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162
THE QUESTIONS OF KING MILINDA.
IV,1, 28.
Could that tree rightly, under the circumstances of the case, be called barren, merely because of the want of a fallen fruit ?'
No, Sir. For though the falling of the fruit is a condition precedent to its enjoyment, yet when it has fallen one can take as much as one likes.'
Just so, great king, though reflection is a necessary condition of the knowledge of the Tathagata, yet on reflection it perceives whatever he wants to know.'
Does that happen always, Nagasena, at the moment of reflection ?'
Yes, O king. Just as when the mighty king of kings (the Kakkavatti) calling to mind his glorious wheel of victory wishes it to appear, and no sooner is it thought of than it appears—so does the knowledge of the Tathagata follow continually on reflection.'
Strong is the reason you give, Nâgasena, for the omniscience of the Buddha. I am convinced that that is so.'
[Here ends the question as to the omniscience of
the Buddha being dependent on reflection"]
[WHY DEVADATTA WAS ADMITTED TO THE ORDER.]
28. Venerable Nâgasena, who was it that admitted Devadatta ? to the Order ?'
? At III, 6, 2 there is another problem raised as to the omniscience of the Buddha.
. He is the Judas of the Buddhist story, who tried to have the Buddha killed, and to seduce his disciples from him.
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