z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 03.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 143
CONVERSION OF THE HIGH AND THE HOLY
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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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Sanjaya replied : “Nay, friends, do not go ; we will all three look after this company.”
And a second and third time Sariputta and Moggallana said this and Sanjaya answered as before.
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.
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.”
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.”
The Blessed One then uttered the usual formula indicating admission, “Ehi Bhikku” (Come Monks), and Sariputta and Moggallana and the two hundred Jatilas became the disciples of the Buddha.”
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