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pindika was simultaneously shocked, alarmed and thilled. His legs, refused to carry him further. A spirit (yakşa) named Sivaka gave him inspiration from the sky:
"Go on, Grhapati; move fast. It is good for you to step forward, not backward".
Suddenly, the veil of darkness was lifted up and the way became visible. His fear, shock and thrill were gone. Anāthapiņdika moved forward with confidence. But he was swallowed by darkness again, and he felt alarmed. He lost courage to move up. He had this experience thrice, but on each occasion, an invisible voice from above continued to inspire and direct him. Anathapindika gathered courage on each occasion and moved further on. At last, he was within sight of Sita-yana. At that early hour of the morning, the Buddha was having his usual constitutional in the fresh air of the morning. When he saw Anāthapindika at a distance coming towards him, he went back from the place where he was pacing and took his seat to receive the guest. Addressing Anathapindika, the Buddha said,
"Sudatta! I welcome thee".
Being thus welcomes by the mention of his name, Anathapindika became immensely overwhelmed. He reach. ed near the Buddha and fell at his feet. He enquired about his welfare and said,
"Bhante ! May I hope that you had a nice sleep at night".
- 'Thank you for the expression of a fine sentiment. But you know that one who has attained nirvāna always enjoys a nice sleep at night".
And at once the Buddha started his inspiring sermon for Anāthapindika. Just as a clean and dirt-free cloth tak es any hue, so, while seated on the cushion, Anāthapindika became free from sin, and his pure spiritual eye opened as he listened the sermon from the Buddha. When in this manner Anāthapindika acquired the fundamentals of religion and became free from all doubts, he prayed for his own admission into the Buddha's order. Submitted he,
| SR No. | 022804 |
| Book Title | Agama And Tripitaka Comparative Study |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Nagaraj Muni |
| Publisher | Today and Tomorrows Printers and Publishers |
| Publication Year | 1986 |
| Total Pages | 804 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 19 MB |