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Research and Conclusion
73
One, and after exchanging greetings with him and compliments of friendship and courtesy, sat down at one side. So seated he said to the Exalted One :
“Does master Gotama also make no claim to be perfectly and supremely enlightened ?
“If there be anyone, sire, to whom such enlightenment might rightly be attributed, it is I. I verily, sire, am perfectly and supremely enlightened.'
“But, master Gotama, there are recluses and brahmins who also like yourself) have each their order of disciples, their attendant followers, who are teachers of disciples, well-known and reputed theorizers, highly esteemed by the people-I mean Purana-Kassapa, Makkhali Gośāla of the Cowstall, the Nigantha Nätaputta Nata's son ie. Mahāvira. Sañjaya Belatthi's son, Kaccāyana of the Pakudhas, Ajita Keśa Kambli of the Hairblanket. Now they, when I have asked this same question of them, have not laid claim to perfect and supreme enlightenment. How can this be ? For (as compared with them) master Gotama is young in years, and is a novice in the life of religion.'
“There are four young creatures, sire, who are not to be disregarded or despised, because they are youthful. What are the four ? A noble prince, a snake, a fire, an almsman (Bhikkhu). Yes, sire, these four young creatures are not to be disregarded or despised because they are youthful.'
"Thus spake the Exalted One. And the Blessed One so saying the Master spake again on this wise :
"A princely youth, by birth with fortune blest, Off spring of well-born families, let none Disdain for being youthful nor despise.
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