of error[322] and of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering.  “In me thus set free the knowledge of freedom arose and I knew ’Rebirth has been destroyed, the higher life has been led; what had to be done has been done, I have no more to do with this world[323].’  This third knowledge came to me in the last watch of the night:  ignorance was destroyed, knowledge had arisen, darkness was destroyed, light had arisen, as I sat there earnest, strenuous, resolute[324].”

On attaining enlightenment he at first despaired of preaching the truth to others.  He reflected that his doctrine was abstruse and that mankind are given over to their desires.  How can such men understand the chain of cause and effect or teaching about Nirvana and the annihilation of desire?  So he determined to remain quiet and not to preach.  Then the deity Brahma Sahampati appeared before him and besought him to preach the Truth, pleading that some men could understand.  The Buddha surveyed the world with his mind’s eye and saw the different natures of mankind.  “As in a pool of lotuses, blue, red or white, some lotuses born in the water, grown up in the water, do not rise above the water but thrive hidden under the water and other lotuses, blue, red or white, born in the water, grown up in the water, reach to the surface:  and other lotuses, blue, red or white, born in the water, grown up in the water, stand up out of the water and the water does not touch them.”  Thus did he perceive the world to be and he said to Brahma “The doors of immortality are open.  Let them that have ears to hear, show faith.”

Then he began to wonder to whom he should first preach his doctrine, and he thought of his former teachers.  But a spirit warned him that they had recently died.  Then he thought of the five monks who had tended him during his austerities but left him when he ceased to fast.  By his superhuman power of vision he perceived that they were living at Benares in the deer park, Isipatana.  So, after remaining awhile at Uruvela he started to find them and on the way met a naked ascetic, in answer to whose enquiries he proclaimed himself as the Buddha; “I am the Holy One in this world, I am the highest teacher, I alone am the perfect supreme Buddha, I have gained calm and nirvana, I go to Benares to set moving the wheels of righteousness[325].  I will beat the drum of immortality in the darkness of this world.”  But the ascetic replied.  “It may be so, friend,” shook his head, took another road and went away, with the honour of being the first sceptic.