z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 08.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 548
548 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
tual for guidance, conducive to peace, and where the disciples have become proficient in the good Norm, and where the full scope of the higher life has become manifest to them when that teacher passes away.
VII
“Now for such a teacher, Chunda, to die is not an affliction for his disciples. Why then have a successor ? ”
When Ananda raised the same question on another occasion the Blessed Lord said: “What think you Ananda ? Do you observe even a couple of almsmen at variance about what I have taught ? ”
“No. But those who are about the Lord might after his death, stir up quarrel in the confraternity respecting the regimen or of the code and such quarrels would make for general grief.”
“Of little concern, Ananda, are quarrels respecting rigours of regimen or of the code ; it is possible quarrels in the confraternity about the path which really matter,” said the Blessed Lord.
“These disputes about the path cannot be settled by a dictator. What then a successor can do unless he acts as a dictator.
“The controversies regarding the path cannot be settled by a dictator.
“The decision of a controversy should be reached by the fraternity. The whole conjoint body should assemble and thrash out the matter till there is agreement and then to settle it conformably with such agreement.
“Majority agreements is the way to settle the disputes and not the appointment of a successor.”
§2. The Last Convert
Now at that time Subhadda the Wanderer was staying at Kusinara. And Subhadda the Wanderer heard the rumour, “ This very day, it is said, in the last watch of the night will be the final passing away of Gotama the recluse.” Then this thought came to Subhadda the Wanderer.
“Thus have I heard it said by other wanderers