i

ThePilgrim

KAMANITA

~ALegendaryRomance~

ByKARLGJELLERUP

TranslatedfromtheGermanby JohnLogie Editedby AmaroBhikkhu Illustrationsby ChuangMuanpinit

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 ORIGINALLYPUBLISHEDTOCOINCIDEWITH
THEDEDICATION OFTHENEWTEMPLEAT

AMARAVATIBUDDHISTMONASTERY, JULY4,1999.
AmaroBhikkhu1999 SecondEditionAmaroBhikkhu2008 AbhayagiriBuddhistMonastery 16201TomkiRoad RedwoodValley California95470 USA www.abhayagiri.org ISBN:9748700771

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Namotassabhagavatoarahatosammsambuddhassa Namotassabhagavatoarahatosammsambuddhassa Namotassabhagavatoarahatosammsambuddhassa HomagetotheBlessed,Nobleand PerfectlyEnlightenedOne!

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ONTENTS~

PREFACETOTHE2008EDITION:pvii PREFACETOTHE1999EDITION:pviii AUTHORSNOTE:pxiii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:pxvi MAPOFINDIAINTHETIMEOFTHEBUDDHA:pxix 1.THEBUDDHAREVISITSTHECITYOFTHEFIVEHILLS:p1 2.THEMEETING:p9 3.TOTHEBANKSOFTHEGANG:p13 4.THEMAIDENBALLPLAYER:p21 5.THEMAGICPORTRAIT:p29 6.ONTHETERRACEOFTHESORROWLESS:p37 7.INTHERAVINE:p49 8.THEPARADISEBUD:p55 9.UNDERTHECONSTELLATIONOFTHEROBBERS:p63 10.ESOTERICDOCTRINE:p73 11.THEELEPHANTSTRUNK:p81 12.THEGRAVEOFTHEHOLYVJASHRAVAS:p89 13.THECOMPANIONOFSUCCESS:p99 14.THEFAMILYMAN:p109 15.THESHAVENHEADEDMONK:p117 16.READYFORACTION:p125 17.TOHOMELESSNESS:p135 18.INTHEHALLOFTHEPOTTER:p145 19.THEMASTER:p153 20.THEUNREASONABLECHILD:p159 21.INMIDCAREER:p171 22.INTHEPARADISEOFTHEWEST:p181

23.THEROUNDELAYOFTHEBLESSED:p187 24.THECORALTREE:p193 25.THEBUDOFTHELOTUSOPENS:p199 26.THECHAINWITHTHETIGEREYE:p205 27.THERITEOFTRUTH:p213 28.ONTHESHORESOFTHEHEAVENLYGANG:p219 29.AMIDTHESWEETNESSOFTHECORALBLOSSOMS:p225 30.TOBEBORNISTODIE:p231 31.THEAPPARITIONONTHETERRACE:p237 32.STGIRA:p247 33.ANGULIMLA:p255 34.THEHELLOFSPEARS:p261 35.APUREOFFERING:p273 36.THEBUDDHAANDKRISHNA:p283 37.THEBLOSSOMSOFPARADISEWITHER:p297 38.INTHEKINGDOMOFTHEHUNDREDTHOUSANDFOLD BRAHM:p303 39.THEDUSKOFTHEWORLDS:p309 40.INTHEGROVEOFKRISHNA:p315 41.THESIMPLECONTEMPLATION:p325 42.THESICKNUN:p333 43.THEPASSINGOFTHETATHGATA:p341 44.VSITTHSBEQUEST:p355 45.NIGHTANDMORNINGINTHESPHERES:p363. APPENDIX1:NOTESANDREFERENCES:p370 APPENDIX2:THEDHTUVIBHANGASUTTA:THEDISCOURSEON THEEXPOSITIONOFTHEELEMENTS,M140:p479

