Page:Gospel of Buddha.djvu/84

 XVII.

THE SANGHA.

Having pointed out to the five bhikkhus the truth, the Buddha said: "A man that stands alone, having decided to obey the truth, may be weak and slip back into his old ways. Therefore, stand" ye together, assist one another, and strengthen one another's efforts. "Be like unto brothers; one in love, one in holiness, and one in your zeal for the truth.

"Spread the truth and preach the doctrine in all quarters of the world, so that in die end all living creatures will be citizens of the kingdom of righteousness.

"This is the holy brotherhoodj this is the church, the congregation of the saints of the Buddha; this is the Sangha that establishes a communion among all those who have taken 'their refuge in the Buddha."

And Kondañña was the first disciple of the Buddha who had thoroughly grasped the doctrine of the Holy One, and the Tathāgata looking into his heart said: "Truly, Kondañña has understood the truth." Hence the venerable Kondañña received the name "Aññāta-Kondañña," that is, "Kondañña who has understood the doctrine."

Then the venerable Kondañña spoke to the Buddha and said: "Lord, let us receive the ordination from the Blessed One." And the Buddha said: "Come, O bhikkhus! Well taught is the doctrine. Lead a holy life for the extinction of suffering."

Then Kondanna and the other bhikkhus uttered three times these solemn vows:

"To the Buddia will I look in faith: He, the Perfect One, is holy and supreme. The Buddha conveys to us instruction, wisdom, and salvation; he is the Blessed One, 56