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Lord Mahāvīra’s Religious Contemporaries and Sects
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part in observing penances, and he decided to take food just sufficient to sustain his body.
After leaving Rudraka's hermitage, Gautama went to Uruvilva where he took his seat under a pipal tree. After spending seven weeks in meditation under this tree, he finally realized the Truth. He thus became the Buddha (the Enlightened One). With his attainment of both insight and knowledge, he became emancipated from birth and rebirth. He then turned his attention to his five Brāhmaṇa companions who were then residing at Rishipattana (Sārnāth) near Banaras. He proceeded there and delivered before them his first sermon, which is metaphorically represented in Buddhist literature as "turning the wheel of the Law".
MISSIONARY LIFE.
Along with these five Brāhmaṇa companions, Buddha went to Banaras where he converted Yaśa, a rich Setthi's son. and other followers. From Banaras, he proceeded to Rājagriha where he spent the second, third, and fourth Vassās (retreats). In Magadha, at this time, there were many Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical teachers and wandering monks. The Buddha spent much of his time and energy in refuting their doctrines and convincing them of the excellence of his tcaching. He succeeded in making a large number of converts, the most notable among them being Sāriputra and Maudgalyāyana, who were formerly disciples of Sañjaya Belaţthiputta, the Brahmanical ascetics, the Jațilas, Upāli Grahapati, and Abhayarājakumāra, all staunch followers of Nigantha Nātaputta ; Anāthapiņdika a merchant possessing fabulous wealth ; kings Bimbisära and Ajātaśatru, and later, king Alunda. Besides Rājagrilia, Buddha visited Gayā, Uruvilva, Nālandā, and Pāçaliputra.
Buddhism gained a footing even at Kośalā (Savauthi) where the Buddlia spent the last twentyone rassās. His favouritc resort was the famous Jelavana monastery, which was purchased for him by Anāthapiņdika at a fabulous price. King Prasenajit (Pascnadi) became interested in his discourses, while his qucen sallikäand his two sis:eos, Som and Sakula,
