Associate Professor Department of Linguistics McGill University Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G5 Canada   Office: 1085, Docteur-Penfield Room 119 Phone: 001 514 398 4868 Fax: 001 514 398 7088 Email: brendan.gillon@mcgill.ca

It is said that the very clever Cretan, Epimenides, once travelled to India.
While there, he learned of the Buddha and, eager to demonstrate his
cleverness to the Indians, he requested an interview with the Buddha. He
was granted the interview, but was told that he could ask the Buddha
only two questions. Epimenides pondered for a very long time. Finally,
satisfied that he had arrived at the two supreme questions, he went to
the Buddha and asked: Oh Lord Buddha. I have been granted the
privilege of asking you but two questions. Here are my two questions:
What, oh Enlightened One, is the best question I can ask you; and
what, Lord of Light, is your best answer to that question. The Buddha
closed his eyes and went into deep meditation. Then, opening his eyes
he said: Oh Cretan, the question you have asked me is the best
question which you can ask; and the answer I am giving is the best
answer I can give.