z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 07.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 474
474 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
crowded, where there is little sound, little noise by night, sequestered, hidden from men, well fitted for a retired life ?”
VI
And King Bimbisara thought: “ There is the Veluvana, my pleasure garden, which is not too far from the town and not too near, suitable for going and coming. What if I were to make an offering of the Veluvana pleasure garden to the fraternity of monks, with the Buddha at its head?”
And King Bimbisara took a golden vessel with water in it, to be poured over the Buddha’s hand; and made a gift to the Blessed One, saying, “I give this Veluvana pleasure garden, Lord, to the fraternity of monks with the Buddha at its head.” The Blessed One accepted the park.
Then the Blessed One, after having taught, incited, animated, and gladdened King Bimbisara by religious discourse, rose from his seat and went away.
And in consequence of this event the Blessed One, after having delivered a religious discourse, addressed the monks: ‘ I allow you monks, to receive this donation of a park.”
§ 2. Gift from Anathapindika
After his conversion Anathapindika once went to the Blessed Lord. Taking his seat on his right side, he said:
“The Lord knows that I dwell in Shravasti, a land rich in produce, and enjoying peace; Pasendi is the great king thereof.
“Now am I wishful to found a Vihar there, I pray you, of your tenderness come to Shravasti and accept it from me.”
The Blessed Lord kept silent and thereby showed his willingness to accept the gift.
Anathapindika, the friend of the destitute and the supporter of orphans, having returned home, saw the garden of the heir-apparent, Jeta, with its green groves and limpid rivulets, and thought: “This is the place which will be most suitable as a Vihara for