31

Thus this old (and) mean act is despised by the wise. Men despise a priest in whom such vice is found.

32

Thus virtue being lost, the Suddas* and Vessas were separated. The Khattiyas were also widely separated. (And) the wife disregarded her husband.

33

The Khattiyas, Brahmans, and others who kept up their caste disputes, laying aside their caste disputes, came under the influence of lusts.

It being thus spoken, the Mahásála Brahmans addressed Bhagavá thus: "O Gotama! wonderful, wonderful. O Gotama! As one turns upward anything turned downward, or as one discloses a thing hidden, or as one points out the (right) road to (a man) who has lost it, as one (believing) that those who have eyes will see objects, holds an oil-fed lamp in the dark, so, likewise, by the Lord Gotama, has the Law been explained in various ways. We seek refuge in Bhagavá Gotama, the Law, and the Association of Priests. So long as our life lasts, let Bhagavá Gotama protect us, who, as lay-devotees, have taken refuge in him, from this day forward."

*The Súdras were the last of the four Hindoo castes, the Vaisyas the third, the Kshatriyas the second, and the Brahmans the first.

THE END OF BRAHMAṆADHAMMIKA SUTTA.

VIII.

NÁVÁ SUTTA.

[Sáriputta1 was in the habit of making obeisance to the Brahman Assaji, out of respect for him, as he had learnt from him certain stanzas which led to his conversion to Buddhism. The priests, noticing this, accused Sáriputta as being an adherent of Brahmanism. To show that this was a groundless charge, Buddha delivered this discourse.]

1

From whomsoever a man learns the Law, he should worship him, even as the gods worship Indra. The learned man, being thus honoured, his mind pleased with (the disciple), makes the Law more manifest.

2

A wise man, hearing (the Law) and feeling the want of it, following the Law leading to Nibbána, becomes learned, capable of expounding it, and skilful. Being diligent, he associates with such as are like him.

3

He who associates with the low, the ignorant, those unacquainted (with priestly duties), or those who are

malicious, being ignorant of the Law in this world, his doubts not removed, becomes a prey to Death.

4

How can a man who has fallen into an overflowing river, having bottomless water, (and) a swift-flowing current, being himself carried away and following the current, cause others to cross it?

5

So, (also,) how can a man who has not understood the Law, and has not learnt its meaning from the very learned, not knowing it himself, and his doubts not removed, teach others?

6

As one, skilful, attentive, (and) acquainted (with the mode of steering it), going on board a strong ship, provided with oars and rudders, causes by means of it many others to cross (the ocean);

7

Even so he who has attained the knowledge of the (religious) paths, being devoted to meditation, very learned, (and) of an unmoved nature, can teach others who listen with attentive ears to his preaching.

8

Therefore one should certainly associate with a good

man who is wise and learned. Whoever conducts himself (well), understanding the meaning (of the doctrine), and comprehending the Law, will attain happiness.

THE END OF Nává sutta,

IX.

KINSÍLA SUTTA.

[Sáriputta finding that the instruction which he had imparted to a certain disciple of his, in order that he may attain the different states of sanctification, such as Sotápatti, had no effect on him, went to Buddha and requested him to answer the question with which this Sutta begins.]

1

A man of what Síla, of what conduct, doing what acts, being firm, attains final happiness?

2

He who would respect his elders, would not be malicious, and knowing the fit time to wait on his teacher, and the (fit) time to listen to his religious discourse, would hearken with attention to his good words.

3

He who, casting away obstinacy, would go at the fit time in humbleness of mind to his teacher, and remember and practise what is good, the Law, selfrestraint and chastity.