Questions Of King Milinda Part 01 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of "The Questions of King Milinda, Part 01," based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose and Context:

"The Questions of King Milinda" is a significant Buddhist text, translated from Pali by T. W. Rhys Davids and published by Oxford University Press. It presents a series of dialogues between the Indo-Greek King Menander (known as Milinda in the text) and the Buddhist sage Nagasena. The primary aim of the book is to explore and clarify complex Buddhist doctrines through a question-and-answer format, addressing the doubts and philosophical inquiries of the king. The text is structured as a historical romance, though its didactic purpose overshadows the narrative.

Historical and Linguistic Aspects (Introduction):

Origin and Survival: The work originated in Northern India, possibly in Sanskrit or a North Indian Prakrit, around the beginning of the Christian era. It has been lost in its original land of origin but survived in Pali, primarily in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), and subsequently spread to Burma and Siam.
King Milinda/Menander: King Milinda is identified with Menander, a significant Indo-Greek king of Bactria. The text describes him as a king of the "Yonakas" (Greeks) reigning in Sagala. The identification is considered certain due to phonetic changes and historical context. Menander's reign is estimated to be in the latter part of the 2nd century BC.
Nagasena: The Buddhist sage Nagasena is the primary interlocutor. His previous birth story is recounted, emphasizing his destined role in explaining Buddhist teachings. Various theories regarding his historical identity are discussed, including connections to Nagarguna, but these are largely dismissed.
Buddhaghosa's References: The renowned Buddhist commentator Buddhaghosa, active around 430 AD, referenced the "Questions of Milinda" in his commentaries, indicating its high authority and early existence. However, his citations sometimes differ in wording from the available Pali text, suggesting potential variations in recensions or Buddhaghosa's own summarization.
Manuscripts and Editions: Several manuscripts in various scripts (Sinhalese, Burmese, Siamese, Kambojan) and collections in Europe are mentioned, with Mr. Trenckner's 1880 Pali edition being the primary basis for this translation.
Literary Merit: The text is praised for its literary skill, particularly in the introduction and the eloquent presentation of arguments, making it a significant work of art in ancient Indian prose.
Language and Style: The author's language shows differences from the Pitakas, and the text is considered to be later than the canonical Pitaka texts, but older than the major commentaries. The author's knowledge of Pitaka texts is extensive, suggesting familiarity with the entire canon as it existed in Ceylon.

Content Summary (Books I-IV):

The book is divided into four main "books," which are further structured into chapters. Book I focuses on the "Secular Narrative," detailing the historical context and the background of both Milinda and Nagasena. The subsequent books delve into theological and philosophical discussions.

Book I: The Secular Narrative

Description of Sagala: A vivid description of Sagala, Milinda's capital, is provided, highlighting its prosperity, defenses, and vibrant urban life, attracting scholars of various creeds.
Previous Births: The story begins with the previous births of Milinda and Nagasena, tracing their aspirations and destinies from a past life during the time of Kassapa Buddha. A novice's aspirations for power and a brother's wish to refute heretical views set the stage for their future encounter.
Milinda's Quest for Knowledge: King Milinda is portrayed as a wise, powerful, and learned ruler who is also a keen debater. Dissatisfied with the philosophical answers available in India, he seeks out the Buddhist sage Nagasena.
The Heretics: Milinda's initial attempts to find intellectual discourse involve visiting six prominent contemporary teachers (Purana Kassapa, Makkhali Gosala, etc.), but he silences each of them with philosophical riddles. This episode is noted as possibly being an interpolation, echoing earlier Buddhist texts.
The Prophecy: A prophecy, attributed to the Buddha, foretells that these two individuals will reappear 500 years after the Buddha's death to explain the Law through their debate.
Nagasena's Background: The narrative details Nagasena's upbringing in a Brahman family, his mastery of the Vedas, his disillusionment with their teachings, his encounter with the Elder Rohana, and his subsequent admission into the Buddhist Order. His rigorous training in the Abhidhamma and other Buddhist scriptures is described.
Milinda's First Encounters: Milinda's initial meeting with Nagasena establishes the format of their dialogue, beginning with fundamental questions about individuality and the nature of a name.

Book II: The Distinguishing Characteristics of Ethical Qualities

This book focuses on analyzing various ethical and psychological qualities, breaking them down into their fundamental characteristics.

