‘Seek knowledge here’: A conversation between Greek King Milinda and the Buddhist monk Nagasena

Homage to the Bhagavan, the Enlightened One, the Perfectly Awakened Buddha.

A king named Milinda approached Nagasena in that
best of cities, Sagala, much as the Ganga draws
near the ocean.

The king advanced and put to that brilliant orator, a
torchbearer dispelling darkness, numerous subtle
questions on possibilities and impossibilities.

The marvellous questions and answers pertain to
matters of profound significance, as they stir the
heart, please the ear, and send shivers down the spine.

The brilliant talk of Nagasena, with its analogies
and methods, penetrated the heart of the
abhidhamma and the vinaya, and unravelled the net of suttas.

So seek knowledge here and cheer the mind
as you listen to these subtle questions that resolve all
points of uncertainty.

This is the account that has been handed down by tradition. The city called Sagala was a centre of trade for the Yonakas, part of a lovely region of earth, resplendent with rivers and mountains and abounding in parks, gardens, woods, lakes, and lotus pools. It was a city founded by learned people and delightful for its rivers, hills, and woods. Its enemies vanquished, it was free of oppression by adversaries. It boasted diverse and formidable watchtowers and gates, excellent and noble arches mounted over the city portals, and encircling white walls and deep moats around the...

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