Historical Geography of Ancient India c6.424

c6.424

Enthusiastic youngmen of Benaras used to go to Taxila for their education (Dhammapada Commy., I, 251ff.; Khuddakapāṭha Commy., 198). The place which was most intimately associated with the several visits of the Buddha was the famous Deer Park (Isipatanamigadāva) near the city. It was here that the Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment (Dīgha, III, 141; Majjhima, I, 170ff.; Saṃyutta, V, 420ff., pp. 97, 559). The Buddha converted many people of Benaras, and he preached here several sermons. (Vinaya, I, 15, 19; Aṅguttara N., I, 110ff., 270ff.; III, 392ff., 399ff.; Saṃyutta, I, 105; V, 406; Vinaya, I, 189, 216, 289; Samantapāsādikā, I, 201). This city was visited by many venerable Buddhist monks (Vinaya Texts, S.B.E., II, 359-60; Therīgāthā Commy., pp. 30-31; Vinaya Texts, III, 360, n. 3; 195-96, n. 3).