10.
The Discourse on Disciples of Various Sects
111.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground.
Then many young gods who were disciples of various sects - Asama, Sahali, Nīka, Ākoṭaka, Vegabbhari, and Māṇavagāmiya - when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Bamboo Grove, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, they paid respect to the Blessed One and stood to one side.
Standing to one side, Asama the young god, concerning Pūraṇa Kassapa, spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One -
Does not see evil, nor merit of one's own;
He indeed declared trust, the Teacher deserves honour."
Then Sahali the young god, concerning Makkhali Gosāla, spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One -
Having abandoned speech that causes quarrel with people;
Abstaining from falsehood and fault, a speaker of truth,
Surely such a one does not do evil."
Then Nīka the young god, concerning Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta, spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One -
Declaring what is seen and heard, surely he would not be a wrongdoer."
Then Ākoṭaka the young god, concerning the various sectarians, spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One -
And these Makkhali and Pūraṇa;
Teachers of groups, having attained asceticism,
Surely they are not far from good persons."
Then Vegabbhari the young god replied to Ākoṭaka the young god in verse -
A jackal is never equal to a lion;
Naked, a liar, a teacher of a group,
Of suspicious conduct, is not equal to the virtuous."
Then Māra the Evil One, having taken possession of Vegabbhari the young god, spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One -
And those who are established in form, delighting in the world of gods;
They indeed rightly instruct mortals for the world beyond."
Then the Blessed One, having understood 'this is Māra the Evil One', replied to Māra the Evil One in verse -
And those of luminous beauty in the sky;
All these are praised by you, Namuci,
Like bait thrown for the slaughter of fish."
Then Māṇavagāmiya the young god spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One concerning the Blessed One -
Seta is the foremost of the Himalayan mountains, the sun of those that travel through the sky.
Of the world with its gods, the Buddha is called the foremost."