z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 03.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 155
CONVERSION OF THE HIGH AND THE HOLY
155
he not like being a Bhikku, what alternative will he have ! Why, only to come back here. Do give your consent!” they urged.
“Yes, we consent ; but when he is a Bhikku, he must come and see us.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Early next morning, duly robed and bowl in hand, he went into the town for alms, and there as he
II