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244
THE QUESTIONS AND PUZZLES
VT, 1.
BOOK VI.
THE DHUTANGAS.
[348] 1. The king saw Bhikkhus in the forest, lone
And far away from men, keeping hard vows. And then he saw too householders, at home, Eating the sweet fruits of the Noble Path? Considering both of these, deep doubts he felt. 'If laymen also realise the Truth Then surely vowing vows must be in vain. Come! let me ask that best of teachers, wise In the threefold basket of the Buddha's words, Skilled to o'erthrow the arguments of the foe. He will be able to resolve my doubts!'
2. Now Milinda the king went up to the place where Nâgasena was, and bowed down before him, and took his seat on one side. And when so seated, he said to Nagasena: 'Venerable Nâgasena, is there any layman living at home, enjoying the pleasures of sense, occupying a dwelling encumbered with wife and children, enjoying the use of sandal wood from Benares, and of garlands, perfumes, and ointments, accepting gold and silver, with an embroidered head-dress on, set with diamonds and pearls and gold—is there any such who has seen face to face the calm, the supreme good, Nirvana ?'
'Not one hundred only, o king, nor two nor
1 Standing in the Fruit of the Anâgâmins.' So they had already reached the third stage in the Excellent Way.
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