Buddhist Legends Vol. II

173
Book VI. The Wise Man, Paṇḍita Vagga
VI. 1. A Poor Man wins Spiritual Treasure 73 [29.163]
76. Should one see, as it were, a revealer of hidden treasures, one who
points out what should be avoided,
Who administers reproof where there is occasion for reproof, a man
of intelligence, one should follow so wise a man;
It will be better, not worse, for one to follow so wise a man.
This religious instruction was given by the Teacher while he was in residence
at Jetavana with reference to Venerable Rādha. {2.104}
We are told that before Rādha became a monk he was a poor Brahman living
at Sāvatthi. Deciding to live with the monks, he went to the monastery and
took up his residence there, performing various duties such as cutting the grass,
sweeping the cells, and preparing water for bathing the face. The monks
treated him kindly, but were not willing to admit him to the Order. The result
of this was that he began to lose flesh.
Now one day, early in the morning, the Teacher surveyed the world and seeing
the Brahman, considered within himself what would become of him.
Perceiving that he would become an Arahat, he went in the evening, feigning
that he was making a tour of the monastery, to the Brahman’s quarters and said
to him, “Brahman, what are you doing here?” “Performing the major and
minor duties for the monks, Reverend Sir.” {2.105} “Do they treat you
kindly?” “Yes, Reverend Sir, I receive sufficient food, but they are not willing
to admit me to the Order.” Accordingly the Teacher convoked an assembly of
the monks and questioned them about the matter, saying, “Monks, is there
anyone who remembers any act of this Brahman?”
Said the Elder Sāriputta, “Reverend Sir, I remember something. When I was
making my round in Rājagaha, he brought me a ladleful of his own food and
gave it to me. I remember this good office of his.” Said the Teacher, “Sāriputta,
is it not proper to release from suffering one who has performed such a
service?” “Very well, Reverend Sir, I will receive him into the Order.”
Sāriputta accordingly received him into the Order. He received a seat in the
73 Text: N ii. 104-108.