Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c8.366

v1.c8.366

The Commentary² describes this interview as a public one, taking place before a large audience, among whom are teachers of rival schools, “scratching the ground with their feet.” Their fame had suffered owing to the popularity of the Buddha and they had represented him as exhorting the people to give only to himself and to his followers. Pasenadi here gives the Buddha opportunity to vindicate himself.