His Sermons. - Page 410

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HIS SERMONS

391

“What think you, Dhananjani? Which is the better man ? He that for the sake of his parents departs from righteousness and equity or he that no matter what happens to them walks in righteousness and equity ?”
“The latter,” replied Dhananjani, “for to walk in righteousness and equity is better than to depart therefrom.”
“Moreover, Dhananjani, there are other courses of action which are justified and righteous in themselves, whereby he can support his parents and yet avoid evildoing and walk uprightly. Now, does the same reasoning apply to the support of wife and family and everything else?”
“It does, Sariputta.”
“Hereupon the Brahmin rejoicing in what the reverend Sariputta had said, thanked him, rose up and went his way.”

Once while the Lord was staying at Shravasti in Jeta’s Grove there came to him five hundred layfollowers. One of them was Dhammika.
Dhammika asked the Lord : “What principles make your followers reach perfection in righteous conduct.
“I ask thee this question because thou art the most matchless judge of the weal of men.
“Trained Jains and Mendicants all failed to vanquish thee. Trained Brahmins, ripe in years—with others keen to air their point of view—are led to embrace thy saving truth. For, ‘tis thy saving Truth,— subtle, but preached so well for which all yearn. Vouchsafe an answer, Lord, to us !
“Let the lay-followers learn from thy lips thy Lore immaculate !”
The Blessed Lord in compassion for his layfollowers said : “Give me your ear. I will explain the principles of righteous conduct. Hear and follow them.