow has passed away. At first my sorrowing heart was heavy but now I reap the fruit of your great renunciation. It was right that moved by your mighty sympathy, you should reject the pleasures of power and achieve your noble purpose in religious devotion. Having found the path you can now preach your Dhamma to all that yearn for deliverance."
16. Suddhodana returned to his house while the Buddha remained in the grove with his companions.
17. The next morning the Blessed Lord took his bowl and set out to beg for his food in Kapilavatsu. 18. And the news spread : " Siddharth is going from house to house to receive alms in the city where he used to ride in a chariot attended by his retinue. His robe is like a red clod and he holds in his hand an earthen bowl."
19. On hearing the strange rumour, Suddhodana went forth in great hase and exclaimed: " Why do you disgrace me thus ? Do you not know that I can easily supply you and your Bhikkus with food ?"
20. And the Lord replied: " It is the custom of my Order."
21. " But how can this be? You are not one of them that ever begged for food."
22. "Yes, father," rejoined the Lord, "You and your race may claim descent from kings; my descent is from the Buddhas of old. They begged their food, and always lived on alms."
23. Suddhodana made no reply, and the Blessed One continued: " It is customary, when one has found a hidden treasure, for him to make an offering of the most precious jewel to his father. Suffer me, therefore, to offer you this treasure of mine which is the Dhamma."
24. And the Blessed Lord told his father: "If you free yourself from dreams, if you open your mind to truth, if you be energetic, if you practise righteousness, you will find eternal bliss."
25. Suddhodana heard the words in silence and replied: " My son ! What thou sayst will I endeavour to fulfil."
§ 2. Meeting Yeshodhara and Rahula
1. Then Suddhodana conducted the Blessed Lord into his house and all the members of the family greeted him with- great reverence.
2. But Yeshodhara, the mother of Rahula, did not make her appearance." Suddhodana sent for Yeshodhara. but she replied: " Surely, if I am deserving of any regard, Siddhartha will come and see me."
3. The Blessed One, having greeted all his relatives and friends, asked: " Where is Yeshodhara ?" and on being informed that she had refused to come, he rose straightaway and went to her apartment.
4. " I am free," the Blessed One said to his disciples Sariputta and Moggallana whom he had bidden to accompany him into Yeshodhara's chamber; " But Yeshodhara, however, is not as yet free. Not having seen me for a long time, she is exceedingly sorrowful. Unless her grief be allowed to run its course her heart will cleave. Should she touch the Tathagata, the Holy One, you must not prevent her."
5. Yeshodhara sat in her room in deep reflection. When the Blessed One entered, she was, from the abundance of her affection, like an overflowing vessel, unable to contain herself.
6. Forgetting that the man whom she loved was Buddha, the Lord of the World, the Preacher of Truth, she held him by his feet and wept bitterly.
7. Remembering, however, that Suddhodana was present, she felt ashamed and rose up, sitting herself reverently at a little distance.
8. Suddhodana apologized for Yeshodhara, saying: " This arises from her deep affection, and is more than a temporary emotion. During the seven years that she has lost her husband, when she heard that Siddharth had shaved his head, she did likewise; when she heard that he had left off the use of perfumes and ornaments she also refused their use. Like her husband she has eaten at appointed times from an earthen bowl only.
9. " If this is more than a temporary emotion it is not for want of courage."
10. And the Blessed One spoke to Yeshodhara telling of her great merits and the great courage she showed when he took Parivraja. Her purity, her gentleness, her devotion had been invaluable to him as a Bodhisattva when he aspired to the highest aim of mankind to attain enlightenment. This, then, was her karma, and it was the result of great merits.
11. Her grief had been unspeakable, and the glory that surrounded her spiritual inheritance increased by her noble attitude during her life and had made her a unique person.
12. Then Yeshodhara dressed Rahula, now seven years old, in all the splendour of a prince and said to him:
13. " This holy man, whose appearance is so glorious that he looks like the Great Brahma, is your father. He possesses great mines of wealth which I have not yet seen. Go to him and entreat him to put you in the possession thereof for the son ought to inherit the property of the father."
14. Rahula replied : " Who is my father. I know of no father but Suddhodana."
15. Yeshodhara took the boy in her arms and from the window she pointed out to the Lord, who happened to be near, partaking of food among the Bhikkus, informing him that he was his father and not Suddhodana.
16. Rahula then went to him and looking up in his face, said without fear and with much affection:
17. " Aren't thou my father!" And standing near by him, he added: " O Samana, even your shadow is full of bliss !" The Blessed One remained silent.
18. When the Tathagata had finished his repast, he gave blessings and went away from the palace, but Rahula followed and asked him for his inheritance.
19. No one prevented the boy, nor did the Blessed One himself.
20. Then the Blessed One turned to Sariputta, saying: " My son asks for his inheritance.. I cannot give him perishable treasures that will bring cares and sorrows, but I can give him the inheritance of a holy life, which is a treasure that will not perish."
21. Addressing Rahula with earnestness, the Blessed One said : " Gold and silver and jewels have I none. But if you are willing to receive spiritual treasures, and are strong to carry them and to keep them, I have plenty. My spiritual treasure is the path of righteousness. Do you desire to be admitted to the brotherhood of those who devote their life to the culture of the mind seeking for the highest bliss attainable ?"
22. And Rahula replied with firmness: " I do.'"
23. When Suddhodana heard that Rahula had joined the brotherhood of the Bhikkus he was greatly grieved.
§ 3. Reception by the Sakyas
1. On his return to the country of the Sakyas the Lord found his countrymen divided into two camps. One in favour and the other against him.
2. This recalled to his mind the old clash of opinion that took place in the Sakya Sangh when the issue of war between the Sakyas and Koliyas was fought and in which he had played so prominent a part.
3. Those against him refused even now to do obeisance to him and to recognise his greatness. Those for him had already decided to dedicate a son per household to form a retinue for him. These now decided to enter the Order and set out with the Lord on his return to Rajagraha.
4. Among the families which had decided to dedicate a son there was the family of Amitodana.
5. Amitodana had two sons. One was Anuruddha, who had been very delicately nurtured, and the other Mahanama.
6. And Mahanama went to Anuruddha, saying: " Either do you renounce the world, or I will do so." And Anuruddha replied, " I am delicate. It is impossible for me to go forth from the household life into the homeless state. You do so."
7. "But come now, dear Anuruddha, I will tell you what is incident to the household life. First, you have to get your fields ploughed. When that is done, you have to get them sown. When that is done, you have to get the water led down over them. When that is done, you have to get the water led off again. When that is done, you have to get the seeds pulled up. When that is done, you have to get the crop reaped. When that is done, you have to get the crop carried away. When that is done, you have to get it arranged into bundles. When that is done, you have to get it trodden out. When that is done, you have to get the straw picked out. When that is done you have to get the chaff removed. When that is done, you have to get it winnowed. When that is done, you have to get the harvest garnered. When that is done, you have to do just the same next year, and the same all over again the year after that.
8. " The work is never over ; one sees not the end of one's labour. O, when shall our work be over ? When shall we see the end of our labours ? When shall we, still possessing and retaining the pleasures of our five senses, yet dwell at rest? Yes, the work, dear Anuruddha, is never over ; no end appears to our labours."
