z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 04.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 288
288 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
III
Samana Gotama is staying, and, on your arrival, ask in my name as to whether his sickness and indisposition has abated, as to his health and vigour and condition of ease ; and speak thus : “May the venerable Gotama, and with him the brethren of the Order, accept tomorrow’s meal from Lohikka the Brahmin.”
“Very well, sir,” said the barber.
Acquiescing in the word of Lohikka the Brahmin, he did so even as he had been enjoined. And the Exalted One consented, by silence, to his request.
Early next morning, the Exalted One went robed, and carrying his bowl with him, with the brethren of the Order, towards Salavatika.
Bhesika, the barber, who had been sent by Lohikka to fetch the Blessed One, walked step by step, behind the Exalted One. On the way he told the Blessed One that Lohikka the Brahmin held the wicked opinion that a Samana or a Brahmana shall not communicate any knowledge or learning to women and the Shudras.
“That may well be, Bhesika, that may well be,” replied the Blessed One.
And the Exalted One went on to the dwelling place of Lohikka the Brahmin, and sat down on the seat prepared for him.
And Lohikka the Brahmin served the Order, with the Buddha at its head, with his own hand, with sweet food both hard and soft, until they refused any more.
And when the Exalted One had finished his meal, and had cleansed the bowl and his hands, Lohikka the Brahmin, brought a low seat and sat down beside him.
And to him, thus seated, the Exalted One said : “Is it true, what they say, Lohikka, that you hold the view that a Samana or a Brahmana should not communicate any knowledge or learning to women and Shudras ? ”
“That is so, Gotama,” replied Lohikka.
“Now what think you, Lohikka? Are you