ABSTRACT
H P H E story of the Enlightenment as given in the Majjhima (above p. 64< ff.) continues directly with the journey to
Benares and the conversion of the five monks.
Then I thought, no«v I have gained the doctrine, profound, hard to perceive, hard to know, tranquil, transcendent, beyond the sphere of reasoning, subtle, to be known by the wise. Mankind is intent on its attachments, and takes delight and pleasure in them. For mankind, intent on its attachments . . . it is hard to see the principle of causality, origination by way of cause. Hard to see is the principle of the cessation of all compound things, the renunciation of clinging to rebirth, the extinction of all craving, absence of passion, cessation, Nirvana.