Individuality and the Chariot Simile: The core of the early chapters revolves around the Buddhist concept of "no-soul" (anatta). Nagasena uses the classic simile of the chariot to explain how a chariot is composed of various parts (pole, axle, wheels, etc.) but is not intrinsically any one of those parts, nor is it the sum of them. Similarly, Nagasena explains that "Nagasena" is merely a conventional designation for a collection of physical and mental constituents (Skandhas: form, sensations, ideas, confections, and consciousness), not a permanent, independent self.
Distinguishing Ethical Qualities: The majority of this book is dedicated to defining and illustrating the "marks" or characteristics of key Buddhist virtues:
- Good Conduct (Sila): Presented as the foundation for all other good qualities, with similes of the earth, an acrobat, and a city architect highlighting its supportive role.
- Faith (Saddhā): Characterized by tranquility and aspiration, with similes of a cleansing gem and a strong jumper illustrating its purifying and enabling power.
- Perseverance (Viriya): Marked by support and steadfastness, illustrated by props supporting a house and an army reinforcing itself.
- Mindfulness (Sati): Characterized by repetition and keeping up, illustrated by a treasurer reminding his king and a king's advisor guiding him.
- Meditation (Samadhi): Characterized by leadership and being the apex of other qualities, illustrated by house rafters converging on a peak and an army following its leader.
- Wisdom (Paññā): Marked by cutting off (ignorance) and enlightenment, illustrated by a lamp dispelling darkness and a physician's medicine removing sickness.
Interdependence of Qualities: Nagasena demonstrates that these qualities, though distinct, work together towards the common goal of ending suffering.
Rebirth and Karma: The concept of rebirth without a transmigrating soul is explored, using analogies like a lamp burning through the night or milk transforming into ghee. The role of Karma in this process is explained through various illustrations of cause and effect, such as stolen mangoes, a burning fire, and arranged marriages.
Time and Causation: The nature of time and causation is discussed, highlighting the interconnectedness of phenomena and the cyclical nature of existence as taught in Buddhism.

Book III: The Removal of Difficulties

This section addresses more complex dilemmas and apparent contradictions within Buddhist teachings.

Variations in Creation Accounts: The text addresses discrepancies in Buddhist cosmogony regarding the origin of ether, air, and fire, and the order of their creation, reconciling them through various interpretations and scriptural references.
The Nature of Brahman and the Self: The discussions touch upon the nature of Brahman and the soul (Atman), refuting opposing philosophical views and emphasizing the Advaitic concept of non-duality.
The Origin of the Pranas: A significant portion is dedicated to understanding the nature and number of the vital airs (pranas), attempting to reconcile differing scriptural accounts.
The Role of Karma vs. Other Causes: The book delves into the complex relationship between Karma and other causes of suffering, such as bodily imbalances (wind, bile, phlegm) and external influences. Nagasena clarifies that not all suffering stems from Karma, providing examples to illustrate this point.
The Buddha's Actions and Intentions: The text addresses the apparent paradox of the Buddha's sinlessness and his physical sufferings, explaining that physical ailments could arise from external causes or bodily imbalances, not necessarily from past Karma. The Buddha's admission of Devadatta into the Order, despite knowing his future disruptive actions, is explained as a compassionate act to limit Devadatta's suffering by shortening his cycle of rebirth.
Nirvana: The nature of Nirvana is described as the cessation of sorrow and suffering, the ultimate aim of Buddhist renunciation, and the ultimate goal achieved through righteous living and the understanding of truth.
The Buddha's Omniscience: The discussion addresses the question of whether the Buddha's omniscience was constant or dependent on reflection, with Nagasena explaining it as a dynamic knowledge that could be accessed through reflection.
The Duration of the Faith: The apparent contradiction between prophecies of the Buddha's religion lasting only 500 years and the assurance of its continuity as long as the path is followed is resolved by distinguishing between the lifespan of the doctrine's external form and its enduring inner essence.

Book IV: The Solving of Dilemmas

This book presents specific dilemmas that King Milinda poses, challenging Buddhist teachings and requiring detailed refutations from Nagasena.

