“Sramana-Gautama?”
The Bhikkhu bowed his head.
“There are many Jainists that come here, saying that they also worship the Buddha truly—”
“Jainists! Hypocrites!” for an instant, Hushka’s eyes flashed fire; but he pressed his lips tightly together, and when he spoke again it was quite calmly: “The Jainists are false Buddhists. The world has been sadly overrun with hypocrisy; and they have been its devotees. They do not follow Buddha, but Buddhaghosa; and their law is not our law, for they do not possess the manuscripts of truth.”
Oman nodded, and there was a pause. Then the youth, his heart beating rapidly, his throat quite dry, asked: “What is required of those that would join your order?”
Hushka looked at him penetratingly, and said: “Come. Let us proceed out of ear-shot of this tumult, where we may talk together in peace.”
Willingly Oman complied; nor did either speak again till they were in one of the least frequented of the village streets. Even then, Oman hesitated to begin. He was in such an inward turmoil that he could not think of words in which to express himself. After a little waiting, Hushka spoke for him:
“You have asked me, young man, what is required of one that wishes to join our order. I answer you that nothing is required save the wish.”
“But Sudras—outcasts—the once-born—do you accept these into the brotherhood?”
“In the eyes of the Sramana, any man and any woman may attain to Arahatship.”