The Questions of King Milinda
Book 3
Chapter 6
3.6.4. Pure conduct
The king said: ‘Was the Buddha, Nāgasena, pure in conduct (was he a Brahma-cārin)?’
‘Yes, the Blessed One was pure.’
‘Then, Nāgasena, it follows that he was a follower of Brahmā.’
‘Have you a state elephant, O king?’
‘Well now, does that elephant ever trumpet (literally “cry the heron’s cry “)?’
‘Oh, yes.’
‘But is he, then, on that account a follower of the herons?’
‘Of course not.’
‘Now tell me, great king, has Brahma wisdom (Buddhi), or has he not?’
‘He is a being with wisdom.’
‘Then (on your argument) he is surely a follower of Buddha.’
‘Well answered, Nāgasena!’