O all-devouring fire, go back!”
“And before this Act of Faith the fire dropped and died, retreating. And the Quail lived his life in the forest and passed away according to his deeds, and because of his strength of faith fire dies for ever when it touches this spot.”
So said the Excellent One, and when he had finished this discourse he made the connection and summed up, saying:
“My parents at that time were my present parents, and the Quail was I myself.”
And they marvelled and were instructed.
And one day two monks approached him, having travelled far, and according to his manner he said in welcoming them:
“Is it well with you, monks? Are you able to live? Have you passed the rains in peace and unity, and have you experienced any lack of support?”
And they replied:
“It is not well with us, Blessed One, for there is great anger between us, and we devour our hearts with bitterness and know no peace.”
And they laid their case before him in mutual hatred, and he said: