Beginning - Brahmajala Sutta
The Sutta starts when Buddha was travelling with his disciples between the city of Rajagaha and Nalanda. At the same time, a brahmin called Suppiya, with his young apprentice, Brahmadatta, were also travelling in the same direction, tailing Sangha's convoy. Suppiya uttered some insulting words about Buddha, his teachings, and his disciples. But, Brahmadatta praised and revered Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. They kept debating even until they arrived at King's resting place in Ambalatthika. Hearing this conversation, some monks discussed about the nature of conflicting student and teacher in the next morning. They wondered how marvellous it was that Buddha knew the various kind of views which happened in people. The Buddha came and asked what they were discussing. As the monk finished telling him, Buddha responded, "Monks, if anyone spoke words which insult me, Dhamma, and Sangha; don't let this thing prompt you to hate, take revenge, and turn against them. If because of this you become angry or annoyed, then it will become an obstacle in your quest to liberate yourself, and cause you to be upset and angry. But if someone speak insulting or wrong accussations about me, Dhamma, and Sangha, then you should state which is wrong and point out the mistake by explaining that because of this proof and that, then that is not true, or it is not like that, that kind of thing is not us, or occuring in us.". "But if someone praise me, Dhamma, or Sangha; don't let this thing make you feel proud, joyful, and happy. If you act like that, then it will become an obstacle in your effort to achieve your own final liberation. If someone speak like that, you should state which is right and show the fact by saying: 'Based upon this and that fact, it is indeed so; that thing is indeed exist in us, or true it is us.' Even only due to small matters, worthless, or even due to the Precepts (Sila)."
