History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c10.s2.22

c10.s2.22

The conclusion of the Sutta is surprising. Sandaka realizes that all the teachers are false guides, and that if their doctrines are true all self-control is a work of supererogation. He is converted to the true Dhamma, and declares: “These Ājīvikas . . . are children of a childless mother; they extol themselves and disparage others, yet they have only produced three shining lights, to wit Nanda Vaccha, Kisa Saṅkicca, and Makkhali Gosāla.”⁷