The Questions of King Milinda, Part II

Introduction: Discusses Chinese books on Nāgasena, the Buddhist canon, references to Nāgasena and Milinda in Vasubandhu, Kṣemendra, and the Mahāvaṃsa, the relation between the Milinda and the Kathāvatthu, and the Buddhist critique of soul-theory. Book IV — The Solving of Dilemmas: Continues the dialogue with dilemmas 41–82. Main topics include monastic dwellings, moderation in food, Bakkula’s health, the Buddha’s old and new teaching, past conduct of the Bodhisatta, offerings, the Buddha’s teacher, the impossibility of two Buddhas arising simultaneously, the relation between the Buddha and the Order, lay and monastic attainment, ascetic practice, backsliding monks, bodily pain of Arahats, karmic obstacles, purification of gifts, soul-theory, cosmology, Vessantara’s generosity, virtue and vice, gifts to the dead, dreams, premature death, wonders at relic shrines, universal conversion, and nirvāṇa. Book V — The Problem of Inference: Explains how one may infer that the Buddha lived. Uses the metaphor of a city and its architect, then presents the City of Righteousness with its bazaars, inhabitants, officers, judges, bankers, and other symbolic elements. Book VI — The Voluntary Extra Vows: Discusses whether laypeople can attain nirvāṇa, the advantages of voluntary ascetic vows, their good qualities, the need for such practices, similes illustrating them, and examples such as Upasena and Sāriputta. Book VII — Similes of Arahatship: Presents a detailed collection of similes illustrating the qualities and discipline of Arahatship. It concludes with wonders following Nāgasena’s solution of the puzzles, Milinda’s conversion, his entry into the Order, and his attainment of Arahatship.