Thus said, the Brahmin Ganaka Moggallana asked the Blessed One: Do all the disciples of Master Gotama, being advised and instructed by Master Gotama in this way, attain ultimate Nibbana, or do some not attain it?
Some of my disciples, Brahmin, being advised and instructed by me in this way, attain ultimate Nibbana, and some do not, replied the Blessed One.
What is the reason, Master Gotama, what is the condition, why Nibbana exists, the path leading to Nibbana exists, you are present to encourage, yet when advised and instructed by you in this way, some of your disciples attain ultimate Nibbana, and some do not?
Let me ask you a question in return, Brahmin. Answer as you see fit. Are you skilled in the path to Rajagaha? Yes, Master, I am skilled in the path to Rajagaha.
Suppose a person comes to you wanting to go to Rajagaha, and you give him directions... If he takes a wrong path and goes the opposite direction, that is not your fault.
Another person, following your directions correctly, reaches Rajagaha safely. What is the reason, Brahmin, what is the condition, why Rajagaha exists, the path leading to Rajagaha exists, you are present to encourage, yet one person, being advised and instructed by you, does not reach Rajagaha, and another does?
Even if I were to advise and instruct in this way, one person might take a wrong path and go backwards, while another might safely reach Rajagaha. What can I do in this situation, O Gotama? I am a teacher of the path, O Gotama.
Just so, Brahmin, Nibbana remains, the path leading to Nibbana remains, I stand advising; yet, while being advised and instructed by me in this way, some of my disciples achieve the ultimate goal of Nibbana, and some do not. What can I do in this situation, Brahmin?