Milinda’s Questions

Buddha Chapter

3. Question on Knowing the Unsurpassed Nature of the Buddha

The king asked:

“Venerable Nāgasena, is it possible to know that the Buddha is unsurpassed?”

“Yes, your majesty, it is possible to know that the Blessed One is unsurpassed.”

“How, Venerable Nāgasena, is it possible to know that the Buddha is unsurpassed?”

“In the past, your majesty, an elder named Tissa was a teacher of writing and many years have passed since he passed away. How is it that he is still known?”

“By his writing, venerable sir.”

“In the same way, your majesty, whoever sees the Dhamma sees the Blessed One, for the Dhamma was taught by the Blessed One.”

“You are clever, Venerable Nāgasena!”

Question on Knowing the Unsurpassed Nature of the Buddha third