Milinda’s Questions

Analysis of Formless Dhammas Chapter

2. Question on Obtaining Mindfulness on a Quality of the Buddha

The king said:

“Venerable Nāgasena, you said this,

‘One could do evil for a hundred years, but at the time of death might obtain a single mindful moment on a quality of the Buddha, and thus arise in the realm of the devas,’ I don’t believe this. And then you said, ‘One might arise in a hell realm by killing one person,’ this too I don’t believe.”

“What do you think, your majesty, could even a small stone float on the water without a boat?”

“Certainly not, venerable sir.”

“But, your majesty, could even a load of a hundred stones loaded onto a boat float on the water?”

“Yes, venerable sir.”

“Your majesty, skilled deeds should be considered as like a boat.”

“You are clever, Venerable Nāgasena!”

Question on Obtaining Mindfulness on a Quality of the Buddha second