sacred Bo-tree. Then he came to the normal plane of
consciousness. His heart was filled with profound mercy and
compassion. He wanted to share what he had with humanity. He
traveled all over India and preached his doctrine and gospel. He
became a saviour, deliverer and redeemer.
Buddha gave out the experiences of his Samadhi: "I
thus behold my mind released from the defilement of earthly
existence, released from the defilement of sensual pleasures,
released from the defilement of heresy, released from the
defilement of ignorance."
In the emancipated state arose the knowledge: "I am
emancipated, rebirth is extinct, the religious walk is
accomplished, what had to be done is done, and there is no need
for the present existence. I have overcome all foes; I am
all-wise; I am free from stains in every way; I have left
everything and have obtained emancipation by the destruction of
desire. Myself having gained knowledge, whom should I call my
Master ? I have no teacher; no one is equal to me. I am the holy
one in this world; I am the highest teacher. I alone am the
absolute omniscient one (Sambuddho). I have gained coolness by the
extinction of all passion and have obtained Nirvana. To found the
kingdom of law (Dharmo) I go to the city of Varnasi. I will beat
the drum of immortality in the darkness of this world".
Lord Buddha then walked on to Varnasi. He entered
the 'deer-park' one evening. He gave his discourse there and
preached his doctrine. He preached to all without exception, men
and women, the high and the low, the ignorant and the learned -
all alike. All his first disciples were laymen and two of the very
first were women. The first convert was a rich young man named
Yasa. The next were Yasa's father, mother and wife. Those were his
lay disciples.
Buddha argued and debated with his old disciples
who had deserted him when he was in the Uruvila forest. He brought
them round by his powerful arguments and persuasive powers.
Kondanno, an aged hermit, was converted first. The others also
soon accepted the doctrine of Lord Buddha. Buddha made sixty
disciples and sent them in different directions to preach his
doctrine.
Buddha told his disciples not to enquire into the origin of
the world, into the existence and nature of God. He said to them
that such investigations were practically useless and likely to
distract their minds.