9. " Then do you take thought for the household duties. I will go forth from the household life into the houseless state," said Anuruddha.
10. And Anuruddha, the Sakyan, went to his mother, and said to her. " I want, mother, to go forth from the household life into the houseless state. Grant me thy permission to do so."
11. And when he had thus spoken, his mother replied to Anuruddha, the Sakyan, saying : " You two, dear Anuruddha, are my two sons, near and dear to me, in whom I find no evil. Through death I shall some day, against my will, be separated from you but how can I be willing, whilst you are still alive, that you should go forth from the household life into the houseless state ? "
12. And a second timeAnuruddha made the same request, and received the same reply. And a third time Anuruddha made the same request to his mother.
13. Now at that time Bhaddiya, the Sakyan Raja, held rule over the Sakyans ; and he was a friend of Anuruddha. And the mother of Anuruddha, thinking that that being so, the raja would not be able to renounce the world, said to her son: " Dear Anuruddha, if Bhaddiya the Sakyan raja will renounce the world, you also may go forth with him."
14. Then Anuruddha went to Bhaddiya and said to him : " My renunciation of the world, dear friend, is being obstructed by you."
15. "Then let that obstruction, dear friend, be removed. I am with you. Renounce the world according to your wish."
16. " Come, dear friend, let us both renounce the world together! "
17. "lam not capable, dear friend, of giving up the household life. Whatsoever else you can ask of me, that will I do. Do you go forth alone," said Bhaddiya.
18. " Mother, dear friend, has told me that if you do so, I may. And you have even now declared, ' If your renunciation be obstructed by me, then let that obstruction be removed. Even with you will I renounce the world according to your wish.' Come then, dear friend, let us both renounce the world."
19. And Bhaddiya, the Sakyan raja said to Anuruddha, "Wait, my friend, for seven years. At the end of seven years we will renounce the world together."
20. " Seven years are too long, dear friend. I am not able to wait for seven years."
21. Bhaddiya reduced the offer to six years and so on down to one year, to seven months and so on down to one month, and a fortnight. To each offer Anuruddha replied, " Too long a time to wait."
22. Then the raja says : " Wait, my friend, for seven days, whilst I hand over the kingdom to my sons and my brothers."
23. " Seven days is not too long. I will wait thus far," was the reply.
24. So Bhaddiya the Sakyan raja and Anuruddha and Ananda and Bhagu and Kimbila and Devadatta— just as they had so often previously gone out to the pleasure-ground with fourfold array—even so did they now go out with fourfold array, and Upali, the barber, went with them, making seven in all.
25. And when they had gone some distance they sent their retinue back and crossed over into the neighbouring district, and took off their fine things and wrapped them in their robes, and made a bundle of them, and said to Upali the barber : " Do you now, good Upali, turn back to Kapilavatsu. These things will be sufficient for you to' live upon. We will go and join the Blessed One." And so they went ahead.
26: They went on and Upali parted company for the purpose of going back home.
§ 4. Last attempt to make Him a Householder
1. Suddhodana wept bitterly at the thought of his son going away never to be seen again.
2. Then Suddhodana spoke to his counsellor and his family priest and asked them if they could go and persuade his son to stay back and join the family.
3. The family priest accompanied by the counsellor, in obedience to the wishes of the king, went and overtook him on the way.
4. They paid him honour as was fitting, and having obtained his permission, sat down near him.
5. The family priest addressed the Lord as he sat at the foot of the tree.
6. "O prince, consider for a moment the feelings of the king with his eyes raining tears with the arrow of thy reparation plunged into his heart. He has asked you to come back home. It is then only that he can die peacefully.
7. " I know that thy resolve is fixed upon religion, and I am convinced that this purpose of thine is unchanging ; but I am consumed with a flame of anguish like fire at thy going into this homeless state.
8. " Come, thou who love duty,—abandon this purpose for the sake of duty.
9. " Enjoy for a while the sovereignty of the earth, —thou shall go to the orest at the time provided by the sastras,—do not show disregard for thy unhappy kindred. Compassion for all creatures is the true religion.
10. "Religion is not wrought out only in the forests, the salvation of ascetics can be accomplished even in a city ; thought and effort are the true means, the forest and the badge are only a coward's signs.
11. " The king of the Sakyas is drowned in a deep sea of sorrow, full of waves of trouble, springing from thee ; do thou therefore deliver him who is helpless and protect or less like an ox drowning in the sea.
12. " Consider also the queen, who brought thee up, who has not yet gone to the region inhabited by Agastya—wilt thou not take some heed of 'her, who ceaselessly grieves like a cow that has lost her calf?
13. " Surely thou wilt succour thy wife by the. sight of thee, who now mourns as a widow yet with her lord still alive,—like a swan separated from her mate or a female elephant deserted in the forest by her companion."
14. The Lord having heard the words of the family priest, reflected for a moment, knowing all the virtues of the virtuous, and then thus uttered his gentle reply:
§ 5. The Buddha's Answer
1. " I well know the paternal tenderness of the king, especially that which he has displayed towards me ; yet knowing this as I do, still alarmed at the ill and sorrow which pervades the world, I am inevitably forced to leave my kindred.
2. " Who would not wish to see his dear kindred, if but this separation from beloved ones did not exist? But since even after it has been once, separation will still come again, it is for this that I abandon my father, however loving.
3. " I do not however approve that thou should think" the king's grief as caused by me, when in the midst of his dream-like unions, he is afflicted by thoughts of separations in the future.
4. " Thus let thy thoughts settle into certainty, having seen the multiform in ts various developments; neither a son nor kindred is the cause of sorrow,—this sorrow is caused only by ignorance.
5. " Since parting is inevitably fixed in the course of time for all beings, just as for travellers who have joined company on a road,—what wise man would cherish sorrow, when he loses his kindred, even though he loves them ?
6. " Leaving his kindred in another world, he departs hither, and having stolen away from them here, he goes forth once more ; havings gone thither, he goes elsewhere also,—such is the lot of mankind,—what consideration can the liberated have for them ?
7. " Since from the moment of leaving the womb death is a characteristic adjunct, why, in thy affection for thy son, has thou called my departure to the forest ill-timed ?
8. "There may be an 'ill time' in one's attaining a worldly object,—time indeed is described as inseparably connected with all things; time drags the world into all its various times ; but all time suits a bliss which is really worthy of praise.
9. " That the king should wish to surrender to me his kingdom,—this is a noble thought, well worthy of a father ; but it would be as improper for me to accept it, as for a sick man through greed to accept unwholesome food.
10. " How can it be right for the wise to enter royalty, the home of illusion, where are found anxiety, passion, and weariness ; and the violation of all right through another's service ?
11. "The golden palace seems to me to be on fire ; the daintiest viands seem mixed with poison ; infested with crocodiles is the tranquil lotus-bed."
§6. The Minister's Reply
1. Having heard the Buddha's discourse, well suitable to his virtues and knowledge, freed from all desires, full of sound reasons, and weighty,—the counsellor thus made answer :
2. " This resolve of thine is an excellent counsel, not unfit in itself but only unfit at the present time : it could not be thy duty, loving duty as thou do , to leave thy father in his old age to sorrow
3. " Surely thy mind is not very penetrating, or it is ill-skilled in examining duty, wealth, and pleasure,— when for the sake of an unseen result thou departest disregarding a visible end.
