68. Q. What made him alter this view?[[6]]
A. He saw that it was his duty to teach what he had learnt as clearly and simply as possible, and trust to the truth impressing itself upon the popular mind in proportion to each one's individual Karma. It was the only way of salvation, and every being had an equal right to have it pointed out to him. So he determined to begin with his five late companions, who had abandoned him when he broke his fast.
69. Q. Where did he find them?
A. In the deer-park at Isipatana, near Benares.
70. Q. Can the spot be now identified?
A. Yes, a partly ruined stūpa, or dagoba, is still standing on that very spot.
71. Q. Did those five companions readily listen to him?
A. At first, no; but so great was the spiritual beauty of his appearance, so sweet and convincing his teaching, that they soon turned and gave him the closest attention.
72. Q. What effect did this discourse have upon them?
A. The aged Kondañña, one who "understood" (Anna), was the first to lose his prejudices, accept the Buddha's teaching, become his disciple, and enter the Path leading to Arhatship. The other four soon followed his example.