The Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king: A Life of Buddha — SBE Vol. 19 (trans. Samuel Beal, 1883)

Varca 16. BimsisAra RAGA BECOMES A DISCIPLE.

And now those five men, Asvagit, Vashpa, and the others, having heard that he (Kauzdinya) ‘knew’ the law, with humble mien and self-subdued, 1277

Their hands joined, offered their homage, and looked with reverence in the teacher's face. Tathagata, by wise expedient, caused them one by one to embrace the law. 1278

And so from first to last the five Bhikshus obtained reason and subdued their senses, like the five stars which shine in heaven, waiting upon the brightening moon. 1279

At this time in the town of Ku-i? (Kusinard) there was a noble’s son (called) Yasas; lost in night-sleep suddenly he woke, and when he saw his attendants all, 1280 ;

Men and women, with ill-clad bodies, sleeping, his heart was filled with loathing; reflecting on the root of sorrow, (he thought) how madly foolish men were immersed in it; 1281

Clothing himself, and putting on his jewels, he left his home and wandered forth; then on the way he stood and cried aloud, ‘Alas! alas! what endless chain of sorrows.’ 1282

1 The scene of this history of Yasas is generally laid in Benares ; see Romantic Legend, p. 261; Sacred Books of the East, vol. xiii, p. 102.

Tathagata, by night, was walking forth, and hearing sounds like these, ‘Alas! what sorrow,’ _ forthwith replied, ‘You are welcome! here, on the other hand, there is a place of rest, 1283

‘The most excellent, refreshing, Nirvama, quiet and unmoved, free from sorrow.’ Yasas hearing Buddha’s exhortation, there rose much joy within his heart, 1284

And in the place of the disgust he felt, the cooling streams of holy wisdom found their way, as when one enters first a cold pellucid lake. Advancing then, he came where Buddha was; 1285

His person decked with common ornaments, his mind already freed from all defects; by power of the good root obtained in other births, he quickly reached the fruit of an Arhat; 1286

The secret light of pure wisdom’s virtue (li) enabled him to understand, on listening to the law; just as a pure silken fabric! with ease is dyed a different colour; 1287

Thus having attained to self-illumination, and done that which was to be done, (he was converted) ; then looking at his person richly ornamented, his heart was filled with shame. 1288

Tathagata knowing his inward thoughts, in gathas spoke the following words: ‘Tho’ ornamented with jewels, the heart may yet have conquered sense; 1289

‘Looking with equal mind on all that lives, (in such a case) the outward form does not affect religion; the body, too, may wear the ascetic’s garb, the heart, meanwhile, be immersed in worldly thoughts; 1290

1 Sacred Books of the East, vol. xiii, p. 105.

‘Dwelling in lonely woods, yet covetous of worldly show, such men are after all mere worldlings; the body may have a worldly guise, the heart mount high to things celestial; 1291 2xiii, p. 105.

‘Dwelling in lonely woods, yet covetous of worldly show, such men are after all mere worldlings; the body may have a worldly guise, the heart mount high to things celestial; 1291

‘The layman and the hermit are the same, when only both have banished thought of “ self,’ but if the heart be twined with carnal bonds, what use the marks of bodily attention ? 1292

‘He who wears martial decorations, does so because by valour he has triumphed o’er an enemy,— so he who wears the hermit’s colour’d robe, does so for having vanquished sorrow as his foe.’ 1293

Then he bade him come, and be a member of his church (a Bhikshu); and at the bidding lo! his garments changed! and he stood wholly attired in hermit’s dress, complete; in heart and outward look, a Sramaza. 1294

Now (Yasas) had in former days some light companions, in number fifty and four ; when these beheld their friend a hermit, they too, one by one, attained true wisdom [entered the true law]; 1295

By virtue of deeds done in former births, these deeds now bore their perfect fruit. Just as when burning ashes are sprinkled by water, the water being dried, the flame bursts forth. 1296

So now, with those above, the Sravakas (disciples) were altogether sixty, all Arhats; entirely obedient and instructed in the law of perfect discipleship?. So perfected he taught them further: 1297

1 The law of Arhats.

what should be done, ye now have done! and ye may now receive the charity of others. 1298

‘Go then through every country, convert those not yet converted; throughout the world that lies burnt up with sorrow, teach everywhere; (instruct) those lacking right instruction; 1299

‘The Rishi KAsyapa, enduring pain, reverenced by all the country, making converts too of many, him will I visit and convert.’ 1302

Then the sixty Bhikshus respectfully receiving orders to preach, each according to his fore-determined purpose, following his inclination, went thro’ every land; 1303

The honour’d of the world went on alone, till he arrived at the Kia-&e mountain, then entering a retired religious dell, he came to where the Azshi KAasyapa was. 1304

Now this one had a ‘fire grot’ where he offered sacrifice, where an evil Naga dwelt *, who wandered here and there in search of rest, through mountains and wild places of the earth. 1305

1 In after time the disciples were not allowed to travel alone, but two and two.

* Gay4sirsha, or Gaydstsa in the Pali (Sacred Books of the East, vol. xiii, p. 134).