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IV, 17. THE GREAT DISCIPLE BECOMES A HERMIT.
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sweet, he forthwith bade them Welcome!' Here is the pure and peaceful law (he said); here the end of all discipleship! 1407
Their hands grasping the triple-staff', their twisted hair holding the water-vessel ?, hearing the words of Buddha's welcome, they forthwith changed into complete Sramanas 8; 1408
The leaders two and all their followers, assuming the complete appearance of Bhikshus, with prostrate forms fell down at Buddha's feet, then rising, sat beside him*: 1409
And with obedient heart listening to the word, they all became Rahats. At this time there was a twice-(born) sage", Kâsyapa Shi-ming-teng (Eggidatta) (Agnidatta), 1410
Celebrated and perfect in person, rich in possessions, and his wife most virtuous. But all this he
* This triple (three-wondersul) staff is, I suppose, a mark of a Brahman student.
Twisted hair holding the pitcher; this may also refer to some custom among the Brahmans. Or the line may be rendered, their hair twisted and holding their pitchers.'
8 This sudden transformation from the garb and appearance of laymen into shorn and vested Bhikshus, is one often recounted in Buddhist stories.
• Or, sat on one side (ekamantam).
6 This expression, which might also be rendered 'two religious leaders' ('rh sse), may also, by supplying the word 'sing,' be translated a 'twice-born sage,' i.e. a Brahman; and this appears more apposite with what follows, and therefore I have adopted it. The Brahman alluded to would then be called Kåsyapa Agnidatta. The story of Eggidatta is given by Bigandet (Legend, p. 180, first edition), but there is nothing said about his name Kâsyapa. Eitel (Handbook, sub voce Mahâkâsyapa) gives an explanation of the name Kasyapa, 'he who swallowed light;' but the literal translation of the words in our text is, Kâsyapa giving in charity a bright lamp.'
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