Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.2209

v2.c36.2209

The summaries given here of their teachings are of great interest, because they form some sort of evidence, at least, as to the speculations favoured by them. By means of a counter-question, the Buddha finds from Ajātasattu that even if a servant of his joined the Order, he would receive the king’s honour and respect. Then the Buddha proceeds to show, step by step, the fruits higher and nobler, which await the samaṇa, immediate in their effect, culminating in the sixfold abhiññā of the arahant. The king is greatly impressed, takes refuge in the Buddha, and expresses his remorse for having killed his father. The Buddha utters no word of blame, but after the departure of the king, he informs the monks that if Ajātasattu had not been guilty of patricide he would have realized the first-fruit of the Path.¹