4. " Again some say that there is another birth,— others with confident assertion say that there is not, since then the matter is all in doubt, it is right to enjoy the good fortune which comes into thy hand.
5. " If there is any activity hereafter, we will enjoy ourselves in it as may offer ; or if there is no activity beyond this life, then there is an assured liberation to all the world without any effort.
6. " Some say there is a future life, but they do not allow the possibility of liberation ; as fire is hot by nature, and water liquid, so they hold that there is a special nature in our power of action.
7. " Some maintain that all things arise from inherent properties,—both good and evil and existence and non-existence : and since all this world thus arises spontaneously, therefore also all effort of ours is vain.
8. " Since the action of the senses is fixed, and so too the agreeableness or the disagreeableness of outward objects,—then for that which is united to old age and pains, what effort can avail to alter it ? Does it not all arise spontaneously ?
9. " The fire becomes quenched by water, and fire causes water to evaporate ; and different elements, united in a body, producing unity, bear up the world.
10. " That the nature of the embryo in the womb is produced as composed of hands, feet, belly, back, and head, and that it is also united with the soul,—the wise declare that all this comes of itself spontaneously.
11. "Who causes the sharpness of the thorn? Or the various natures of beasts and birds ? All this has arisen spontaneously ; there is no acting from desire, how then can there be such a thing as will ?
12. " Others say that creation comes from Isvara, —what need then is there of the effort of the conscious soul ? That which is the cause of the action of the world, is also determined as the cause of its ceasing to act.
13. " Some say that the coming into being and the destruction of being are alike caused by the soul, but they say that coming into being arises without effort, while the attainment of liberation is by effort.
14. "A man discharges his debt to his ancestors by begetting offspring, to the saints by sacred lore, to the gods by sacrifices ; he is born with these three debts upon him,—-whoever has liberation (from these), he indeed has liberation.
15. " Thus by this series of rules the wise promise liberation to him who uses effort ; but however ready for effort with all their energy, those who seek liberation will find weariness.
16. " Therefore, gentle youth, if thou has a love for liberation, follow rightly the prescribed rule ; thus wilt thou thyself attain to it, and the king's grief will come to an end.
17. " And as for thy meditations on the evils of life ending in thy return from the forest to thy home,— let not the thought of this trouble thee, my son,—those in old time also have returned from the forests to their houses." He mentioned Ambarish Drumakesha, Rama and others.
§7. The Buddha's Determination
1. Then having heard the affectionate and loyal words of the minister, who was as the eye of the king,—firm in his resolve, the king's son made his answer, with nothing omitted or displaced, neither tedious nor hasy:
2. " This doubt whether anything exists or not, is not to be solved for me by another's words ; having determined the truth by asceticism or quietism, I will myself grasp whatever is the truth concerning it.
3. "It is not for me to accept a theory which depends on the unknown and is ll controverted, and which involves a hundred prepossessions ; what wise man would go by another's belief? Mankind is like the blind directed in darkness by the blind.
4. " But even though I cannot discern the truth, yet still, if good and evil are doubted, let one's mind be set on the good ; even a toil in vain is to be chosen by him whose soul is good.
5. " But having seen that this ' sacred tradition ' is uncertain, know that that only is right which has been uttered by the trustworthy; and know that trustworthiness means the absence of faults ; he who is without faults will not utter an untruth.
6. "And as for what thou said to me in regard to my returning home, the examples you give are no authority,—for in determining duty, how can thou quote as authorities those who have broken their vows ?
7. " Even the sun therefore may fall to the earth, even the mountain Himavat may lose its firmness ; but never could I return to my home as a man of the world, with my senses only alert for external objects.
8. " I would enter the blazing fire, but not my house with my purpose unfulfilled." Rising up in accordance with his resolve full of disinterestedness, he went his way.
9. Then the minister and the Brahmin, both full of tears, having heard his firm determination, and having followed him awhile with despondent looks, and overcome with sorrow, slowly returned to Kapilavatsu.
10. Through their love for the prince and their devotion to the king they returned, and often stopped looking back, they could neither behold him on the road nor yet lose the sight of him,—shining in his own splendour and beyond the reach of all others, like the sun.
11. Having failed to persuade him to return home, the minister and the priest went back with faltering steps, saying to each other, " How shall we approach the king and see him, who is longing for his dear son ?"
PART V : CAMPAIGN FOR CONVERSION RESUMED
1. Conversion of Rustic Brahmins.
2. Conversion of the Brahmins of Uttaravati.
§ 1. Conversion of Rustic Brahmins
1. At the back of the Gridhrakutta mountains, near Rajagriha, there was a village, of some seventy or so families, all of them Brahmins.
2. The Buddha, wishing to convert these people, came to the place and sat down under a tree.
3. The people seeing the dignity of his presence, and the glorious appearance of his body, flocked round him, on which he asked the Brahmins how long they had dwelt in the mountain there, and what their occupation was.
4. To this they replied: "We have dwelt here during thirty generations past, and our occupation is to tend cattle."
5. On asking further as to their religious belief they said : " We pay homage and sacrifice to the sun and the moon, the rain (water), and fire, according to the several seasons.
6. " If one of us dies, we assemble and pray that he may be born in the heaven of Brahma, and so escape further transmigrations."
7. The Buddha replied: " This is not a safe way, not by it can you benefit. The true way is to follow me, become true ascetics, and practise complete self-composure with a view to obtain Nirvana "; and then he added these lines :
8. "They who consider truth as that which is untrue, and regard that which is untrue as truth, this is but to adopt heretical opinions, and can never lead to true advantage.
9. " But to know as truth that which is true, and to regard as false that which is false, this is perfect rectitude, and this shall bring true profit.
10. " Everywhere in the world there is death— there is no escape from it.
11. "To consider this as the condition of all states of being that there is nothing born but must die, and, therefore, to desire to escape birth and death, this is to exercise one's self in Religious Truth."
12. The seventy Brahmins hearing these words, desired at once to become Shamans ; and on being welcomed by Buddha, their hair fell off, and they presented the appearance of true disciples.
13. Then they all set out to return to the Vihara, and on the road certain thoughts about their wives and families troubled them whilst at the same time a heavy downpour of rain prevented their advance.
14. There were some ten houses on the roadside, in which they sought shelter; but on entering one of them it was soon perceived that through the roof the rain found its way, and there was but little protection from the rain.
15. On this the Buddha added these lines, and said, " As when a house-roof is not properly secured, then the rain finds a way through it and drops within, so when the thoughts are not carefully controlled, the desires (sexual desires) will soon bore through all our good resolutions.
16. " But as when a roof is well stopped then the water cannot leak through, so by controlling one's thoughts, and acting with reflection, no such desires can arise or disturb us."
17. The seventy Brahmins, on hearing these lines, although convinced that their desires were reprehensible, yet were not wholly free from doubt, nevertheless they went forward.
