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§ 1. The Appointment of a Successor
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The Exalted One was at one time sojourning among the Sakyans in the mango grove of the Sakyan family named the archers.
Now at that time Nataputta the Nigantha had just died at Pava. And at his death the Niganthas became disunited and divided into two parties, in mutual strife and conflict, quarrelling and wounding each other with wordy weapons.
Now Chunda, the novice, having passed the rainy season at Pava, came to see the venerable Ananda and said: “Nataputta, sir, the Nigantha had just died at Pava. And he being dead the Niganthas have become disunited and divided and are quarrelling and wounding one another. This is because they are without a protector.”
Then said the venerable Ananda, “ Friend Chunda, this is a worthy subject to bring before the Exalted One. Let us go to him, and tell him about it.”
“Very good, sir,” replied Chunda.
So the venerable Ananda and Chunda, the novice, sought out the Exalted One and saluting him, told him about the Niganthas and pleaded the necessity of appointing a successor.
The Blessed Lord on hearing what Chunda had said, replied: “But consider Chunda, where a teacher hath arisen in the world, Arahat, supremely enlightened: where a doctrine hath been well set forth, well imparted, effectual for guidance, conducive to peace; but where his disciples have not become proficient in good Norm, nor has it been made a thing of saving grace to them, well proclaimed among men when their teacher passes away.
“Now for such a teacher to die, Chunda, is a great affliction for his disciples and a great danger to his Dhamma.
“But consider, Chunda, where a teacher has appeared in the world who is all-enlightened; where the Norm has been well set forth, well imparted, effec VII