Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c16.1058

v1.c16.1058

Cūlahatthipadopama Sutta.—Jāṇussoṇi, travelling in a carriage, meets Pilotika, from whom he hears praise of the Buddha. He learns how Pilotika, having heard the Buddha’s teachings to nobles, brahmins, householders and recluses, was convinced that the Buddha was all-enlightened, just as an expert elephant-tracker seeing a broad elephant-footprint would conclude that it indicated the track of a really large elephant. Jāṇussoṇi goes to visit the Buddha and reports his conversation with Pilotika. The Buddha tells him it would be a mistake to conclude at once from seeing a broad footprint that it belonged to a very large elephant; there are many other possibilities which should first be eliminated. He then proceeds to describe the life of a real recluse, the disciple of the Noble One, and the attainments he reaches; these he calls the Truth-finder’s footprints. Following this, the disciple makes further discoveries, till his mind is completely free from the āsavas, and then he realises the Truth-finder’s real quest. Jāṇussoṇi becomes a follower of the Buddha.¹