FOUNDING THE KINGDOM UPAKA SEES THE BUDDHA

  Now the Blessed One thought: "To whom shall I preach the doctrine

first? My old teachers are dead. They would have received the good

news with joy. But my five disciples are still alive. I shall go to

them, and to them shall I first proclaim the gospel of deliverance."

  At that time the five bhikkhus dwelt in the Deer Park at Benares,

and the Blessed One rose and journeyed to their abode, not thinking of

their unkindness in having left him at a time when he was most in need

of their sympathy and help, but mindful only of the services which

they had ministered unto him, and pitying them for the austerities

which they practiced in vain.

  Upaka, a young Brahman and a Jain, a former acquaintance of

Siddhattha, saw the Blessed One while he journeyed to Benares, and,

amazed at the majesty and sublime joyfulness of his appearance, said

to him: "Thy countenance, my friend, is serene; thine eyes are

bright and indicate purity and blessedness."

  The holy Buddha replied: "I have obtained deliverance by the

extinction of self. My body is chastened, my mind is free from desire,

and the deepest truth has taken abode in my heart. I have obtained

Nirvana, and this is the reason that my countenance is serene and my

eyes are bright. I now desire to found the kingdom of truth upon

earth, to give light to those who are enshrouded in darkness and to

open the gate of deathlessness."

  Upaka replied: "Thou professest then, friend, to be Jina, the

conqueror of the world, the absolute one and the holy one.

  The Blessed One said: "Jinas are all those who have conquered self

and the passions of self; those alone are victorious who control their

minds and abstain from evil. Therefore, Upaka, I am the Jina."

  Upaka shook his head. "Venerable Gotama, he said, "thy way lies

yonder," and taking another road he went away.