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fices. According to the Samyutta Nikāya, (224) for one such sacrifice, he had collected as many as 500 oxen, 500 male calves, 500 she-calves, 500 goats, 500 rams, etc., etc. But at the advice of the Buddha, he did not kill them, but released them(225). In this manner, because of his frequent contact with the Buddha, he became his follower. It is well-known that the Buddha spent the last 25 monsoons of his life either at Jetavana or at Pūrvārāma Bihar at Srāvasti. So it was but natural that Prasenajit would have a constant and regular touch with him. On many occasions, on many matters, big and small, he put many questions to the Buddha. These questions and answers are contained in the Chapter on Kosala Samyutta in the Samyutta Nikāya.
The following is an interesting account worthy of quote:
"Seeing that King Prasenajit of Kos'ala was out of breath after he had taken food, the following couplet dropped from the mouth of the Buddha,
manujasa sadā satimato mattam ianato laddha-bhoiane tanu tassa bhavanti vedanā sanikam jirati āyu pālayam
( A man who is alert in his mind Who is measured in the intake of food, The Pain of such â man is less, His food is digested helping long life).
"At that time, Sudarsana Mānayaka was standing just behind the king.
Addressing him, the king said, in part, as follows:
'Dear Sudarsana ! Learn this couplet from the Bhagavān. You recite it everyday as I sit to dine. For this extra assignment, you will be paid 100 kārsāpaņas per day'.
- 'Your Majesty! I accept the assignment, and I shall do as you desire me to'.
