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path of Pārsva and he confused the views of Mahāvira to be the same which is not correct, Besides, the four items described by him are a distortion. Buddha confused the four vows with the restraints prescribed by the Nigapthas, We have a similar confusion about catruyāma in other Buddhist texts like Cūlasakuladayi and Grāmaņi Samyutta, It is not mentioned in the text under reference that Mahāvira's name was suggested by any minister to king Ajatasatru. It has, however, come down through the Mahāyāna tradition. In this account, all the other leaders have been called elderly and senior, from which it follows that Buddha was junior to all.
23. Buddha: Youngest among the spiritual leaders.
Once when Buddha was camped in Jeta vana at Srāvasti, King Prasenajit of Kosala came to see him. Said the king, "Gautama ! Do you with authority claim to have acquired unprecedented right enlightenment"? When Buddha replied in the affirmative, the king expressed surprise adding that when senior leaders like Purana Kády. apa, Nigantha Nataputta and others could not do so, he though young, could with authority claim to be rightly enlightened. Then Buddha spoke a few inspiring words at which the king was greatly impressed. He praised him and became one of his followers.
Source: Samyukta Nikaya, Dahara Sutta
3-1-1.
Comment
This is the most glaring proof of Buddha's being the youngest among the contemporary spiritual leaders. While considering the contemporaneity of Mahavira and Buddha, Jacobi and other leaders have not touched this issue of seniority of Mahāyira. Had it been readily available to them, they would have accepted Mahavira's seniority without dispute.
24. Sabhiya
Parivrājaka
Once Buddha was camped in Rajagrha. A friendly god gave some questions to Sabhiya Parivrājaka and asked