APPENDIX3:THEANGULIMLASUTTA:THEDISCOURSEON ANGULIMLA,M86:p488

APPENDIX4:THEMAHPARINIBBNASUTTA:THEDISCOURSE ONTHEBUDDHASLASTDAYS,D16.2.22.6.12:p496

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 ~
ITHASBEENNEARLYTENYEARSsincetheAbhayagirieditionofThePilgrim Kmantawaspublished.Duringthattimetheoriginalprintrunofafew thousandcopieshaslongsincebeenexhaustedyet,eventhoughinterestinthe bookhasmaintainedasteadylevel,sadlytherehavenotbeentheresourcesto fundasecondprintrun. However,theseinterveningyearshavealsobroughttechnological developmentsofanorderofmagnitudethatmighthaveevensurprisedafewof thedeitiesintheupperechelonsofthebrahmworldsmentionedinthisstory.It isthusnowpossibletomakethisbookfreelyavailableinthepublicdomain,via theagencyofourmonasterywebsite.Weareverypleasedtobeabletodothis andtohelpthisclassicandilluminatingtaletobecirculatedevermorewidely. Thetextofthestoryislargelyunchangedfromthe1999edition,although poeticlicenceoftheauthornotwithstandingafewmorefactualerrorshave beencorrected.Therehavealsobeenafewadditionsandamendationstothe NotesandReferencessince,overtheyears,moreoftheauthorssourceshave becomeapparent. Theoriginaleditionthatweproducedin1999wasprintedforfree distributionanditisinthissamespiritthatthis2008,webeditionisoffered.The materialinthisbookcanbecopiedforpersonalusebutpermissionwillnotbe grantedforanyofthematerial,textorillustrations,tobesoldcommercially.It haslongbeenpartofourtraditiontooffertheteachingsoftheBuddhafreely,as bothamarkofrespectfortheirtrulypricelessqualityandalsoaspartour endeavourtoembodywhathasbeencalledaneconomyofgiftsinaworldthat iseasilyfixatedonwealthandprofit. Thegiftofthisstoryanditswisdomcametousfreelyanditisoffered freelytoyou,gentlereaderenjoy! AmaroBhikkhu AbhayagiriBuddhistMonastery December,2008

REFACETOTHE2008,WEBEDITION~

vii

REFACETOTHE1999EDITION~

ITWASSOMETIMEduringthewinterretreatof1989atAmaravatiMonastery,in
theChilternHillsofHertfordshire,England,thatIfirstmetupwithKmanta. AjahnSumedho,theabbot,wasawayinThailandandhadinvitedme,as oneoftheseniormonks,tousehisroomduringhisthreemonthabsenceto keepitcleanandlookedafter,andalsobecausetheamenitiestherewere considerablymoresalubriousthanchezmoi. AjahnSumedhoseemstoattractasmanybookstohimselfasIdo,so, beinginhisplace,Ifoundmyselfsurroundedbyafreshsupplyoffascinating literaturetopickthrough.Ofthemanybooksinhiscollection,alargeproportion wereinThaialanguagethatIcanholdasimpleconversationinbutwhichI hadneverlearnedtoread.ThusinscanninghisshelvesIpassedovertheThai sectionnumeroustimeswithoutreallylooking:evenatthefewvolumesthathad EnglishscriptonthespinestheseoftenonlybearingAnglicisedtitlesandno morethanascatteredwordortwoinEnglishontheinside.EventuallyIpicked outaparticular,plasticwrappedvolume,mostlyoutofcuriosityintheelegant quasiDevanagariEnglishscriptonthecover.Atfirstglanceithadlookedlikea bookofchantsbutthenitstruckmethat,ifthatwerethecase,ithadavery strangepictureonthejacketamaleandafemaledevat,floatinginthesky. MaybeitsabookofParittachants,protectiveversesandmagicspells...I pondered.SoIopeneditand,tomysurprise,foundpagesofEnglishscriptas wellasThai;verycurious...Istartedtoread,soonrealising:Well,well,well itsaBuddhistnovel.AndwrittenbysomeobscureDanishscholar.ItwasThe PilgrimKmantawhobynow,sometenyearslater,feelslikeanold,old friend. AsIstartedtoread,familiarpassagesleaptoffthepage:wellknown charactersandutterances,famousandfavouriteincidentsfromtheBuddhist scriptures,hadallbeenwoventogetherandrearranged,spunintoaclothof beautifulhueandtexture.Idivedinanddissolvedmyselfintothestory pickingitupduringeverysparemomentofthedaysandnightsthatfollowed convincingmyselfmeanwhilethatmeditativeabsorptionintoanobjectcanbe veryrewardingwhenonedoessomindfully... Bythetimethelastpagewasreached,andthebookfinallyputdown, therewasaprofoundglowleftinmyheartandtheconvictionthatThisisnot onlyagreatyarn,itsgotmostoftheessentialBuddhistteachingsthreaded throughittoothisshouldntjustbeacurioofByronicEnglishandBuddhist

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history,thisshouldbeouttherefortheworldtosee,atleastforthosewhoare interested. OncetheretreatwasoverIstartedtoeditthetextofaneveningandto givereadingsfromitatthecommunitysdailymorningmeetings.Afterafew weeksIhadhadtogooffandleadaretreatinIrelandandhadleftthereadingto becarriedonbyAjahnAttapemo.Ihadintroducedhimtothestoryandhewas similarlyenamouredofit,howeverhehadrunintoproblemspreparingthetext, repleteasitwaswithcomplexhyperboliclanguageandsyntax,tortuousclassical sentencestructuresandquaintlyredundantidioms.ThenonEnglishspeakersof thecommunityweregettinglostandalsosomehadbeengettingbaddreams aftertheVjashravasepisodethereadingswerethusabandonedandthebook shelved. Butnotinmymind,norinAjahnAttapemos. WithBuddhismtakingrootandbeginningtoflowerintheWestwe realisedthatsomethingmorethanmeditationpracticeisneeded:amongsta multitudeofotheressentialelementsweneedtodevelopboththeaspectsof educationandculturesowherearethegoodBuddhistnovelsandplays?What goodbookorpieceofmusiccanyougivetoateenagertoletthemtastethe flavouroftheDhamma?Theresnotmuchsofar. ThenewDharmaSchoolinBrighton,England,hasalotofenergybehind itnow,asdothevariousannualfamilysummercampsandtheYoungPeoples retreatsheldatInsightMeditationSocietyinMassachusetts,SpiritRockCenter inCaliforniaandatAmaravati.AjahnAttapemoandIhadbothhadafair amountofinvolvementwithsomeoftheseenterprisesovertheyears,sothetwo ofuscametothedecision,sometimearoundthesummerof95,that,ifwe wantedtheretobegoodinfluencesavailableforthepeople,weshouldntjustsit aroundcomplainingandwaitingforsomeoneelsetoproducebutweshoulddo somethingaboutitourselves.Andintheflushofthemomenthesaid:Ifyoucan editKmantaandputitintoreadableEnglish,Iwillgetitprinted,somehow. OK,Ireplied,itsadeal. Sowhatyounowholdinyourhandsistheproductofthatconversation. Beforeyoudiveintothestory,however,andforthosewholikehintsand explanations(andwhocanbeartoreadboringprefaces)itmightbehelpfulto givealittlemorebackgroundonsomeissuesrelatedtothisbook. Firstly,theauthor:KarlGjellerup(18571919)wasaDanishwriterwho spentmostofhislifeeitherinCopenhagenorinDresden,Germany.Hewasnot aBuddhistscholarinparticularbutwrotemostlyonspiritualmattersnovels, poetryandplays,andalsocriticalessays.Hewasoriginallytrainedasa Christiantheologian,butbetweenthemid1890sand1913,havingbeenheavily

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influencedbySchopenhauer,hewrotealmostexclusivelyaroundthemesof BuddhismandIndianspirituality.ThePilgrimKmantawaspublishedin Germanin1906,andtranslatedintoEnglishin1912publishedbyE.P.Dutton& Co.ofNewYork.OnsimilarthemestoKmantaare:TheSacrificialFires(a playinspiredbytheUpanishads);TheWifeofthePerfectedOne(onPrincess Yashodhar,thebrideoftheBuddhatobe,SiddharthaGotama,beforehis renunciationofthepalacelife);andTheWorldWanderers(acontemporary Indianspiritualtale).AfterthisperiodhereturnedtoChristianthemesandin 1917hewasawardedtheNobelPrizeforliterature. Secondly,thematerialandformatofthisbook:itshouldbenotedthat althoughKarlGjelleruphasbeenveryfaithfultotheoriginalscripturaltexts, particularlywithrespecttoindividualeventsandteachingsoftheBuddha,he hasbeenextremelyliberalwiththeprincipalcharacters,theirrelationshipsand thetimesequencesofevents. Forexample,thecentralincidentofthetalecomesfromDiscourseNo.140 oftheMiddleLengthSayings,theDhtuvibhangaSutta.Onedoesnthavetogo veryfarintothistextbeforefindingthatthecentralcharacteriscalledPukkusti, notKmanta,andthat,unlikeourhero,herealisestheidentityoftheperson speakingtohim.Idonotwanttogetaheadofthestorybutitisveryimportant torealisethatsomeofwhatyoureadhereisfaithfultothescriptureandsomeisthe fabricationoftheWeaveroftheYarn.(Forthesakeofinteresttothereaderthe wholeofthesuttamentionedabovehasbeenincludedattheendofthebookin Appendix2). Thirdly,thereadermightalsobeinterestedinhowitcametobethatthe bookIfoundwasinThaiandEnglish,whenitseemstohavestartedlifeasa novelbyaDanewritteninGerman. ItseemsthatapairoftalentedThaiacademics(Prof.PhraAnuman RajadhonSathirakosesandPhraSaraprasertNagapradipa)discoveredthe book,intheEnglishversion,sometimeinthe1930swhentheywerestudyingat Oxford.TheytranslateditintoelegantandpolishedThaiandalsofleshedoutthe textinafewplaces.Curiouslyenoughtheyalsopublisheditanonymously(as theyhaddonewithGreysElegyandafewotherclassics)tohelpitbe disseminatedwithoutpreconceptionorbiaswithinThaisociety;itwaswell received,bothasaworkoffineliteratureandalsoasagoodlearningtextfor Buddhistprinciples.Afterayeartheyrevealeditsprovenanceasaworkbya EuropeantothegreatsurpriseofmanyThaipeopleandKingRamathe Seventhadoptedandpromoteditashischosenliteraryworkforthenation(a customofthepreviousmembersofhisdynasty).Asectionofitwasusedaspart ofthestandardhighschooltextbookonThailiterature.

