Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.194

v1.c6.194

**Aggikkhandopama Sutta**.—Preached by the Buddha while touring in **Kosala** with a large concourse of monks, the sight of a blazing fire being made the occasion for the discourse. It were better for a man to seek shelter in, embrace and lie down upon the raging flames than to live in the guise of a monk and accept the alms of the faithful while being guilty of evil conduct.¹ It is said that while the sutta was being preached sixty monks vomited hot blood, sixty left the Order in diffidence and sixty others became arahants.² The Commentary adds that the Buddha foresaw this result, and that later many of the monks, hearing of the discourse and fearing dire consequences for themselves, returned to the lay-life in such large numbers that the Order became rapidly depleted.