Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 35.djvu/312

254 sense, the real nature, and essence, and characteristic marks of the Dhamma. And the second passage was not spoken for the sake of gain or fame, nor out of party spirit, nor in the lust of winning over men to become his followers. But it was in mercy and love, and with the welfare of others in view, conscious that thereby three hundred young Brahmans would attain to the knowledge of the truth, that he said:

"A king am I, Sela, the king supreme of righteousness.

'Very good, Nâgasena! That is so, and I accept it as you say.'

[Here ends the problem as to exultation of mind.]

35. 'Venerable Nâgasena, the Blessed One said:

And on the other hand he said: "Punish him who deserves punishment, favour him who is worthy of favour." [185] Now punishment, Nâgasena, means the cutting off of hands or feet, flogging, casting into bonds, torture , execution, degradation in rank.