俱舍論頌疏論本 30.2

30.2

Masters of ancient times have already untied this knot. Formerly there was a venerable master named Nāgasena, endowed with the three knowledges, the six supernormal powers, and complete with the eight liberations. At that time, a king, Milinda, came to the venerable master and spoke as follows: "My intention in coming now is to ask about my doubts. However, the nature of monks is to be fond of many words. If the Venerable One can answer directly, I will ask." The venerable master accepted the request. The king then asked: "Is the life-principle identical to or different from the body?" The venerable master answered: "This should not be declared." The king said: "Did we not have an agreement beforehand? Why do you now make different statements and not answer my previous question?" The venerable master reproached him: "I wish to ask about a doubt. However, the nature of kings is to be fond of many words. If the Great King can answer directly, I will raise my question." The king then agreed. The venerable master asked: "Are the fruits borne by the mango trees in the Great King's palace sour or sweet in flavor?" The king said: "There are no such trees in the palace to begin with." The venerable master again reproached him: "Did we not have an agreement beforehand? Why do you now make different statements and not answer what was asked?" The king said: "Since these trees do not exist in the palace, how could it be permissible to answer whether the fruit's flavor is sweet or sour?" The venerable master instructed him: "The life-principle likewise does not exist; how could one say whether it is identical to or different from the body?"