Contemporaneity and Chronology of Mahavira and Buddha

Author(s): Nagrajmuni, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Today and Tomorrows Book Agency

Page 84

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Mahāvīra and Buddha
interested in, disgusted with and indifferent to those Niganthas (monks) of the Nātaputta (Mahāvīra) as they were with respect to the religion of Nātaputta, which is not wellmeaning, not well-founded, unable to carry one to the Nirvāṇa, unable to bring peace of mind, not expounded by an enlightened. One baseless, (supported on) broken pillars, and unfit to be stayed in.
"At that time, Cunda Samanuddesa, after having passed his rainy-season at Pāvā, went to Sāmagāma and approached the venerable Ananda. Having approached, having greeted the venerable Ananda he sat down on one side. So seated, he said to the venerable Ananda. 'Re. verend Sir, Nigantha Nātaputta has just departed from lite in Pāvā. After his death, the Niganthas were divided into two groups. They are making quarrels......which is unfit to be stayed in. “Thereupon, the venerable Ananda said to Cunda Samanuddesa : “Reverend Cunda, this news is worthy to be presented to the blessed one. Come reverend Cunda, let us go to the Lord. Having gone there, let us, tell this matter to the Lord.'
“Yes, reverend Sir!'
“Then, the venerable Ananda and Cunda Samanuddesa approached the Exalted One, saluted and sat down at one side. So seated, the venerable Ananda said to the Exalted One: ‘Lord! This Cunda Samanuddesa says so, ‘Nagantha Nātaputta has just departed...............unfit to be stayed in. Now, Lord ! it seems to me that after (the Nirvāņa of) the Blessed One, such a dispute may not occur in the order. If it occurs, it will be for the disadvantage of the many, for the unhappiness of the many, for the unwelfare of the many, for the disadvantage and unhappiness of gods and men.'