Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c8.40

c8.40

Para 83 of the sutta (in the Nāgari ed., para 99 of the PTS ed.) contains a conventionalized phraseology in which the convert-to-be expresses his reaction to the sermon and the desire to betake himself to the Three Refuges. As to when this formula came into existence it is difficult to pronounce with any degree of certainty, but it appears likely that when it did, it was added on to previously existing suttas as a convenient finish.