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HERESY OF JAMĀLI, DEATH OF GOŚĀLA
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from greed they dug open the third peak of the ant-hill and found silver. They took it and threw away the drammas. They dug open the fourth peak and found gold. They threw away the silver from greed for taking the gold. With the idea, In the fifth peak there will be jewels,' blind with greed, they dug it open. For greed increases with gain.
Like strong poison from the ocean when it had been stirred up very much, a serpent which poisoned by its glance came out of that peak when it was dug open. Standing on the top of the ant-hill, the serpent first looked at the sun and by its glance reduced to ashes the four with their carts and bulls. Saying, 'He is not greedy,' the serpent's tutelary deity had Avasara with his cart and bulls reach the place he wished. I will consume your guru as the serpent consumed the four. I will spare you as the serpent spared Avasara."
Then Ananda, without even carrying out his intention of obtaining alms, went to the Lord, told him what Gośāla had said and, troubled, asked, This talk of Gośāla, 'I will make them a heap of ashes,' is it the talk of a crazy man or is he able to do this?" The Blessed One explained: "He is able to do it except to Arhats. He, with dishonorable intention, could cause mere discomfort to Arhats. So go and explain this to Gautama and the others so that they will not annoy him, if he comes here, by driving him away, even though it would be just."
Then Ananda went and told this to them. The wretch Gośāla went there and, standing before the Master said: "O Kasyapa, you say this: Gośāla, is the son of Mankhali, my pupil, et cetera.' That talk of yours false. The Gośāla who was your disciple, of pure birth, died while engaged in pious meditation and was born among the gods. I, a sage named Udaya, abandoned my own body and entered this body of his which endures attacks and trials. Then, since you do not know me, how can you say Gośāla is Mankhali's son, your disciple? Certainly you are not my guru."
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