5. The Story of the Hermit and the Hare KAUNDINYA was the first of the five monks to approach the Blessed One. Fie said: "I have listened, O Master, and…

4. The Buddha Finds His Former Disciples THE Blessed One entered the great city of Benares. He wandered through the streets, asking for alms; he ate the food that was…

3. The Buddha Leaves for Benares THE Blessed One wondered who was worthy of being the first to hear the word of salvation. "Where is there a man of virtue,…

2. The Buddha is Prepared to Preach the Doctrine THE Buddha began to wonder how he would propagate the knowledge. He said to himself: "I have discovered a profound truth.…

PART TWO 1. Trapusha and Bhallika THE Buddha never moved. He remained under the tree, his legs crossed. He was filled with bliss at having attained perfect knowledge. He thought,…

20. Siddhartha Becomes the Buddha BY sunset the army of the Evil One had fled. Nothing had disturbed the hero's meditation, and, in the first watch of the night, he…

19. Mara's Defeat THE light emanating from the hero's body reached even to those realms where Mara, the Evil One, reigned supreme. It dazzled Mara, and he seemed to hear…

18. Siddhartha Under the Tree of Knowledge THE hero's clothes had become threadbare in the six years he had been wearing them, and he thought: "It would be well if…

17. Siddhartha Deserted by His First Disciples THE clear waters of the Nairanjana flowed through a rich and fertile land. Little villages drowsed in the shade of magnificent trees, and…

16. Siddhartha and King Vimbasara ONE morning, the hero took his alms-bowl and entered the city of Rajagriha. The people who passed him on the road admired his beauty and…