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ciples, well-known and reputed theorizers, highly esteemed by the people - I mean Purana-Kassapa, Makkhali Gosala of the Cowstall, the Nigantha Nataputta Nata's son i.e. Mahavira Sanjaya Belatthi's son, Kaccayana of the Pakudhas, Ajita Kesa 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 for 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 for young creatures are not to be disregarded or despised becuase they are youthful'.
"Thus spoke the Exalted One. And the Blessed One so saying the Master spoke again on this wise: -
"A princely youth, by birth with fortune blest, Off spring of well-born families, let none Dis dain for being youthful nor despise. The time may come when he, as lord of mean, Comes to his heritage, and in his wrath May with a despot's weapons seek revenge With heavy hand. Hence from such attitude Let everyone who guards his life refrain.
"Or if a man do walk within the woods And see a snake glide by, let him not say Disdainful: 'Tie a young one, and despise. In diverse shapes and with an ardent force Fareth the snake. Should be attacking strike, He bites the heedless, be it man or maid, No matter when. Hence from such attitude Let everyone who guards his life refrain.
"A fire ablaze with appretite immense And (swarthy) trail let none despite as young Since it was lit, nor hold of no account. If it but win to fuel, growing great, It may attack the heedless, man or maid, And burn no matter when. From this therefore Let everyone who guards his life refrain,