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by her noble attitude during her life and had made her a unique person.
Then Yeshodhara dressed Rahula, now seven years old, in all the splendour of a prince and said to him :
“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.”
Rahula replied : “Who is my father. I know of no father but Suddhodana.”
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.
Rahula then went to him and looking up in his face, said without fear and with much affection:
“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.
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.
No one prevented the boy, nor did the Blessed One himself.
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.”
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
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