Here And Nowhere Else (act I, Scene I)

(The Buddha with his disciples. One disciple stands up.)

DISCIPLE: O Lord, I wish to preach your teachings.

BUDDHA: Certainly you may, but I would like to ask you a few questions first. I am sure you will be able to answer them.

DISCIPLE: It is by your grace that I will be able to answer them.

BUDDHA: Tell me, if somebody speaks ill of you, what will you do?

DISCIPLE: My Lord, I shall keep silent.

BUDDHA: Tell me, if he strikes you, what will you do?

DISCIPLE: I shall not raise my hands. I shall remain silent.

BUDDHA: If he wants to kill you, what will you do?

DISCIPLE: I shall keep silent. I know that death is inevitable. Everybody has to die. I shall also have to die one day. I shall not invoke death, and at the same time I shall not avoid death.

BUDDHA: I am most pleased with your answers. You can preach my philosophy. You have my blessings. (To all the disciples.) Today I would like to walk in the forest. Those who want to follow me can come along.

(All the disciples eagerly follow the Buddha.)