 Wethenmoveforwardtoabout1952,whenSulakSivaraksa,thefamous Thaisocialcriticandreformer,wasastudentinLondon.Heknewofthebookin ThaiandmanagedtoborrowacopyoftheEnglishversionfromtheBuddhist Societylibrary.Hewasinterestedinhowthetwoversionscompared(he preferredtheThai)and,whenbackinLondonagainmanyyearslater,in1977,he lookedonceagainforthebookbutithadvanishedfromtheBuddhistSocietys shelves.EventuallyhetrackeddownacopyintheS.E.AsianStudiesdepartment ofU.C.Berkeley,California;takingthisheproducedaneditionwithbothThai andEnglishtogether.Thiswaspublishedin1977andthenreprinted,together withtheillustrationsincludedinthisvolume,in1985.Thislattereditionhaving beenproducedbyMATICHONawellknownnewspaperandpublishinghouse inBangkok. Theworstthingthatcouldhappentoastorytobereadforpleasureisto haveitsurroundedbyfootnotesandappendices.Thisistrue;butitsalsotrue thatsomereadersmightliketoknow:DidthiscomefromtheBuddha?Where canIfindtherestofthatquote?Thattraditionsoundsinteresting,Iwonder whatitsymbolises?Whatwehavedone,therefore,istocreateanappendixof notesandreferences,outliningthesources(asfarasweareabletotrackthem)of allthederivedmaterialthatKarlGjellerupused.Themainbodyofthetextisnot markedinanywaytoindicatethesenotes;however,ifyouarecuriousabouta certainpassage,gotoAppendix1,lookforthepageandquotationinquestion andseeiftheresacommentorreferenceforit.Thisway,ifyoujustwanttoread thestoryandignoretherestyoucaneasilydoso,or,ifyouareinterestedin findingoutmoreandcheckingthefacts,theoriginsaremostlyoutlinedtherefor you.Wewillalsobedelightedtohearofanymistakes,omissionsorunwanted intrusionsthatanyreadermightfindinthesenotesfeedbackwillbehelpfulfor anyfutureeditions.Also,gentlereader,pleasenotethattheauthor(K.G.) switchedfreelybetweenusingSanskrit(thelanguageoftheNorthernBuddhist andHinduscriptures)andPli(thelanguageoftheSouthernBuddhist scriptures)duringthecourseofhistale.Inoureffortstobetruetohisoriginal stylewehavemaintainedthismixtureofusage. OnelastpointthatIshouldmakeisthat,ineditingthiswork,Ihavetried tobeasfaithfulaspossibletotheoriginalauthorstext.Ifeltthatmyremitwas simplytoputitintoalanguagethatpeopleofthelate20th/early21stCentury couldeasilyunderstand,andyetforitstilltobeinaformthattheauthorwould begladtoread.Iknowhowagonizingitcanbetoseeyourworksbutcheredby othersinthecauseofimprovement(MikhaelBulgakovsBlackSnowisa greatessayonthissubject).Ihavetoconfess,however,thattherewereafew passagesthatIdidrewrite.Thesewerealteredforavarietyofreasons:someto coveruptheauthorsoccasionalinaccuraterepresentationoftheBuddhaandhis xi

teachings(sometimesIgotthefeelingthatK.G.sawtheBuddhaasakindof genialoldphilosophyprofessoronecouldalmostseethegoldrimmedglasses, thebushymoustache,thetweedjacketwithleatherelbowsandpipe smoulderinginthetoppocket,allsurroundedbyamultihuedauraofchalk dust);somechangesweremadetofixinconsistenciesinhisplotline;someto representthepracticeofthemonasticdisciplinemoreaccurately;andsometo representeventsinawaymoreinkeepingwithpresenttimes.IfIhavedonethe masterwronginanyofthis,meaculpaaccordinglyIaskforforgiveness. AmaroBhikkhu AbhayagiriBuddhistMonastery, California February,1999/2542

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UTHORSNOTETOTHEFIRSTEDITION,1906~

