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I, 29.
NÂGASENA'S PUNISHMEN.T.
And the venerable Rohana became aware in his own mind of what was passing in the mind of Nagasena, and he said to him : That is an unworthy reflection that thou art making, Nagasena; it is not worthy of thee so to think.'
'How strange and wonderful,' thought Nâgasena, that my teacher should be able to tell in his own mind what I am thinking of! I must ask his pardon.' And he said: 'Forgive me, Sir; I will never make such a reflection again.'
[14] 'I cannot forgive you, Nagasena, simply on that promise,' was the reply. But there is a city called Sâgala, where a king rules whose name is Milinda, and he harasses the brethren by putting puzzles to them of heretical tendency. You will have earned your pardon, Nagasena, when you shall have gone there, and overcome that king in argument, and brought him to take delight in the truth.
'Not only let king Milinda, holy one, but let all the kings of India come and propound questions to me, and I will break all those puzzles up and solve them, if only you will pardon me!' exclaimed Nagasena. But when he found it was of no avail, he said : Where, Sir, do you advise me to spend the three months of the rains now coming on?'
29. “There is a brother named Assagutta dwelling at the Vattaniya hermitage. Go, Nagasena, to him; and in my name bow down to his feet, and say: "My teacher, holy one, salutes you reverently, and asks whether you are in health and ease, in full vigour and comfort. He has sent me here to pass
It would be against the rules to go at once, during the rains, to Sâgala. So he would spend that time in preparation.
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