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him to become a brahmacāri (celibate) under one who could give satisfactory reply to those questions. In the morning, the Parivrājaka rose and went to all the spiritual leaders, including Nigantha Nataputta, one after another; but none could give him a reply. They confused him instead with counterquestions. At last he came to Rajagrha, in the presence of Buddha. The account says that the Parivrājaka produced his questions, to which Buddha gave convincing answers, after which, needless to add, he became a follower of Buddha. Later, he joined the order as a monk, ended his sins and attained the rank of an arhat.
Source: Suttanipata, Mahāvagga,
Sabhiya Sutta
Comment
This is another undoubted proof of Mahavira's senior ity. Compared to Buddha, other spiritual leaders of the age have been described by Sutta Nipāta as jinna, buddha, mahallakā, addhagata, vayo anupattā, thera, rattajnbhu, chira pavvajitā, i. e., worn, aged, elderly, long-lived, - having attained age, senior, experienced and ever initiated.
Theregathā Atthakathā and other texts contain details of Sabhiya Parivrājaka. A sub hata girl was placed for her instruction by her parents under a Parivrājaka. In course of time, the girl conceived. She was turned out of her parental home. She gave birth to a boy at a public place where four roads met. Since the boy was born in a sabha or crowded place, he was named Sabhiya. These texts also contain account of his previous lives?.
25. Subhadra Parivrājaka
Subhadra Parivrājaka, a resident of Kusināra, had heard that Buddha was to pass away at that night. So he thought that he must see him and have his doubts clarified
1. S. B. E. Vol X Part II Introduction by Fausboll. 2. Theragātnā Atthakathā, 1, 381; Sutta Nipāta Atthakathā, - 2, 410,
