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THE QUESTIONS OF KING MILINDA.
IV, 2, 6.
thing?” “Is the soul distinct from the body ? " “Does a Tathagata exist after death?” “Does he not exist after death?” “Does he both exist and not exist after death ?" "Does he neither exist nor not exist after death ? "
‘Now it was to such a question, one that ought to be put on one side, that the Blessed One gave no reply to Mâlunkyâ-putta. And why ought such a question to be put on one side ? Because there is no reason or object for answering it. That is why it should be put aside. For the Blessed Buddhas lift not up their voice without a reason and without an object.'
Very good, Nagasena! Thus it is, and I accept it as you say?' [Here ends the dilemma as to keeping some
things back ]
[DEATH.] 6. 'Venerable Nâgasena, this too was said by the Blessed One: “All men tremble at punishment, all are afraid of death ?." But again he said: “The Arahat has passed beyond all fear." How then, Nâgasena? does the Arahat tremble with the fear of punishment ? [146] Or are the beings in purgatory, when they are being burnt and boiled and scorched and tormented, afraid of that death which would release them from the burning fiery pit of that awful place of woe * ? If the Blessed One, Nagasena,
See my note below on IV, 4, 8. ' Dhammapada 129. * Not traced in these words, but identical in meaning with Dhammapada 39.
• Maha-niraya kavamâna, when they are on the point of passing away from it. For in Buddhism the time comes to each
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