z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 02.indd MK SJ+YS 4 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 28
28 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
obtain the permission of the king of the Kosalas.”
I
Siddharth realised the consequences that would follow if he continued his opposition to the Sangh in its plan of war against the Koliyas. He had three alternatives to consider—to join the forces and participate in the war ; to consent to being hanged or exiled ; and to allow the members of his family to be condemned to a social boycott and confiscation of property.
He was firm in not accepting the first. As to the third he felt it was unthinkable. Under the circumstances he felt that the second alternative was the best.
Accordingly, Siddharth spoke to the Sangh. “Please do not punish my family. Do not put them in distress by subjecting them to a social boycott. Do not make them destitute by confiscating their land which is their only means of livelihood. They are innocent. I am the guilty person. Let me alone suffer for my wrong. Sentence me to death or exile, whichever you like. I will willingly accept it and I promise I shall not appeal to the king of the Kosalas.”
§ 16. Parivraja-the Way Out
The Senapati said : “It is difficult to accept your suggestion. For even if you voluntarily agreed to undergo the sentence of death or exile, the matter is sure to become known to the king of the Kosalas and he is sure to conclude that it is the Sangh which has inflicted this punishment and take action against the Sangh.”
“If this is the difficulty I can easily suggest a way out,” said Siddharth Gautama. “I can become a Parivrajaka and leave this country. It is a kind of an exile.”
The Senapati thought this was a good solution. But he had still some doubt about Siddharth being able to give effect to it.
So the Senapati asked Siddharth : “How can you become a Parivrajaka unless you obtain the consent