WITHTHEEXCEPTIONoftheBuddhasencounterwiththepilgriminthe hallofthepotter(M140,inwhichthepilgrimbothrecognisesand understandstheBuddha)andtheconversionofAngulimala*,allevents toldinthisbookaremyownfictionImentionthisbecauseafewreaders ofthemanuscriptthoughtIjusteditedanancientIndiantale.Admittedly IalsotooktheaccountoftheballgamefromDandinscycleofstories,the DasakumaracaritamandinthebrilliantintroductiontotheGerman translationofthisworkbyJ.J.MeyerIfoundmanyausefulhint.For thepurposeofembellishmentofthesocialmilieuIdrewfromboth historicalandculturalworks,botholderandnewertheformermainly fromtheJatakasalthoughthishardlyneedsamention;ofmodernworks Iused,amongstothers,RichardSchmidtsBeitrgezurindischenErotik (ContributionstoIndianEroticism)whichisanamplesourceof information(LotusVerlag,Leipzig1902;thesamehousewhichpublished theDasakumaracaritam.) TheauthenticwordsoftheBuddhaareeasilyrecognisableassuch bytheirstyleeventhoughonecouldmistakeafewIimitated(onpp 1647[1999/2008edns.])asauthenticones.MostlyItookthewordsofthe BuddhafromtheoutstandingtranslationsofDr.KarlE.NeumannsDie RedendesBuddhos(MajjhimaNikaya).HoweverIamalsoendebtedto Prof.Oldenberg,fromwhoseepochalandstillunsurpassedworkBuddha Itookafewimportantquotes. Ithardlyneedstobementionedthatthefewquotesfromthe Upanishads(pp43ff,148,165)aretakenfromProf.DeussensSechzig UpanishadsdesVeda.Tothesecondgreattranslationofthisexcellentand indefatigableinquirer,DieSutrasdesVedanta,mytenthchapterowesits origin.IfthiscuriouspieceisinsubstanceapresentationofIndian bermenschentum[thedoctrineoftheAriyanmasterracewhichbecame thebasisofAdolphHitlersphilosophy,afterK.G.stime]astheextreme antithesistoBuddhismitisinitsformapainfullyaccuratecopyofthe VedanticStrastyle,withtheenigmaticbrevityofthetext,thetrue principleofwhichasDeussenhasrightlyrecognisedconsistsingiving
Chapter34.ThedetailsfollowM86butthepreventedshootingofthearrowismyownaddition.Theimageofhellis alsonotfoundtherebutinM50;thefollowingpart,aboutthejudgeinhellisfromMN130;thesubsequentscaleofthe ManyandtheFewbelongstoadifferentpartoftheCanon(ANtakenfromK.E.NeumannsBuddhistischeAnthologie, p106ff.)
*

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onlycatchwordsforthememory,butneverthewordsthatareimportant tothesense.Inthiswaythetextcouldwithoutdangerbefixedinwriting, sinceitwasincomprehensiblewithouttheoralcommentaryoftheteacher, whichthususuallybecameallthemorepedanticallyintricate.Indeed, theseKlStraslikethewholeVjashravasepisodeareajocular fictionofminebutone,Ibelieve,whichwillbegrantedbyeverystudent ofancientIndia,tobewithintheboundsofthepossiblenay,ofthe probable. Indiaisindeedthelandwhereeventherobbermustphilosophise, andoccasionallybecomestrangesaints,andwhereeventheGuardiansof Hellremainpoliteuntilthelaststepupthegallows. ShouldanyonefamiliarwithancientIndianowbeinclinedto castigatemebecauseofsomeinaccuracies,Iwouldnowliketoaskthem toconsiderwhetherornothewhowroteThePilgrimKmantamight notknowbestwhatlibertieshehastakenandwhy.Insteadofthelater Sukhavati[whichappearsonlyintheNorthern,MahayanaBuddhist scriptures]IcouldeasilyhavechosentheHeavenoftheThirtyThree Gods,andwouldhaveremainedaccurateandcorrect.Butwhat,for heavenssake,shouldIhavedonewiththoseThirtyThreeGodswhenI didntevenhaveauseforAmitabhaBuddhainSukhavati?Also,enjoying thelicenceofapoet,thequestionofwhetherornottheMahbharata existedatthetimeoftheBuddha,orinwhatform,didnotbotherme.I wouldalsoliketoconfessthatIdontevenknowwhetheritispossibleto seethesnowcappedpeaksoftheHimalayasfromKusinara,Iactually doubtitverymuch;thisisnotjustbecauseofdistance,however,since Schlagintweitwasabletoespythemfromtheevengreaterdistanceofthe Plains.Whateverthecase:Iamoftheopinionthattherequirementsof poetrypreempttherequirementsofgeography. IfnotforthisprincipleIwouldneverhaveallowedmyself,for poetryssake,tochangeanythingevenslightlyintheoriginalBuddhism; thefactthatI,asIalreadymentioned,usedthemuchlaterandhighly popularimageofSukhavaticannotbereckonedassomuchofa distortion,sinceidenticalideasarealiveinspiritintheoldesttraditionsof Buddhism.Muchmorewasitmyheartsdesiretounrollapictureofthe genuineBuddhistLebensundWeltanschauungviewoflifeandtheworld. Dr.K.E.Neumann,withoutwhoseworksthisnovelcouldneverhave comeintoexistence,wroteintheAfterwordtohisPathtotheTruth (Dhammapada)thirteenyearsago:Onlythelastdecades,thelastyears, havegivenussomeideaofwhotheBuddhawasandwhathetaught...the poesyofBuddhismsinnermostnature,however,remainsabookwith xiv

fiveseals.Oneafteranothertheyhavetobeopenedifwewantto understanditsheart...Afterthescholarshavedonetheirwork,maythe poetsnowcomeforthanddotheirs:thePaliscripturesarewaitingfor them.OnlythenwilltheBuddhasteachinghavecometolivehereinour land,onlythenwilltheGermanlanguageblossomamongstGermansit ismyhopethatmylearnedandhonouredfriendandmaybeafew otherswithhimwillfindinthisworkthebeginningofthefulfillmentof thatwish. KarlGjellerup Dresden, September1906