18. As they advanced they saw some scented wrapping on the ground, and Buddha took the opportunity of calling their attention to it ; and after this, seeing some fish-gut also lying about, he directed their notice to its ill odour and then added these lines and said:
19. " He who consorts with the low and the base, contracts the same character as he who handles a foul substance; he goes from worse to worse, and utterly without reason, he perfects himself in wickedness.
20. " But the wise man (consorting with the wise) contracts the same character, even as the scent of a sweet odour adheres to him who handles it; advancing in wisdom, practising virtue, he goes on to perfection, and is satisfied."
21. The seventy Brahmins, hearing these verses, convinced that their desire to return home and enjoy personal indulgence was the evil taint that adhered to them, cast off such thoughts, and, going forward, came to the Vihara, and finally obtained the condition of Arahtas.
§ 2. Conversion of the Brahmins of Uttaravati
1. Once the Buddha was residing in the Jetavana, at Shravasti, and preaching his doctrine for the benefit of men and gods, there were in a country to the eastward, called Uttaravati, a company of 500 Brahmins.
2. They had agreed to go together to the residence of a Nirgrantha ascetic on the banks of the Ganges, who, by polluting himself with dirt, etc., aspired to the condition of a Rishi.
3. On their way they were overtaken in the desert with thirst. Seeing a tree, and hoping to find some human habitation near, they hasened to it, but when they arrived there they found no sign of life.
4. On this they raised their voices in lamentation. Suddenly from the tree they heard the voice of the resident Spirit, who asked them why they lamented so, and on hearing the reason, supplied them to the full with drink and meat.
5. The Brahmins, ready to start onward, asked the Spirit what had been his previous history, that he was thus born.
6. On which he explained that having gone to the assembly of priests in Shravasti when Sudatta had bestowed the garden on the Buddha, he had remained all night listening to the law Dhamma and having filled his drinking cup with water as he went, had bestowed it in charity among the priests.
7. On his return next morning, his wife in anger asked him what annoyance he had received that he should stay away all night. On which he replied that he was not annoyed, but he had been to listen to the Buddha preaching at the Jetavana.
8. On this his wife began roundly to abuse the Buddha, and said, "This Gotama is but a mad preacher, who deceives the people," and so on.
9. "On this " he said, " I resented not her statements, but rather submitted to them and so when I came to die I was born as a spirit, but on account of my pusillanimity I was confined to this tree," and then he recited these verses.
10. " Sacrifices and such services are sources of misery, day and night, a continual burden and anxiety.
II. "To escape sorrow, and destroy the elements of the body, a man should attend to the Law (of Buddha), and arrive at deliverance from all worldly Rules of Religion (World Rishis)."
12. The Brahmins having heard these words, resolved themselves to go to Shravasti, to the place where the Buddha was, and having explained the object of their visit, the world-honoured said to them:
13. "Although a man goes naked with tangled hair, or though he clothes himself with a few leaves or garment of bark, though he covers himself with dirt and sleeps on the stones, what use is this in getting rid of impure thoughts ?
14. "But he who neither contends or kills, or destroys by fire, who desires not to get the victory, who is moved by goodwill towards all the world, there is no ground in such a case for ill-will or hate.
15. "To sacrifice to spirits in order to find peace (merit), or, after this life expecting reward, his happiness, is not one quarter of that man's who pays homage to the good.
16. "He who is ever intent on good conduct and due reverence to others, who always venerates old age, four happy consequences increasingly attend that man—beauty and strength, and life and peace."
17. On hearing this from her husband the wife became reconciled.
PART VI : CONVERSION OF THE LOW AND THE LOWLY
1. Conversion of Upali, the Barber.
2. Conversion of Sunita, the Sweeper.
3. 3. Conversion of Sopaka and Supply a, the Untouchables.
4. Conversion of Sumangala and other Low Castes.
5. Conversion of Suprabuddha, the Leper.
§ 1. Conversion of Upali, the Barber
1. While going back Upali, the barber thought: "The Sakyans are afierce people. If I go back with these ornaments they will kill me thinking that I have killed my companions and run away with their ornaments. Why should I not go the way these young men of the Sakya clan have gone ?"
2. "Why indeed should I not?" asked Upali to himself. And he let down the bundle of ornaments from his back, and hung it on a tree, saying: " Let him who finds it take it as a gift," and returned to follow the Sakya youths.
3. And the Sakyans saw him coming from afar, and on seeing, they said to him: " What have you come back for, good Upali ? "
4. Then he told them what he felt and they replied: " Thou has done well, good Upali, in that thou did not return; for the Sakyans are fierce, and they might have killed thee."
5. And they took Upali the barber with them to the place where the Blessed One was. And on arriving there, they bowed down before the Blessed One and took their seats on one side. And so seated they said to the Blessed One :
6. " We Sakyans, Lord, are haughty. And this Upali, the barber, has long been an attendant, Lord, upon us. May. the Blessed One admit him to the Order before us, so that we may render him respect and reverence, and bow down with outstretched hands before him as our senior and thus shall the Sakyan pride be humbled in us !"
7. Then the Blessed One received first Upali, the barber, and afterwards those young men of the Sakya clan, into the ranks of the Order.
§ 2. Conversion of Sunita, the Sweeper
1. There lived in Rajagraha a scavenger by name Sunita. He earned his living as a road sweeper, sweeping away the rubbish thrown by the householders on the roadside. His was a low and hereditary occupation.
2. One day in the early hours of the dawn the Blessed One rose, dressed himself and walked into Rajagraha for alms followed by a large number of Bhikkus.
3. Now Sunita was cleaning the street, collecting scraps, rubbish, and so on into heaps and filling therewith the basket which he carried on a yoke.
4. And when he saw the Master and his train approaching, his heart was filled with joy and awe.
5. Finding no place to hide in on the road, he placed his yoke in a bend in the wall and stood as if stuck to the wall, saluting the Lord with clasped hands.
6. Then the Lord when he had come near, spoke to him in voice divinely sweet, saying: " Sunita! What to you is this wretched mode of living ? Can you endure to leave home and come into the Order?"
7. And Sunita, experiencing the rapture of one who has been sprinkled with Ambrosia, said: "If even such as the Exalted One may in this life take Orders, why should I not ? May the Exalted One suffer me to come forth."
8. Then the Master said: " Come Bhikku !" And Sunita by that word received sanction and ordination and was invested with bowl and robes.
9. The Master leading him to the Vihar taught him the Dhamma and the Discipline and said, "By the discipline of holy life, restraint and mastery of self, a man becomes holy."
10. When asked how Sunita became so great, the Buddha said, "As on a rubbish-heap on highway cast a lily may grow, fragrant and sweet, so among rubbish-creatures, worldlings blind by insight shines the very Buddha's child."
§ 3. Conversion of Sopaka and Suppiya, the Untouchables
1. Sopaka was a pariah of Shravasti. In her travail at his birth his mother fell into a long deep swoon, so that her husband and kinsfolk said " She is dead!" And they bore her to the cemetery and prepared to cremate her body.
2. But on account of the storm of wind and rain the fire would not burn. So they went away leaving Sopaka’s mother on the funeral pyre.
