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258
MAHÂVAGGA.
IX, 1, 4.
There is no offence, friends, for me to see.'
Then those stranger Bhikkhus pronounced expulsion against the Bhikkhu Kassapa-gotta for his refusal to see that (pretended) offence. Then the Bhikkhu Kassapa-gotta thought: 'I do not know indeed whether this is an offence or not, and whether I have made myself guilty of an offence or not, and whether I have been expelled or not, and whether that sentence is lawful or unlawful, objectionable or unobjectionable, valid or invalid. What if I were to go to Kampå and to ask the Blessed One about this matter?'
4. And the Bhikkhu Kassapa-gotta put his resting-place in order, took up his alms-bowl and his robe, and went forth to Kampâ; and in due course he came to Kampå and to the place where the Blessed One was. Having approached him and respectfully saluted the Blessed One, he sat down near him.
Now it is the custom of the blessed Buddhas to exchange greeting with incoming Bhikkhus. And the Blessed One said to the Bhikkhu Kassapa-gotta : 'Is it all well with you, O Bhikkhu ? Do you find your living ? Have you made your journey without too much fatigue ? And from what place do you come, O Bhikkhu ?'
It is all well, Lord; I find my living, Lord; I have made the journey, Lord, without too much fatigue.
5. There is in the country of Kasi, Lord, (a village) called Vasabha-gâma. There I had my residence, Lord, (&c.?, down to :) Then those
See $$ 1-3.
Instead of the Bhikkhu Kassapa-gotta' the
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