|
Pasenadi and Dīgha-Kārāyana were staying
once at Nangaraka and, hearing that the Buddha was residing at Medatalumpa,
three leagues away, the king went to visit him. He was deeply impressed by the
silence surrounding the Buddha and, falling at his feet, he kissed them and
showed great reverence. On being asked by the Buddha why he did so, the king
replied that he perceived the marvellous effects of the Buddha's teaching on his
disciples. They were well controlled, yet joyful, buoyant, with hearts as free
as those of wild creatures; and he added that he knew of no such discipline
outside the Buddha's teaching. He then proceeded to tell the Buddha of his own
servants, Isidatta and Purāna, and of their great devotion to the Buddha,
reminding the Buddha that they were both Kosalan nobles of about the same age.
On the king's departure, the Buddha commended the king's words to the monks,
asking them to remember them, for they formed a monument (cetiya) to the results
of the Dhamma. M.ii.118-25.
According to the Commentary
(MA.ii.753ff; J. iv.151ff ) this was the last occasion on which Pasenadi saw the
Buddha, for during his absence Dīgha-Kārāyana set up Vidūdabha on the throne.
Pasenadi went to Rājagaha to seek
Ajātasattu's aid, but died in a hut by the wayside.

|