3. Sopaka's mother was not then dead. She died afterwards. Before her death she gave birth to a child.
4. The child was adopted by the watchman of the cemetery and was brought up by him along with his own child Suppiya. The child was known by the name of the community Sopaka to which its mother belonged.
5. The Blessed Lord one day happened to pass by the cemetery. Sopaka, seeing the Lord, approached him. After saluting the Lord he asked his permission to join him as his disciple.
6. Sopaka was then only seven years old. So the Lord asked him to obtain his father's consent.
7. Sopaka went and fetched his father. The father saluted the Lord and requested him to admit his son to the Order.
8. Notwithstanding that he belonged to the pariah community the Lord admitted him to the Order and instructed him in the doctrine and discipline.
9. Sopaka later became a Thera.
10. Suppiya and Sopaka had grown together from childhood and Sopaka having been adopted and brought up by Suppiya's father, Suppiya learned the Lord's doctrine and discipline from his companion, Sopaka, and requested Sopaka to admit him to the Order, although Sopaka belonged to a community which was lower in rank than the community to which Suppiya belonged.
11. Sopaka agreed and Suppiya, a member who belonged to the despised community whose occupation was to perform the duties of watchmen in the cemetery, became a Bhikku.
§ 4. Conversion of Sumangala and other Low Castes
1. Sumangala was a peasant of Shravasti. He earned his living by work in the fields, working with a little sickle, plough and spade.
2. Channa was a native of Kapilavatsu and was a slave in the house of Suddhodana.
3. Dhanniya was a resident of Rajagraha. He was a potter.
4. Kappata-Kura was a native of Shravasti. The only way he knew of, to support himself, was to go about, clad in rags, pan in hand, seeking for rice-grains. Hence he became known as Kappata-Kura—"Rags and-rice." When grown up, he maintained himself by selling grass. 5. All of them sought from the Buddha permission to become Bhikkus and enter the Order. The Buddha without hesitation and without caring for their low birth or their previous condition, admitted them into the Order.
§5. Conversion of Supprabuddha, the Leper
1. Once the Exalted One was staying near Rajagraha, in the bamboo grove, at the squirrels' feeding-ground.
2. Now there lived in Rajagraha at that time a certain man, who was a leper, named Supprabuddha, a poor, wretched, miserable creature.
3. And it happened at that time that the Exalted One was sitting there in the midst of a great multitude, teaching the Dhamma.
4. And Supprabuddha, the leper, saw from afar the multitude gathered together, and at the sight he thought, " Without a doubt an alms-giving of food, both hard and soft, is toward yonder. Suppose I draw near to yonder crowd, I might get there something to eat, food soft or hard."
5. So Supprabuddha, the leper, drew near that crowd, and he beheld the Exalted One sitting there amid a great crowd, preaching the Norm. So, seeing the Exalted One he thought: "No. There is no alms-giving here of food. It is Gotama the Samana preaching the Dhamma in the assembly. Suppose I were to listen to his teaching."
6. So he sat down at one side, thinking, " I too will listen to the teaching."
7. Now the Exalted One, reading with His thought the thoughts of that whole gathering, said to Himself, " Who, I wonder, of these present, is able to grasp the Truth?" Then He saw Supprabuddha, the leper, sitting in the crowd : and at the sight of him He knew, " This one can grasp the Truth."
8. So for the sake of Supprabuddha, the leper, the Master preached a sermon, dealing in due order with these topics. On alms-giving, on the holy life, and on the heaven-world : and He pointed out the meanness and vileness of sensual desires and the profit of freedom from the asavas.
9. Now when the Exalted One saw that the heart of Supprabuddha, the leper, was softened, pliant, set free, elated, and full of faith, then He set forth to him the Dhamma most excellent of the Buddha, to wit, suffering, the cause of suffering, the ceasing of suffering, and the path.
10. Then, just as a white cloth, free from stains, is ready to receive the dye, even so in Supprabuddha, the leper, as he sat there in that very place, arose the pure stainless insight of the Truth, the knowledge that whatsoever hath a beginning, that also must have an end. And Supprabuddha, the leper, saw the Truth, reached the Truth, perceived the truth, plunged into the Truth, crossed beyond doubting, was freed from all ques-tionings, won confidence, and needing nothing further, being established in the Master's teaching, sprang up from his seat and drew near to Him, and there he sat down at one side.
11. So seated he said to the Exalted One, " Excellent, O Lord Excellent, O, Lord, just as if, Lord, one should lift up the fallen, discover the hidden, point out the way to one bewildered, show a light in the gloom, saying, ' Now they who have eyes to see can see shapes,' even so in diverse ways has the Exalted One expounded the truth. I, even I, Lord, do go for refuge to the Exalted One, to the Norm and to the Order of Brethren. May the Exalted One accept me as His follower, as one who from this time forth even to life's end has gone to refuge in Him."
12. Thereupon Supprabuddha, the leper, being taught, established, roused, and made happy by the Exalted One's pious talk, praised and welcomed His words, gave thanks and rose up from his seat, saluted the Exalted One by the right, and went away.
13. Unfortunately it came to pass that a young calf flung the leper Supprabuddha down and gored him to death.
PART VII : CONVERSION OF WOMEN
1. Conversion of Mahaprajapati Gotami, Yeshodhara and her Companions.
2. Convrsion of Prakrati a handalika.
1 Conversion of Mahaprajapati Gotami and Yeshodhara and her Companions
1. When the Blessed One had been on a visit to his father's home the desire to join the Sangh was as keen among the Sakya women as it was among the Sakya men.
2. The leader of such women was no other than Mahaprajapati Gotami.
3. Now at the time when the Blessed One was staying among the Sakyas in the Nigrodharama, Mahaprajapati Gotami went to him and said: " It would be well. Lord, if women were allowed to become Parivrajakas and enter the Sangh under the doctrine and discipline proclaimed by the Tathagata !"
4. " Enough, O Gotami ! Let not such a thought come into your mind." And a second and a third time did Mahaprajapati make the same request in the same words, and a second and a third time did she receive the same reply.
5. Then Mahaprajapati Gotami, sad and sorrowful, bowed down before the Blessed One, and went away weeping and in tears.
6. After the Blessed One had left Nigrodharama for his wanderings, Mahaprajapati and the Sakya women sat together to give further consideration to their request for admission to the Sangh and the refusal of the Lord to grant such a request.
7. The Sakya women refused to take the Lord's refusal as final. They decided to go further to assume the garb of a Parivrajaka and present the Lord with a fait accompli.
8. Accordingly Mahaprajapati Gotami cut off her hair and put on orange-coloured robes and set out with a number of women of the Sakya clan, on her journey to meet the Lord who was at that time staying in Vesali in the Mahavana in the Kutagara Hall.
9. In due course Mahaprajapati Gotami with her companions arrived at Vesali and with swollen feet and covered with dust came to the Kutogara Hall.
10. Again she made the same request to the Blessed Lord which she had made when he was staying at Nigrodharama and he refused it again.
11. On receiving his refusal a second time Mahaprajapati withdrew and was standing outside the entrance of the hall not knowing what to do. While she was so standing Ananda on his way to the hall saw her and recognised her.
