z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 04.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 221
HIS PLACE IN HIS DHAMMA
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“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 ?”
“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 ?”
“I am, master, ‘ Skilled indeed am I in the road to Rajagraha !’
“Well, thus instructed, thus advised, he takes the wrong road, and off he goes with his face set to the west.
“ 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.
“ ‘ That is my business ?’
“ ‘ What do I in the matter, Brahmin ? The Tathagata is one who only shows the way.’ ”
Here is a full statement that he does not promise salvation. He only shows the way.
Besides what is salvation ?
With Mohammad and Jesus salvation means saving the soul from being sent to hell by the intercession of the Prophet.
With Buddha salvation means Nibbana and Nibbana means control of passions.
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
Every founder of religion has either claimed divinity for himself or for his teachings.
Moses, although he did not claim for himself
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