Part 12: Initiation of Cakrāyudha

After listening to this sermon that was like a rain of nectar for the ears, Cakrāyudha, with the desire for emancipation, announced to the Blessed One: “Master, I am terrified of this worldly existence, the sole abode of trouble. There is no pride in being a human being in it on the part of the discerning, even though powerful. Just as in the case of a burning house or a cracking boat, its owner would take some valuables and go elsewhere, so in existence terrible with birth, old age, death, et cetera, taking the soul alone, I have resorted to you as a refuge. Master, do not disregard me falling into the ocean of existence. Today give me initiation, a boat for its crossing.”

The Master said, “This is fitting for you discerning,” and Cakrāyudha settled the kingdom on his son who was of military age. Accompanied by thirty-five kings the Master’s sou took mendicancy in the presence of the congregation under the Master. The Lord instructed the thirty-six gaṇabhṛts, Cakrāyudha, et cetera, about the ‘three steps,’ origination, perishing, and permanence. They composed the twelve aṅgas in accordance with the ‘three steps’ and the Master gave them permission for exposition and for the gaṇas.

Many men and women adopted mendicancy under the Master at that time and some laymanship accompanied by right belief. At the end of the first watch the Supreme Lord arose and rested on the dais, the ornament of the middle wall. Seated on the Master’s foot-stool while the congregation remained there, Cakrāyudha, the head of the gaṇadharas, delivered a sermon. He stopped preaching at the end of the second watch; and the gods, et cetera, went to their respective places after they had bowed to the Master.