z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 09.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 582
582 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
“I do not see, friend, anyone in the world who could drive me out of my wits or tear out my heart, or take me by the feet and throw me across the river. Still, friend, you may put any question you like.” VIII
Then the Yakkha Alavaka asked the Lord the following questions :
“What is the noblest wealth for a man in this world ? What pure action brings happiness ? What is the sweetest of all tastes ? What manner of living is said to be the noblest living ?”
The Lord replied: “Faith is the noblest wealth for a man in this world. The Dhamma well observed brings happiness. Truth is the sweetest of all tastes. The living endowed with wisdom is said to be the noblest thing.
Yakkha Alavaka asked: “How does one cross the flood (rebirth) ? How does one cross the sea (existence)? How does one overcome suffering?”
The Lord replied: “One crosses the flood by Faith. One crosses the sea by Vigilance. One overcomes suffering by Exertion. One purifies oneself by wisdom.
Yakkha Alavaka asked: “How does one acquire knowledge? How does one obtain wealth? How does one attain fame ? How does one gain friends ? Passing from this world to the other world after death, how does one not repent ?”
The Lord replied: “Having faith in Arahats and in the Dhamma for the attainment of Nibbana, and by obedience, the diligent, attentive person acquires wisdom.
“One who does what is proper, one who is resolute, one who is awake, he acquires wealth. One who gives acquires friends.
“The faithful householder in whom truthfulness, righteousness, patience and generosity are found, he does not repent after death.
“Come on! Also consult other numerous monks and Brahmins, whether there are any other qualities higher than truth, self-control, charity and patience.”