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CKNOWLEDGEMENTS~

THISWORKHASBEENhelpedalongbymanyhands:
thestaffofMATICHONPublishersinBangkok,whoprintedtheeditionthatwe usedasourtext; JeanneBendikandDeeCuthbertwhotypedoutthewholeofthefirstdraftof themaintextontodisc; KhunChuangMuanpinit,whoverykindlyallowedustousehisfine illustrationsfromtheMATICHONedition,andproducedawholenewcover paintingforusastheoriginalhadbeenlost; MarionandBartGruzalski,whoreviewedanearlydraftofthetextandgave somehelpfulsuggestions; VenerablesVipassiandVarado,DrThaisDaRosa,PeterDaleScottandSaran (NonaOlivia),whocontributedgreatlytothecomplexresearchneededforthe references; AnagarikMaureenBodenbach,whogenerouslytypedoutAppendices2,3 and4bothspeedilyandflawlessly; RichardSmith,whoundertooktheformidabletaskofdesigningand typesettingthebook,oversawtheprocessofpublishing,andhelpedin innumerableotherways; KhunVaneeLamsam,Dr.ChateWansom,TheCenterforMindfulLiving,and ananonymousdonor,whogenerouslysponsoredthelionsshareofcopiesof thisfirstedition; JohnKandhisstaffatSquareOnestudio,whoweregenerouswithboththeir timeandskillsinpreparingtheillustrationsandcoverartforpublication; GertJorgensenandthestaffofCraftsmanPressinBangkok,whoundertookthe taskofprintingwithgreatcareanddedication; BhikkhuBodhi,MauriceWalsheandWisdomPublications,whogenerously gavepermissionforthequotesfromtheirtranslationsoftheLongandMiddle LengthDiscourses,aswellasforthenumerous,uncreditedquotationsscattered throughouttheNotes&ReferencesbothfromthemandfromBhikkhu namoli; MarionWoodmanandElinorDickson,andShambhalaPublications,fortheuse oftheirworkinthereferences; AjahnSamvaro,forhistranslationoftheAuthorsNotefromtheGerman.

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VenerableSuvaco,forhisdiligentresearchforbiographicaldetailsaboutthe authoramongstthedustytomesoftheDanishNationalLibrary. and,ofcourse,theindefatigableAjahnAttapemo,withoutwhose encouragement,energyandnetworkingskillsthisbookcouldnothavecome intoexistence. Toallofthese,andtothemanyothersinvolvedinthisproject,abundant gratitudeisduemaytheyallrealizeNibbna.

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twasthemomentdeep Whenweareconsciousofthesecretdawn Amidthedarknessthatwefeelisgreen Thyfacerememberedisfromotherworlds, Ithasbeendiedfor,thoughIknownotwhen, Ithasbeensungof,thoughIknownotwhere besidethee Iamawareofothertimesandlands, Ofbirthfarback,oflivesinmanystars. Obeautyloneandlikeacandleclear Inthisdarkcountryoftheworld! StephenPhillips:Marpessa Ifyoulovesomebody youleadthemtoenlightenment youdontdrawtheminto yourowndefilements. AjahnSumedho

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~1~

THEBUDDHAREVISITSTHECITYOF
THEFIVEHILLS

HUSHAVEIHEARD.Thetimecamewhenthe

lifespanoftheLordBuddhawasdrawingtoanendand, journeyingfromplacetoplaceinthelandofMagadha, hecametoRjagaha. ThusitiswrittenintheBuddhistStrasofancient India. * * * AstheMasterdrewneartotheCityoftheFive Hills,daywasalmostover.Thebenevolentraysofthe eveningsunlayalongthegreenricefieldsandmeadows ofthefarreachingplainasiftheywereemanationsfroma divinehandextendedinblessing.Hereandtherebillowing cloudsofpurestgolddustitseemedrolledand creptalongtheground,showingthatfarmworkersand oxenwereploddingwearilyhomewardfromtheirlabour inthefields;andthelengtheningshadowscastbyisolated groupsoftreeswereborderedbyahalo,radiantwithall thecoloursoftherainbow. Framedinawreathofblossominggardens,the embattledgateways,terraces,cupolasandtowersofthe capitalshoneforthdelicatelyclearasinsomeethereal vision;andalonglineofrockyoutcrops,rivallingin

