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Udàna 8: Pàñaligàmiyavaggo
The Chapter (including the Discourse) about the Pàñalã Villagers

7: The Discourse on the Two Paths

Thus I heard:
at one time the Gracious One was going along the high road amongst the Kosalans with venerable Nàgasamàla as the (attendent) ascetic who followed behind him.

The venerable Nàgasamàla saw two paths on the road, and having seen (that), he said this to the Gracious One: ßThis is the path, reverend Sir, let us go by this one, Gracious One.û

After that was said, the Gracious One said this to venerable Nàgasamàla: ßThis is the path, Nàgasamàla, let us go by this one.û

For a second time venerable Nàgasamàla said this to the Gracious One: ßThis is the path, reverend Sir, let us go by this one, Gracious One.û

After that was said, the Gracious One said this to venerable Nàgasamàla: ßThis is the path, Nàgasamàla, let us go by this one.û

For a third time venerable Nàgasamàla said this to the Gracious One: ßThis is the path, reverend Sir, let us go by this one, Gracious One.û

After that was said, the Gracious One said this to venerable Nàgasamàla: ßThis is the path, Nàgasamàla, let us go by this one.û

Then venerable Nàgasamàla, having put the Gracious One's bowl and robe on the floor right there (and then), went away, (saying): ßThis is the Gracious One's bowl and robe, reverend Sir.û

Then as venerable Nàgasamàla was going along by that path, thieves who had gone along the road, attacked him with their hands and feet, broke his bowl, and tore his double-robe.

Then venerable Nàgasamàla, with his broken bowl and torn double-robe went to the Gracious One, and after going and worshipping the Gracious One, he sat down on one side.

While sat on one side venerable Nàgasamàla said this to the Gracious One: ßHere, reverend Sir, as I was going along by that path thieves who had gone along the path, attacked me with their hands and feet, broke my bowl, and tore my double-robe.û

Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance: