z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 02.indd MK SJ+YS 4 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 23
FROM BIRTH TO PARIVRAJA
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Even for the third time no one spoke against it.
It was the rule of procedure among the Sakyas that there could be no debate without a motion and no motion could be declared carried unless it was passed three times.
The motion of the Senapati having been carried three times without opposition, Siddharth was declared to have been duly admitted as a member of the Sakya Sangh.
Thereafter the Purohit of the Sakyas stood up and asked Siddharth to rise in his place.
Addressing Siddharth, he said : “Do you realize that the Sangh has honoured you by making you a member of it ?” “I do, sir,” replied Siddharth.
“Do you know the obligation of membership of the Sangh?” “I am sorry, sir, I do not. But I shall be happy to know them, sir,” said Siddharth.
“I shall first tell you what your duties as a member of the Sangh are “said the Purohit and he then related them one by one : “(1) You must safeguard the interests of the Sakyas by your body, mind and money.
(2) You must not absent yourself from the meetings of the Sangh. (3) You must without fear or favour expose any fault you may notice in the conduct of a Sakya. (4) You must not be angry if you are accused of an offence but confess if you are guilty or state if you are innocent.”
- Proceeding, the Purohit said : “I shall next tell you what will disqualify you for membership of the Sangh : (1) You cannot remain a member of the Sangh if you commit rape. (2) You cannot remain a member of the Sangh if you commit murder. (3) You cannot remain a member of the Sangh if you commit theft.
(4) You cannot remain a member of the Sangh if you are guilty of giving false evidence.”
- “I am grateful to you, sir,” said Siddharth, “for telling me the rules of discipline of the Sakya Sangh. I assure you I will do my best to follow them in letter and in spirit.”
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