12. He then asked Mahaprajapati, " Why standest thou there, outside the porch, with swollen feet, covered with dust, and sorrowful, weeping and in tears?" "Inasmuch, O Ananda, as the Lord, the Blessed One, does not permit women to renounce their homes and enter the homeless state under the doctrine and discipline proclaimed by the Tathagata," said Mahaprajapati.
13. Then did the Venerable Ananda go up to the place where the Blessed One was, and bowed down before the Blessed One, and take his seat on one side. And, so sitting, the Venerable Ananda said to the Blessed One : " Behold, Lord; Mahaprajapati Gotami is standing outside under the entrance porch, with swollen feet covered with dust, sad and sorrowful, weeping and in tears, inasmuch as the Blessed One does not permit women to renounce their homes and enter the homeless state under the doctrine and discipline proclaimed by the Blessed One. It were well, Lord, if women were to have permission granted to them to do as she desires.
14. " Has not Mahaprajapati proved herself of great service to the Blessed One, when as aunt and nurse she nourished him and gave him milk, and on the death of his mother suckled the Blessed One at her own breast; it were, therefore, well. Lord that women should have permission to go forth from the household life and enter the homeless state, under the doctrine and discipline proclaimed by the Tathagata."
15. "Enough Ananda! Let it not, please, that women should be allowed to do so." A second time and a third time did Ananda make the same request, in the same words, and received the same reply.
16. Then the Venerable Ananda asked the Blessed One : " What can be the ground. Lord, for your refusal to allow women to take Parivraja.
17. " The Lord knows that the Brahmins hold that the Shudras and women cannot reach moksha (Salvation) because they are unclean and inferior. They do therefore not allow Shudras and women to take Parivraja. Does the Blessed One hold the same view as the Brahmins ?
18. Has not the Blessed One allowed the Shudras to take Parivraja and join the Sangh in the same way he has done to the Brahmins ? What is the ground. Lord, for treating women differently ?
19. Does the Blessed One hold that women are not capable of reaching Nibbana under the doctrine and discipline proclaimed by the Blessed One ?"
20. The Blessed One replied : " Ananda ! Do not misunderstand me. I hold that women are as much capable as men in the matter of reaching Nibbana. Ananda! do not misunderstand me, I am not an upholder of the doctrine of sex inequality. My rejection of Mahaprajapati's request is not based on sex inequality. It is based on practical grounds."
21. "I am happy. Lord, to know the real reason. But must the Lord refuse her request because of practical difficulties ? Would not such an act bring the Dhamma into discredit and make it open to the charge of upholding sex inequality? Could not the Lord devise some rules to get over such practical difficulties by which the Lord is worried?"
22. " Well, Ananda, I grant if Mahaprajapati insists that women must be allowed to take Parivraja under the doctrine and discipline proclaimed by me. But it shall be subject to eight conditions. Let Mahaprajapati Gotami take upon herself the responsibility of enforcing the Eight Chief Rules. That will be her initiation."
23. Then the Venerable Ananda, when he learnt from the Blessed One these Eight Chief Rules, went to Mahaprajapati Gotami and told her all that the Blessed One had said.
24. " Just, Ananda, as a man or a woman, when young and of tender years, accustomed to adorn himself, would, when he had bathed his head, receive with both hands a garland of lotus flowers, or of jasmine flowers or of stimutaka flowers, and place it on the top of his head ; even so do I, Ananda, take upon me these Eight Chief Rules, never to be transgressed during my lifelong," said Mahaprajapati to Ananda.
25. Then the Venerable Ananda returned to the Blessed One, and bowed down before him, and took his seat, on one side. And, so sitting, the Venerable Ananda said to the Blessed One: " Mahaprajapati Gotami, Lord, has taken upon herself the responsibility for the enforcement of the Eight Chief Rules, she may therefore be regarded as having received the Upasampada initiation," (entry into the Sangha).
26. Now Mahaprajapati received ordination, and 500 Sakya ladies who had come with her were also ordained at the same time. Thus ordained great Prajapati came before the Master, and saluting him, stood on one side and the Blessed One taught her the Dhamma, the doctrine and the discipline.
27. The other five hundred Bhikkhunis were ininstructed by Nandaka, one of the disciples of the Blessed One.
28. Among the Sakya women who became Bhikkhunis along with Mahaprajapati was Yeshodhara. After her initiation she came to be known as Bhadda Kaccana.
§ 2. Conversion of Prakrati, a Chandalika
1. Once the Blessed Lord was living in Shravasti in the Jetavana Arama of Anathpindika.
2. It so happened that Ananda, his disciple, had gone into the city to beg for alms. After eating his food Ananda was going to the river for drinking water.
3. He saw a girl on the river bank filling her pot. Ananda asked her to give him some water.
4. The girl, whose name was Prakrati, refused, saying she was a Chandalika.
5. Ananda said, "I am concerned with water, I am not concerned with your caste." The girl then gave him some water from her pot.
6. Thereafter Ananda left for Jetavana. The girl followed him and saw where he was staying and found that his name was Ananda and that he was a follower of the Buddha.
7. On returning home she told her mother Matangi what had happened and falling on the ground started weeping.
8. The mother asked for the cause of her weeping. The girl told the whole story, and said, " If you wish to marry me I can only marry Ananda. I will not marry anybody else."
9. The mother started on an inquiry. On return she told the girl that such a marriage was impossible for Ananda was under a vow of celibacy.
10. On hearing this news the girl was filled with extreme sorrow and gave up food. She was not prepared to take things as though it was a decree of fate. So she said: " Mother, you know the art of sorcery, don't you ? Why don't you employ it to achieve our purpose ?" The mother said, "I will see what can be done."
11. Matangi invited Ananda to her house for a meal. The girl became very happy. Matangi then told Ananda that her daughter was very anxious to marry him. Ananda replied, " I am vowed to be celibate and therefore I cannot marry any woman."
12. " If you do not marry my daughter, she will commit suicide, so attached she is to you," Matangi told Ananda. " But I cannot help," replied Ananda.
13. Matangi went inside and told her daughter that Ananda refused to marry her.
14. The girl cried: " Mother, where is your sorcery ?" The mother said, " My sorcery cannot win against the Tathagata."
15. The girl shouted and said, " Close the door and do not allow him to go out. I shall see that he becomes my husband this very night."
16. The mother did what the girl wanted her to do. As night fell the mother brought in the room a bed. The girl, dressed in her best, stepped in. But Ananda remained unmoved.
17. The mother at last used her sorcery. As a result a fire broke out in the room. The mother then held Ananda by his clothes and said, " If you will not agree to marry my daughter, I will throw you in this fire." However, Ananda did not yield, and the mother and the daughter feeling helpless, left him free.
18. Ananda on his return told the Blessed Lord all that had happened.
19. On the second day the girl came to Jetavana in search of Ananda. Ananda was going out for alms. Ananda saw her and wanted to avoid her. But the girl followed him wherever he went.
20. When Ananda returned to Jetavana he found the girl waiting at the door of his Vihar.
21. Ananda told the Blessed One how the girl was pursuing him. The Blessed One sent for her.
22. When the girl appeared before him the Blessed One asked her why she was pursuing Ananda. The girl replied that she was intent on marrying him " I have heard he is unmarried and I am also unmarried."
