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HIS SERMONS
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reverend Sariputta was making an alms pilgrimage with a great train of almsmen among the Southern Hills. [1]
On his way he met an almsman who had spent the rainy season at Rajagraha. After interchange of greetings of friendliness and civility, Sariputta enquired after the Master’s health and was told he was well, as too was the Confraternity, and also the Brahmin Dhananjani of Tandula-pala Gate in Rajagraha concerning whose health too Sariputta had made enquiries.
‘ And is the Brahmin, Dhananjani, zealous and earnest ?’ asked Sariputta further of the Almsman.
‘ How could earnest zeal possibly dwell in Dhananjani ?’ replied the Almsman. ‘He uses the king to fleece the Brahmins and householders, and uses them to fleece the king. Also, his pious wife who came of a pious stock is dead now ; and he has taken to himself another wife who is not pious and comes of no pious stock.’
‘ This is bad news, very bad news to hear of Dhananjani’s lack of zeal,’ said Sariputta. ‘Perhaps, however, at some time and place I may meet him I should like to have a talk with him.’
After staying as long as he wanted in the Southern Hills, Sariputta proceeded on his alms pilgrimage till he reached Rajagraha, where he took up his abode in the Bamboo Grove.
Early in the morning, bowl in hand and duly robed, he went into Rajagraha for alms, at a time when the Brahmin Dhananjani was out of the city seeing his cows milked in the byre.
On his return after his round and meal, Sariputta sought out the Brahmin. Seeing him coming, the Brahmin came to meet him with the remark that they had time for a draught of milk before meal-time.
Not so, Brahmin, I have had my meal today, and shall be resting under the shade of a tree during the noontide. Come to me there.
Dhananjani agreed and after his own meal joined Sariputta seating himself by him after friendly greetings.
Said Sariputta: “May I rest assured, Dhanan IV