colourthetopaz,theamethystandtheopal,werepatterned intoanenamelofincomparablebeauty. Movedbythebeautyofthelandscape,theBuddha stayedhissteps.Aquietjoywelledupwithinhimashis heartgreetedthosefamiliarforms,boundupwithsomany memories:theGreyHorn,theBroadVale,theSeersCrag, theVulturesPeakwhosenoblesummittowers,rooflike, overalltherest.AndthentherewasVebhra,the mountainofthehotsprings,underwhoseshadow,inthe cavebeneaththeSatapannitree,theyounghomeless wandererhadfoundhisfirstretreat,hisfirstrestingplace onthefinaljourneyfromSamsratoNirvna. Forwhen,inthatnowremotetimewhilestill young,ablackhairedyoungmanintheflowerofhis youth,intheprimeoflife,thoughhismotherandfather wishedotherwiseandgrievedwithtearfulfaces,he shavedoffhishairandbeard,putontheochrerobeand wentforthfromthehomelifeintohomelessnesshe hadlefthisroyalfathershouseinthenortherncountryof theSkyasandhadturnedhisstepstowardthevalleyof theGang.Andthere,undertheshadowofloftyVebhra, hehadallowedhimselfhisfirstlengthystay,goingevery morningintoRjagahaforalmsfood. Itwasatthattimealso,andinthatverycave,that theyoungBimbisra,KingofMagadha,hadvisitedhim seekingtopersuadehimtoreturntothehomeofhis fathersandtothelifeoftheworldalthoughhisefforts hadbeeninvain.Atlengththeroyalvisitor,strangely movedbythewordsoftheyoungascetic,hadfeltthefirst tremblingsofanewfaiththatlatermadehimafollowerof theBuddha. Fiftyyearshadpassedsincethatday,andinthe intervalhehadchangednotonlythecourseofhisown lifebutalsothatoftheworld.Howvastthedifference betweenthatpast,whenhedweltinthathumblecave
2

andsatbeneaththeSatapannitree,andthepresent.Then hewassimplyaseekeronestrugglingforliberation. Terriblespiritualcontestslaybeforehimsixlongyears ofselfinflictedmortification,inhumanagoniesthatwere assickeningastheywerefruitless,justthedescriptionof whichmadethefleshofeventhestoutestheartedlisteners creep. Eventually,havingrisenaboveallsuchselftorturing asceticism,throughprofoundmeditation,hehadreached theLight,therealisationofNirvna,hadlefttheconflict behindhimandwasdedicatedtotheenlightenmentofall livingbeings.Filledwithadivinecompassion,hebecame asupremeandperfectBuddha. Thosehadbeentheyearsinwhichhislifehad resembledachangefulmorningintherainyseason dazzlingsunshinealternatingwithdeepestgloom,asthe monsoonpilescloudabovecloudintoweringmassesand thedeathladenthunderstormcomesgrowlingnearer.But nowhislifewasfilledwiththesamecalmsunnypeace thatlayupontheeveninglandscape,apeacethatseemed togroweverdeeperandclearerasthesunsdiscdipped towardsthehorizon. Forhimtoosunset,thecloseoflifeslongday,was athand.Hehadfinishedhiswork.Thedispensationofthe Dharmahadbeenestablishedonsurefoundationsand theliberatingteachinghadbeenproclaimedtoallhuman kind;manymonksandnunsofblamelesslifeand transcendentknowledgeandbothwomenandmenlay followerswerenowfullycapableofsustainingthisRealm ofTruth,andupholdingandspreadingitsteachings. And,evenashestandsthere,thereabidesinhis heart,asaresultofthereflectionsofthisdayspentin solitarytravelling,theinalienableknowledge:Foryou thetimeiscoming,andsoon,whenyoushalldepartfrom hereandleavethisworldwhichyou,andmanywhohave
3

