AN 8.11 - 8.12 The Great Chapter

AN 8.11 The brahmin Verañja rebukes the Buddha for his lack of respect for senior brahmins. He levels a series of criticisms, each of which the Buddha deflects by redefining terms. The Buddha affirms that his claim to superiority is because he was the first to achieve awakening. AN 8.12 General Sīha, a prominent disciple of the Jains, visits the Buddha against the wishes of Mahāvīra, the Jain leader. He challenges the Buddha by bringing up the various ways that people criticize him. Convinced by the Buddha’s response, Sīha wishes to take refuge in the Buddha; but the Buddha urges him to be cautious and to continue supporting the Jains.