________________
I, 1o.
MILINDA THE KING.
·
7
still to overcome ; the acknowledged superior of all the founders of the various schools of thought. And as in wisdom so in strength of body, swiftness, and valour there was found none equal to Milinda in all India. He was rich too, mighty in wealth and prosperity, and the number of his armed hosts knew no end.
10. Now one day Milinda the king proceeded forth out of the city to pass in review the innumerable host of his mighty army in its fourfold array (of elephants, cavalry, bowmen, and soldiers on foot). And when the numbering of the forces was over, the king, who was fond of wordy disputation, and eager for discussion with casuists, sophists, and gentry of that sort, looked at the sun (to ascertain the time), and then said to his ministers: 'The day is yet young. What would be the use of getting back to town so early? Is there no learned person, whether wandering teacher? or Brahman, the head of some school or order, or the master of some band of pupils (even though he profess faith
1 Lokayatas and Vitandas. Other Pâli passages, where they are mentioned, are Kullavagga V, 3, 2; Anguttara III, 58, 1; Sumangala Vilâsins, 96, 247; and below, $ 22 (p. 17). See also Weber, Bhagavatî,' II, 246; Muir, Sanskrit Texts,' III, 95; Deussen, 'Das Vedânta-System,' 310.
s Samana. There is no expression in English corresponding to this common word in Páli texts. It means any religious' (in the technical meaning of that word) who is not a recluse according to the orthodox Brahman rules. It includes therefore many who were not Buddhists, and also even Brahmans if they had joined the Buddhists or Gains, or any other of the non-conforming bodies. The Samanas remained in one place during the rains, and for the rest of the year wandered from place to place, promulgating their particular views. They were not necessarily ascetics in any strict use of that term; though they were usually celibates.
Digitized by Google
