[Buddha-l] Dharmapala

[L.S. Cousins]

  Dan Lusthaus wrote:
> I am not convinced. This is the "Lesser" Saccaka sutta. It is followed by
> the "Greater" Saccaka sutta. The discussion there feels very much like a
> disciple asking questions. The commentaries say he had four sisters, all
> skilled debaters as well (acquired from their Nigantha parents). They
> debated Sariputta, were defeated and became Arhats. If they converted, why
> didn't he?
The commentary is sanitizing the text. They feel uncomfortable with the 
fact that Saccaka doesn't convert. So they make up the story of his sisters.

Basically, Dan, you are just wrong on this. The suttas are generally 
very precise about whether someone takes refuge, joins the Sangha, 
becomes a stream-enterer, etc. That Saccaka remains a Jain monk is 
absolutely clear from the conclusion where the Licchavis donate food to  
Saccaka and he then donates it to the Buddha.

As for the following "Greater" Saccaka sutta, it begins precisely with 
the Buddha declaring that Saccaka wishes to discredit the Buddha, the 
Dhamma and the Sangha.
(eso kho, bhante, avaṇṇakāmo buddhassa, avaṇṇakāmo dhammassa, avaṇṇakāmo 
saṅghassa). That's hardly presenting him as a disciple.

Lance