Honour to the Buddha: The dilemma of whether honouring the departed Buddha is meaningful if he has entirely passed away is addressed. Nagasena explains that while the Buddha, as an Arhat, accepts no personal gifts, honouring his relics or teachings is meaningful as it aids the practitioners in their spiritual progress and understanding of the Dhamma.
Buddha's Omniscience and Reflection: The question of how the Buddha could be omniscient if his knowledge was dependent on reflection is clarified, with the analogy of a well-trained army and its leader illustrating the dynamic yet complete nature of the Buddha's wisdom.
Devadatta's Admission: The dilemma of why the Buddha admitted Devadatta to the Order, knowing his future disruptive actions, is explained through the lens of compassion. The Buddha's action aimed to limit Devadatta's future suffering by shortening his cycle of rebirth and exposing him to the path of righteousness, even if he ultimately strayed.
Vessantara's Earthquake: The apparent contradiction between the Buddha's statement about eight causes of earthquakes and the unique event of the earth shaking seven times during King Vessantara's great generosity is resolved by classifying Vessantara's act as an extraordinary and immeasurable act of merit that transcends the usual categories.
King Sivi's Eyes: The story of King Sivi giving his eyes and receiving divine ones is explained through the concept of an "Act of Truth" (saccavada), where a powerful, pure intention can bring about extraordinary results, distinct from ordinary causality.
The Fear of Death: The seeming contradiction between the Buddha's statement that all beings fear death and the Arahat's freedom from fear is resolved by differentiating between those who are still subject to the cycle of rebirth and those who have achieved liberation. The fear of death, Nagasena explains, is natural for beings attached to existence, even if they long for release from suffering.
Pirit and its Efficacy: The efficacy of Pirit (Buddhist protective chants or blessings) is discussed in relation to the Buddha's statement about the inescapable nature of death. Nagasena clarifies that Pirit is effective for those whose lifespan is not yet exhausted and who are not hindered by Karma, sin, or disbelief.
Māra's Interference: The apparent contradiction of Mara (the evil one) interfering with the Buddha's last meal is explained by Mara's actions being driven by jealousy and targeting the Brahmans and householders, not directly interfering with the Buddha's received alms. Furthermore, it's argued that Mara's obstacles would not have succeeded against the Buddha's protected state.
Unconscious Crime vs. Buddha's Harshness: The dilemma of conflicting statements about the gravity of falsehood (as a great offense versus a minor one) is explained by the context and intent behind the Buddha's words. The Buddha's seemingly harsh words to Sudinna are shown to be truthful admonitions meant for his ultimate good.
The Talking Tree: The apparent contradiction of the Buddha stating trees are unconscious yet quoting a talking tree is resolved by explaining it as a common idiom where "tree" refers to the dryad dwelling within, or as a metaphor for the Buddha's use of conventional language to convey ultimate truth.
The Buddha's Last Illness: The dilemma of the Buddha's suffering from physical ailments despite being a Buddha is addressed by explaining that such suffering could be due to natural causes like bodily weakness or the exhaustion of his lifespan, not necessarily from past Karma.
The Buddha's Meditation: The question of why the Buddha, having achieved Buddhahood, would still engage in meditation is explained by the myriad benefits of meditation itself, which the Tathagatas continue to practice for the perfection of their role as guides and for the well-being of others.
Buddha's Omniscience and Devadatta's Admission: The dilemma of why the Buddha, being omniscient, admitted Devadatta despite knowing his future schism is explained by the Buddha's compassion in shortening Devadatta's karmic suffering by bringing him into the Order.
The Superiority of Devadatta: The text addresses Milinda's challenge regarding instances where Devadatta, in previous lives, appeared superior to the Bodhisattva. Nagasena counters by explaining that while Devadatta might have excelled in worldly aspects, the Bodhisattva's superiority lay in his spiritual development and ultimate Buddhahood.
Women's Wiles: The dilemma of whether women are inherently wicked or if their actions depend on opportunity, secrecy, and the character of their companions is explored, with Nagasena emphasizing the importance of virtue, the realization of consequences, and the strength of character in resisting temptation.
The Fearlessness of Arahats: The apparent contradiction between the Buddha's statement about all beings fearing death and the Arahat's fearlessness is resolved by understanding that Arahats have eradicated all causes of fear, and their actions, like Ananda's remaining behind, are not driven by personal fear but by a deeper understanding of the Buddha's actions and the potential for others' liberation.
The Secrecy of the Vinaya: The text addresses the apparent contradiction between the Buddha's statement that the Dhamma shines when displayed and the practice of keeping the Vinaya secret. Nagasena explains that the Vinaya's secrecy is limited and based on tradition, reverence for the Dhamma, and respect for the monastic order, not on esoteric knowledge.
Buddha's Harsh Words: The dilemma of the Buddha's harsh words to Sudinna versus his general teaching of kindness is resolved by emphasizing the truthful and compassionate intent behind his admonitions, meant for the individual's ultimate good.

This summary covers the main points presented in the introduction and the initial books of "The Questions of King Milinda," providing a foundational understanding of its historical context, philosophical arguments, and narrative structure.