z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 07.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 485
HIS ENEMIES
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§ 1. Charge of Conversion by Glamour
Once the Exalted One dwelt at Vesali, in the Gable-roofed Hall in the Great Wood. Now Bhaddiya the Licchavi came to the Exalted One and said: “Lord ! People say ‘Gotama the recluse is a charmer and knows a trick of glamour, whereby he entices the followers of other sects.’
“ They who say this disclaim any desire to misrepresent the Exalted One. Indeed, Lord, we Licchavis do not believe in this charge. But we would like to know what the Exalted One has to say about it.”
The Lord said: “Come now, Bhaddiya, accept not on hearsay, nor by tradition, nor by what people say. Accept not because it is in the scriptures, by mere logic, nor by inference, nor by consideration of appearances, nor because it accords with your view, nor because you think it must be right, nor out of respect, with the thought that ‘ One must revere a recluse.’
“But, Bhaddiya, if at any time you know of yourself by examination of facts that what is being done is sinful or wrongful, that it is reproached by the wise and the result is loss or injury, then, Bhaddiya, eschew them.
“Now as to your question, Bhaddiya, what think you; Are not those who accuse me of performing conversion by glamour ambitious persons ?” “ They are, Lord,” replied Bhaddiya.
“What think ye, Bhaddiya; Does not an ambitious person, overcome by avarice and with mind overpowered, tell lies or commit crime to achieve his ambition ?” “It is so, Lord,” replied Bhaddiya.
“ What think you, Bhaddiya, when thoughts of ill-will and vindictiveness arise in the mind of such a person, does he not instigate others to level accusations against those who come in the way of his ambition?” “That is so Lord,” said Bhaddiya.
“Now, Bhaddiya, all I do is to exhort my pupil thus: ‘ Come you, my dear man, dwell controlling
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