(Nâganadì, i. e. Nairañganâ)[1], the nine classes of beings[2] began to entertain hopes of emancipation. Then the removal of Light to the Deer Park (mrigadâva at Benares) brought satisfaction to the religious cravings of the six paths[3] of existence.
As soon as he had begun to set in motion the Wheel of the Law, five persons[4] first enjoyed the benefit of his teaching. Next, he taught the typical virtue (lit. 'the footsteps of Sila') of discipline, and thousands of people bowed their heads before him. Thereupon His Brahma-voice was heard in the city of Râgagriha, bringing salvation (fruit) to numberless souls.
Returning home to requite parental love in the Palace of Kapilavastu, he found numerous disciples who inclined their hearts to his teaching. He began his teaching with (the conversion of) Âgñâta Kaundinya[5], whose first prayer he accepted in order to reveal the truth.
He concluded his career with the ordination of Subhadra[5], so that the last period of his life should accord with his original wish (lit. 'tied-up mind, resolution').
Eight decades he lived, founding and protecting the Brotherhood; he preached his doctrine of salvation in the nine assemblages[6]. Any doctrine, however hidden, he expounded in teaching. Even a man of little ability he received without reserve.
When he preached to the lay followers he expressed himself in a concise form, and taught the five prohibitive precepts (pañkasîla) only.
- ↑ Here the Nâganadî must mean Nairañganâ (Nilajan), as it is the place where Sâkyamuni attained Buddhahood. Cf. Nâganadî, Lalita-vistara, p. 336.
- ↑ The nine classes of beings are the subdivisions of the above three stages; each of those three are divided into three.
- ↑ The six paths of existence are as follows: human beings, Devas, Pretas (spirits), the brute creation (Tiryagyoni), Asuras (demons), and hells.
- ↑ Âgñâta Kaundinya and his friends first received the teaching of the Buddha. Rhys Davids, Buddhist Suttas, p. 155; Oldenberg, Buddha, p. 130.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Âgñâta and Subhadra are here translated 了教 and 妙賢 respectively. The last convert of the Buddha was Subhadra, Rhys Davids, Buddhism, p. 81; Buddhist Suttas, pp. 103-111. For Âgñâta Kaundinya, see the last note.
- ↑ The commentator Kâsyapa understands this to mean the nine classes of beings above referred to.
