At one time when the Blessed One was journeying through Kosala he
came to the Brahman village which is called Manasākata. There he
stayed in a mango grove. 1
And two young Brahmans came to him who were of different schools.
One was named Vāsettha and the other Bhāradvāja. And Vāsettha
said to the Blessed One: 2
"We have a dispute as to the true path. I say the straight path
which leads unto a union with Brahmā is that which has been
announced by the Brahman Pokkharasāti, while my friend says the
straight path which leads unto a union with Brahmā is that which
has been announced by the Brahman Tārukkha. 3
"Now, regarding thy high reputation, O samana, and knowing that
thou art called the Enlightened One, the teacher of men and gods,
the Blessed Buddha, we have come to ask thee, are all these paths
paths of salvation? There are many roads all around our village,
and all lead to Manasākata. Is it just so with the paths of the
sages? Are all paths paths to salvation, and do they all lead to
a union with Brahmā? 4
And the Blessed One proposed these questions to the two Brahmans:
"Do you think that all paths are right?" 5