The Bhagavā's success in attracting distinguished Magadhan young men and former followers of Sañjaya (like Sāriputta and Moggallāna) to the holy life sparked public criticism, with people accusing him of making individuals childless, women widows, and breaking up families, even taunting his bhikkhus with a verse. The Bhagavā predicted this outcry would only last seven days and instructed his bhikkhus to respond with a counter-verse emphasizing that Tathāgatas lead by the true Dhamma, which should not cause envy in those who understand. When the bhikkhus used this response, public opinion shifted to acknowledge that the Sakyaputtiya ascetics led by Dhamma, and the complaints ceased within the predicted timeframe.
