Contemporaneity and Chronology of Mahavira and Buddha

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

Page 98

Mahāvīra and Buddha How charming is the night illuminated by the light of
the full-moon ! How beautiful is the night illuminated by the light of
the full moon !! How handsome is the night illuminated by the light of
the full-moon !!! How pleasant is the night illuminated by the light of
the full-moon !!! How exquisite is the night illuminated by the light of
the full-moon !!! (At such a pleasant time) to which Sramaņa (recluse) or Brāhmin should we go to pass our time in the company of the good (man), so that his company may please our minds ?'
“On his saying so one of the ministers of his kingdom said to Ajātasatru, the king of Magadha the son of Vaidehi : "Sire ! there is one Pūraņa Kassapa, who has his order of disciples and his crowd of followers who is the teacher of disciples, well-known and reputed founder of a school of doctrine, esteemed as good man by the multitude, experienced, long-ordained, advanced in years and having reached old age. The king, sire, should have a religious discussion with Pūraņa Kassapa. The religious discussion with Pūraņa Kassapa even for a little time will delight your heart'. On his saying so, Ajātaśatru, the king of Magadha the son of Vaidehi, kept silence.
“Anotlier minister said this to Ajātasatru the... Vaidehi : 'Sire, there is one Makkhali Gośāla (i.e, of the cattle pen) who has his order of disciples, ... ... reached old age. The king, sire, should have religious discussion with this Makkhali Gośāla. The religious discussion with Makkhali Gośāla even for....., kept silence.