23. The Bhagavan said, " Ananda is a Bhikku and he has no hair on his head. If you can get yourself clean shaven I shall see what could be done."
24. The girl replied, " I am prepared for it." The Bhagavan said, "You must get your mother's permission for undergoing tonsure."
25. The girl returned to her mother and said, " Mother! I have achieved what you failed to achieve. The Bhagavan has promised to get me married to Ananda if I undergo tonsure."
26. The mother grew angry and said, " You must not do that. You are my .daughter and you must keep hair. Why are you so eager to marry a Shramana Ananda. I can get you married to a better man."
27. She replied, " I will either die or marry Ananda. There is no third alternative for me."
28. The Mother said, "Why are you insulting me ?" The girl said, " If you love me you must let me do as I wish."
29. The mother withdrew her objection and the girl underwent tonsure.
30.. Then the girl presented herself before the Blessed Lord saying, " I have tonsured my head as directed by you."
31. The Blessed Lord then asked her, "What do you want ? What part of his body you cherish ?" The girl said, "I am in love with his nose, I am in love with his mouth, I am in love with his ears, I am in love with his voice, I am in love with his eyes and I am in love with his gait."
32. The Blessed Lord then said to the girl, " Do you know that the eyes are the home of tears, the nose is the home of dirt, the mouth is the home of spit, the ear is the home of dirt and the body is the container of dung and urine."
33. " When men and women come together they procreate children. But where there is birth there is death also; where there is death there is sorrow also. My dear girl, what are you going to get by marrying Ananda. I do not know."
34. The girl began to cogitate and agreed that there was no purpose in her marriage with Ananda on which she was so intent and she told the Blessed Lord accordingly.
35. After saluting the Blessed Lord the girl said: " Owing to ignorance I was going in pursuit of Ananda. My mind is now enlightened. I am like a sailor whose ship after a mishap has reached the other bank. I am like an unprotected aged person who has found protection. I am like the blind who has got new sight. The Blessed Lord by his wise words of advice has awakened me from my sleep."
36. " Blessed art thou, Prakrati, for though you are a Chandalika you will be a model for noblemen and noblewomen. You are of low caste, but Brahmins will learn a lesson from you. Swerve not from the path of justice and righteousness and you will outshine the royal glory of queens on the throne."
37. The marriage having failed, the only course for her was to join the Bhikkhuni Sangh.
38. Having expressed her wish she was admitted into it, though she belonged to the lowest class.
PART VIII : CONVERSION OF THE FALLEN AND THE CRIMINALS
1. Conversion of a Vagabond. 2. Conversion of Angulimala, the Robber.
3. Conversion of Other Criminals.
4. Risk of Conversion.
§ 1 Conversion of a Vagabond
1. There was in olden times a certain disorderly person living in Rajagraha, who neither reverenced his parents nor paid respect to his superiors, but always had resort to sacrifice and worship of the sun and moon and fire when he went wrong, hoping thereby to get merit, and feel happy in himself.
2. But notwithstanding all his bodily exercises, in worship and offerings, he found no peace, even after three years' incessant perseverance.
3. He at length resolved to go to Shravasti to inquire of the Buddha. Arrived there, and seeing the glory of his person, he fell down at his feet, and said how he was pleased.
4. Then the Lord explained the folly of animal sacrifice, and the selessness of all such exercises where the heart was untouched, and where there was no final reverence or dutiful behaviour to those to whom it belonged ; and in, conclusion recited certain gathas, which resplendent with glory, lit up the place and all the surrounding country with the brightness of his presence.
5. On this, the villagers, and especially the parents of the children, came near to worship him.
6. On seeing the parents, and hearing their account of the children, Buddha smiled, and recited these gathas.
7. " The great man is entirely free from covetous desire; he wells in a place of light himself enlightened. Although perchance he meets with sorrow, he rejoices; without consternation, he exhibits his wisdom.
8. " The wise man (bhadra) concerns himself with no worldly business; he desires neither wealth, children, or possessions (land), always carefully observing the precepts, and walking in the way of supreme wisdom, he bankers not after strange doctrine (or wealth or honour).
9. " The wise man, knowing the character of instability, as a tree in the midst of sand (uses every effort) to change his friend whose mind is unfixed, and to bring him back from impurity to virtue (purity)."
§ 2 Conversion of Angulimala, the Robber
1. There was, in the realm of Pasenadi, king of Kosala, a robber named Angulimala, a ruffian whose hands were red with blood, who was always killing and wounding, and showed no mercy to any living creature. Because of him, what had been villages were villages no more, what had been townships were townships no more, and what had been countryside was countryside no more.
2. From every human being whom he slew, he took a finger to make for himself a necklace, and so got his name of " Necklace of Fingers."
3. Once when the Lord was staying in Shravasti in Jeta's grove he had heard of the ravages committed by the robber Angulimala. The Blessed Lord decided to convert him into a righteous man. So one day after taking his meal and after putting away his bedding and then, with robes and bowl, set out on his journey ' to find the robber Angulimala.
4. Seeing him journeying thither, neatherds, goatherds, ploughmen and wayfarers called out: "Don't go that way, recluse! It will take you to the robber Angulimala.
5. "Why, even when, ten, twenty, thirty, or forty people ban themselves together to travel this road, the whole company falls into the robber's hands!" But, without a word, the Lord held on to his way.
6. A second time, and yet a third time those near there and the rest repeated their warning; but still, without a word, the Lord went his way.
7. From some way off the robber saw the Lord coming and marvelled exceedingly that, where even companies of ten to fifty travellers dare not come his way, this solitary recluse should be seen to be forcing his way alone; and the robber was minded to slay ' this recluse.' So, armed with sword and buckler and with his bow and quiver, the robber followed up the Lord's trail.
8. The Lord, while he himself was proceeding at his wonted pace, the robber, for all his efforts, could not catch him up.
9. Thought the robber: "This is a wonderful and marvellous thing. Heretofore, I could always overtake an elephant, or horse, or carriage, or deer, when going full speed; and yet here am I unable, despite all my efforts, to overtake this recluse while he proceeds at his wonted pace." So he stopped and shouted to the Lord to stop.
10. When the two met the Lord said: "I have stopped, Angulimala, for your sake. Will you stop following your career of an evil doer? I have been pursuing you in order to win you over, to cover you to the path of righteousness. The good in you is not yet dead. If you will only give it a chance it will transform you."
11. Angulimala felt overcome by the words of the Blessed One, saying, " At last this sage has tracked me down."
12. " And now that thy hallowed words ask me to renounce evil deeds forever, I am prepared to give myself a trial," replied Angulimala.
13. Angulimala threw into a deep abyss the string of his victims' fingers which he wore round his neck and fell at the Master's feet and craved admission to the Brotherhood.
14. The Lord, the guide of gods and men, said: " Almsman, follow me "; and almsman since that summons Angulimala did become.
