Buddha: His Life, his Doctrine, his Order c10.32

c10.32

∗ We have already referred (p. 158, note 2) to the fact that after Buddha's death none of the disciples was regarded as called to what may be styled the succession. We here insert further the following passage: "At one time the venerable Ânanda was sojourning at Râjagaha . . . , shortly after the Exalted One had entered into Nirvâna. At that time the king of Magadha, Ajâtasattu, the son of the Vedehî princess, was fortifying Râjagaha against the King Pajjota." The minister, who is directing these fortifications, Vassakâra, asks Ânanda: "Venerable Ânanda, has any special monk been marked out by the venerated Gotama of whom he has said: 'This shall be your refuge after my death'—in whom you can now find your shelter?" Ânanda answers the question in the negative. The minister further asks: "Has then the Church named a specific monk, has a multitude of elders appointed him and given an order: 'He shall after the death of the Exalted One be our refuge'—?" This also Ânanda answers in the negative. "If you thus have no refuge, revered Ânanda, how does unity exist among you?" "There is no want to us of a refuge, O Brahman; we have a refuge, the Doctrine.", ("Gopakamoggallâna Suttanta" in the "Majjhima Nikâya." Cf. also supra, p. 198.)