Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.1048

v2.c27.1048

The Paribbājakas were not ascetics except in so far as they were celibates; some of them were women. They were teachers or sophists who spent eight or nine months of every year wandering from place to place for the purpose of engaging in friendly, conversational discussions on matters of ethics and philosophy, nature-lore and mysticism. They differed very much in intelligence, earnestness, and even in honesty. Some of the views discussed in the Brahmajāla Sutta, for instance, and described as those of “Eel-wrigglers” and “Hair-splitters,” were undoubtedly truly thus described. The books mention halls erected for the accommodation of the Paribbājakas, such as those in Mallikā’s park at Sāvatthi,⁵ and the Kūṭāgārasālā (q.v.) at Vesāli. Sometimes special places were set apart for them in the groves near the settlements, as at Campā on the bank of the Gaggarā lake,⁶ at the Moranivāpa in Rājagaha,⁷ and on the banks of the Sappinikā.⁸ It was in such places that the Paribbājakas met each other, and in the course of their journeys they would visit each other in order to exchange greetings of courtesy and to engage in profitable discussion. The utmost cordiality seems to have prevailed on these occasions, intercourse and discussions were free, there were no restrictions of creed, caste or pride. Thus Dīghanakha calls on the Buddha,⁹ the Buddha on Sakuladāyī¹⁰ and Sarabha.¹¹ Vekhanassa calls on the Buddha,¹² as do Timbaruka,¹³ Vacchagotta,¹⁴ and Sivaka Moḷiya.¹⁵ Poṭaliputta calls on Samiddhi,¹⁶ Susīma on Ānanda,¹⁷ and Jambukhādaka on Sāriputta.¹⁸ The inhabitants of the towns and villages, near which the Paribbājakas stopped, visited them, both to show their respect and to benefit by their teachings. The names of a considerable number of Paribbājakas, besides those already mentioned, who were well known in the time of the Buddha, are given in the texts (e.g., Annabhāra, Varadhara, etc.),¹⁹ also Sāmaṇḍaka²⁰ and the Paribbājikā Sucimukhī.²¹ In most cases they are represented as having large followings, so that they were evidently regarded as distinguished teachers.