Geethanjali Kids (animation); PTS (trans.) via SuttaCentral.net; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly
PTS: The Questions of King Milinda
Book 2: The Distinguishing Characteristics of Ethical Qualities
Chapter 1
3.1.5 What is the aim of Buddhist renunciation?
PTS cs 5 Venerable Nāgasena went to the king and sat down on the prepared seat. The king provided Ven. Nāgasena and his following with food, both hard and soft, as much as they required, and presented each monk with a suit of robe garments and Ven. Nāgasena himself with a set of three robes.
Then he said to him: "Be pleased to keep your seat here and with you ten of your fellow monks. Let the rest depart."
When he saw that Ven. Nāgasena had finished his meal, he took a lower seat respectfully beside him, and said:
"What shall we discuss?"
"We want to arrive at truth. Let our discussion be about the truth."
The king asked: "What is the object, revered sir, of your renunciation? What is the culmination at which you aim?"
"Why do you ask? Our renunciation is to the end that this sorrow (dukkha) may perish away and that no further sorrow may arise. The complete passing away [of suffering], without cleaving to the world, is our highest aim."
"How now, venerable sir! Is it for such high reasons that all members of it have joined the Monastic Order?"
PTS vp Pali 32 "Certainly not, sire. Some for those reasons, PTS vp En 50 but some have left the world in terror at the tyranny of kings. Some have joined us to be safe from being robbed, some harassed by debt, and some perhaps to gain a livelihood."
"But for what object, venerable sir, did you yourself join?"
"I was received into the Monastic Order when I was a mere boy. I knew not then the ultimate aim. But I thought: 'They are wise scholars, these Buddhist samanas [wandering ascetics]. They will be able to teach me.' And by them I have been taught. And now do I both know and understand what is at once the reason for and the advantage of renunciation."
"Well put, Nāgasena!"
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