The Questions of King Milinda, Part I

Introduction: Discusses the history of the Milinda, its preservation in the southern Buddhist world, the Sinhalese version, references in Buddhaghosa, manuscripts and editions, the identification of Milinda with Menander, classical references, coins, geographical issues, relation to the Piṭakas, language, and literary value. Book I — The Secular Narrative: Describes Sāgala, the previous births of Milinda and Nāgasena, Milinda’s intellectual power, Nāgasena’s birth, education, ordination, conversion, attainment of Arahatship, and arrival at Sāgala. Book II — The Distinguishing Characteristics of Ethical Qualities: Explains individuality and name, the chariot simile, seniority, Buddhist renunciation, no soul in the breath, re-incarnation, wisdom and reasoning, virtue, faith, perseverance, mindfulness, meditation, identity and re-individualisation, time, qualities, soul, thought, sight, contact, sensation, and idea. Book III — The Removal of Difficulties: Treats rich and poor, renunciation, nirvāṇa and karma, transmigration, individuality, and the Buddha. Book IV — The Solving of Dilemmas: Presents Milinda’s scriptural dilemmas and Nāgasena’s solutions, including issues concerning relics, omniscience, Devadatta, Vessantara, King Sivi, the duration of the faith, the Buddha’s sinlessness and suffering, meditation, monastic regulations, unanswered questions, fear, healing chants, evil influence, schism, reverence toward monks, relic worship, falsehood, suicide, loving-kindness, prosperity of the wicked, women’s wiles, fear among Arahats, and the Buddha’s change of mind.