Ap. Is he not one of the disciples of the Buddha?
Bb. I believe he is.
Ambapali retires.
Devadatta enters.
Dd. Hail, great King! Protector of religion and victor of many battles!
Bb. What brings you to my presence? I always rejoice to see holy men. Their coming is auspicious, and I am happy to be of service to them.
Dd. Great King, I implore your assistance for the brotherhood which I have founded. We need your royal support and the holiness of our lives will surround you as a halo with heavenly protection.
Bb. Are you not a disciple of Gotama, who is called the Buddha?
Dd. No longer, mighty King, I was his disciple so long as I believed in him; but he is not holy. I have abandoned him. He is not austere; his disciples do not practise self-mortifications, and he speaks kindly and dines with sinners. My disciples do not dress in worldly garments; they would not accept the invitation of women; they would not touch animal food. He who calls himself the Buddha is unworthy of that high title; he is a pretender who has not reached the highest goal. My rules are much more strict than his, and my brotherhood alone is holy.
Bb. Holiness is a mighty thing.