15. With Angulimala as his almsman in attendance, the Lord now proceeded on his way to the pleasance in Shravasti. At this very time the portals of King Pasenadi's inner palace were beset by a huge crowd loudly shouting that in the realm he had conquered there was a robber named Angulimala, a ruffian who was committing ravages and was killing and wounding innocent people and who took pride in wearing a necklace made of fingers of victims whom he slew. "Suppress him, sire," they cried. Pasenadi promised to run him down to earth. But he failed. 16. One morning King Pasenadi went to the pleasance to see the Lord. The Blessed Lord inquired: " What is the matter, sire ? Is there trouble with Seniya Bimbisara of Magadha, or with Licchavis of Vesali or with any other hostile power ?"
17." No trouble at all of that sort, sir. In my realms there is a robber named Angulimala who is infesting my territories and harassing my subjects. I want to suppress him but I have failed."
18. "If now, sire, you were to see Angulimala with his hair and beard off, in the yellow robes, as a pilgrim who kills not. steals not, lies not, eats but one meal a day, and leads the higher life in virtue and goodness,—what would you do to him ?"
19. " Sir, I would salute him, or rise to meet him or would invite him to be seated or invite him to accept robes and other requisites, or I would extend to him the defence, protection and safeguards which are his due. But how could the shadow of such virtue ever extend to one so wicked and depraved?"
20. At that moment the Reverend Angulimala was seated quite close to the Lord, who stretching forth his right arm, said: " This, sire, is Angulimala !"
21. At this the king in his alarm became dumbfounded, with every hair of his body standing erect. Seeing this, the Lord said, " Fear not, sire; fear not; there is no cause for fear here."
22. So the king's fears and alarm abated ; and across to the reverend Angulimala he went, saying: " Is your reverence indeed Angulimala ?" " Yes, sire."
23. " What sire, was your father's family, and your mother's ?" " My father was a Gagga, sire, and my mother a Mantani."
24. " Be of good cheer, Gagga Mantani-putta; I will take care to supply you with all requisites."
25. Now at the time the Reverend Angulimala having pledged to be resident in the wilds, subsisting on alms, and wearing clothes from the dust heap not exceeding three in number, he declined the king's offer on the ground that he had already got his full three robes. 26. Then the king went across to the Lord and after salutations seated himself to the one side, saying; " It is wonderful, sir, it is marvellous, what a tamer of the untamed the Lord is, how he quells the unquelled, and how he calms the uncalmed ! Here is one whom I could not subdue with cudgel and sword; but without either cudgel or sword the Lord has subdued him! And now, sir, I must be going, for I have much to do and attend to."
27. " When Your Majesty pleases." Then, rising from his seat, the king saluted the Lord with deep reverence and withdrew.
28. One day when, duly robed and bowl in hand, Angulimala had gone into Shravasti for alms, he was hit by a clod flung by one man, by a club flung by a second and by a potsherd flung by a third, so that it was with a broken head streaming with blood, with his bowl smashed, and with his cloak in tatters, that he presented himself before the Lord. Seeing him drawing near, the Lord said to Angulimala: " Endure it all, endure it all."
29. Thus did Angulimala the robber become a righteous man by accepting the teachings of the Buddha.
30. Expressing the joy of the bliss of deliverance he said: " Who shows zeal, where zeal was none, who with virtue clokes his past, who in youth to Buddha cleaves, he, like the moon, floods earth with light.
31. " Let my foes hear this gospel, embrace this creed and follow wisdom's sons who cleave to it. Let my foes hear in season, love's message which is meek forbearance—and conform their lives to it.
32. " As ' Finger Necklace,' I, bandit, lived and whirled downstream, till He brought me to land. As Tinger Necklace, ' I was steeped in blood; saved now am 1."
§ 3. Conversion of Other Criminals
1. There was to the south of Rajagraha a great mountain, distant from the city about 200 li.
2. 2. Through this mountain there was a pass, deep and lonely, through which the road to South India lay.
3. Five hundred robbers had taken up their abode in this defile, who used to murder and rob all travellers that passed that way.
4. The king had vainly sent his forces to capture them, but they always escaped.
5. The Buddha, residing in the neighbourhood, and considering the case of these men, that they understood not the nature of their conduct, and that although he had come into the world to teach them, yet their eyes had not seen him, nor their ears heard the tidings of his law, he resolved to go to them.
6. Consequently he transformed himself into a man richly dighted, on a well-caparisoned steed, with his sword and bow, with bags of silver and gold on his saddle-bow, and precious stones studding his horse's bravery.
7. On entering the defile loud neighed his steed. On hearing the sound the 500 robbers started up, and spying the traveller, exclaimed, " Never have we had such a prospect of booty; let us be up, and capture him!"
8. So they proceeded to surround the traveller, with a view to prevent his escape; but on seeing him they fell on the ground.
9. On their falling to the ground, they exclaimed, " What God is this ?" " What God is this ?"
10. On this the traveller began to explain that such hurts and pains as they give and receive were trivial compared with the pain caused by the sorrow that rules the world, and the wounds of unbelief and doubt, and that nought but the wisdom resulting from earnest attention (hearing) to the Scriptures could heal such wounds; and then he added these words and said:
11. "There is no painful wound so bad as sorrow—no piercing arrow so sharp as folly. Nothing can remedy these but an earnest attention to religious instruction. From this the blind receive sight, the deluded are enlightened.
12. "Men are guided and led by this, as eyes, given to them without eyes.
13. "This, then, is able to dispel unbelief, to remove sorrow, to impart joy; the highest wisdom is the lot of those who " hear."
14. " This is the title of him who has acquired the greatest merit (most to be revered)."
15. On hearing this the robbers repented of their evil lives, and the arrows, of themselves, left their bodies, and their wounds were healed.
16. They then became disciples, and obtained rest and peace.
§ 4. Risk of Conversion
1. In olden times, Buddha was residing in a country about 500 li from Rajagraha, full of mountains. In these mountains there lived a certain clan of about 122 persons, who occupied themselves in hunting, and fed themselves on the flesh of the animals they killed.
2. (Buddha goes to the place and converts the women, who 'were left alone during the day, whilst their husbands were hunting, and then adds these lines.)
3. " He who is humane does not kill (or, it is humane not to kill); he is ever able to preserve (his own?) life.
4. "This principle (chu) is imperishable; whoever observes it, no calamity shall betide that man. 5. "Politeness, indifference to wordly things, hurting no one, without place for annoyance—this is the character of the Brahma Heaven (or of Brahma Deva).
6. "Ever exercising love towards the infirm; pure, according to the teaching of Buddha ; knowing when sufficient has been had; knowing when to stop,—-this is to escape (the recurrence of) birth and death."
The women, having heard these words, were converted, and on the men's return, although they wished at first to kill Buddha, they were restrained by their wives ; and, listening to these words of love, they also were converted.
7. And then he added these lines.
8. " There are eleven advantages which attend the man who practices mercifulness, and is tender to all that lives.
9. "His body is always in health (happy); he is blessed with peaceful sleep, and when engaged in study he is also composed."
10. " He has no evil dreams, he is protected by Heaven (Devas) and loved by man ; he is unmolested by poisonous things, and escapes the violence of war; he is unharmed by fire or water.
11. "He is successful wherever he lives, and when dead goes to the Heaven of Brahma. These are the eleven."
1. Having uttered these words, both men and women were admitted into the company of his disciples, and obtained rest.
