Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.702

v2.c35.702

2. Vassakāra Sutta.—Vassakāra visits the Buddha at Veḷuvana and asks him a series of questions. The Buddha, in answer, says that a bad man cannot, as a good man can, recognize either a good man or a bad man as such. Vassakāra then relates how, once, the followers of the brahmin Todeyya spoke ill of Eleyya and his retinue for showing homage to Rāmaputta; he now understands why they honour Rāmaputta; it is because he is wiser than they.¹ 3. Vassakāra Sutta.—Vassakāra visits the Buddha at Gijjhakūṭa, at the request of Ajātasattu, and tells him of the latter’s desire to destroy the Vajjians. The Buddha tells him that as long as the Vajjians practise the seven conditions of welfare, taught by him at Sārandada-cetiya, they will not decline, but rather prosper. Ajātasattu can achieve victory, not by battle, but by causing disunity.¹