followedyou,havetranscended,andtherewillbethe peaceofFinalNirvna. Andlookingoverthelandspreadoutbeforehim withajoyfulrecollectionwithinwhichtherelayanote ofdeeppoignancyhebadethisbelovdlandfarewell. Whatbeautyyoupossess,Rjagaha,Cityofthe FiveHills.Howlovelyyourlandscapes,howrichlyblessed yourfields,howgladdeningyourwoodedgladesgleaming withwaters,howstatelyyourclusteringhillsofrock. ForthelasttimeInowlookdownuponyourgraceful bordersfromthis,thefairestofallplacesfromwhichyour childrenlovetogazeuponyourface.Onlyoncemore onthedaywhentheTathgatagoesforthfromhereand looksbackfromthecrestofthatfarmountainridge shallheseeyouagain,belovdvalleyofRjagaha;after that,nevermore. AndstilltheMasterstood,untilfinallyonlytwo structuresofallinthecitybeforehimtoweredinthe goldensunlight:one,thehighestpinnacleofthepalace fromwhichKingBimbisrahadfirstespiedhimwhen,as ayoungandunknownascetic,hehadpassedthatway and,byhisnoblebearing,calledhimselftothenoticeof theKingofMagadha;theother,thedomelikesuper structureofthegreattempleinwhich,intheyearsbefore histeachinghaddeliveredthepeoplefrombloodysuper stition,thousandsuponthousandsofinnocentanimals hadbeenannuallyslaughteredinhonourofsomedeity. Finallyeventhepinnaclesofthetowersslipped downintotherisingseaofshadowandwerelosttoview, andonlytheconeofgoldenparasolsstillglowed.Rising oneaboveanother,theycrownedthedomeofthetemple, suspendedasifinmidair,flashingandsparklingasthe redglowdeepenedagainstthedensecobaltblueback groundofthetalltreetops. AtthispointtheMastercaughtsightofthestill
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somewhatdistantgoalofhisjourney.Forthetreetopshe sawwerethoseoftheMangoGroveonthefarthersideof thetown,thegiftofhisdiscipleJvaka,thekingsphysician, inwhichawellappointedmonasteryprovidedthe monasticcommunitywitharesidencethatwasboth peacefulandsimple. TothishomeoftheOrder,theSangha,theBuddha hadsentonthemonkswhohadaccompaniedhim abouttwohundredinnumberundertheleadershipof hiscousinandfaithfulattendantnanda;sincehehad beeninclinedtowardstastingthedelightofadayssolitary wandering.Hewasalsoawarethatabandofyoung monksfromthewest,ledbyhisgreatdisciplethewise Sriputra,wouldarriveintheMangoGroveatsunset. Inhismindseye,capableofpicturingtheunfolding ofeventsinalltheirdetails,hewentoverthescenes thatwouldbeenacted.Hesawthosearrivingexchange friendlygreetingswiththemonksalreadythere,sawthem conductedtorestingplacesandhutsintheforest,their robesandalmsbowlsbeingtakenfromthem;andhe heardallthistakeplaceinaracketofnoiseandloud conversation,likethecrowdsoffisherfolkdownatthe landingsquarrellingovertheirspoils.Heknewthistobe noexaggeration;andtoonewholovedsilenceand serenity,anddislikedclamourasdoesthesolitarylionin thejungle,thethoughtwasdoublyuninvitingofbeing involvedinsuchbustleafterthedelightoftravellingalone andtheblessdpeaceoftheeveninglandscape. Sohedetermined,ashewentonhisway,thathe wouldnotgothroughthecitytotheMangoGrovebut wouldrestforthenightinanyhouseinthenearestsuburb inwhichhecouldfindshelter. Meanwhiletheflaminggoldofthewestern heavenshaddieddowninburningorangetints,andthese inturnhadmeltedintoablazeofthefieriestscarlet.
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Roundabouthimthegreenfieldsdeepenedandgrew moreluminous,asthoughtheearthwereanemeraldlit upfromwithin.Butalreadyadreamyviolethaze envelopedthehorizon,whileamysteriouspurpleflood whetherlightorshadownoonecouldsayrolledin fromeveryside,risingandsinking,fillingallspace,dis solvingfixedoutlinesandcombiningfragments,sweeping nearobjectsawayandbringingcloserthosethatwere distantcausingeverythingtoundulateandwaverin tremblinguncertainty. Startledbythefootstepsofthesolitarywanderer,a fruitbatunhookeditselffromthebranchofablackSla treeand,spreadingitsleatherywings,sweptwithashrill cryawaythroughthedusktopayavisittotheorchardsof thearea. ThusbythetimethattheMasterhadreachedthe outskirtsofRjagaha,thedaywasfarspentandshadowy nightwasathand.

~2~

THEMEETING I
TWASTHEINTENTIONoftheMastertostopatthe firsthousehecametointhisinstancea buildingwhosebluewallsshoneoutfrombetweenthe treesofthesurroundinggarden.Ashewasaboutto approachthedoor,however,henoticedanethungupon abranch.Withoutamomentshesitationhewalkedpast, repelledbythehouseofthebirdcatcher.Hereatthe extremeoutskirtsoftownthehouseswerescattered,in additiontowhichagreatfirehadrecentlysweptthearea sothatsometimeelapsedbeforehecametoanother humanhabitation.Itwasthefarmhouseofawelltodo brahmin.TheMasterhadhardlysteppedwithinthegate, whenheheardtheloudvoicesofthebrahminandhistwo wivesastheyscoldedandwrangled,hurlinginvectivesat oneanother.TheBlessdOneturnedhimselfaround, wentoutthroughthegatewayandmovedon. * * * Thepleasuregardenoftherichbrahminextended foraconsiderabledistancealongtheroad.TheMasterwas alreadyconsciousoffatigueandhisrightfoot,injuredbya sharpstone,painedhimashewalked.Inthisconditionhe approachedthenextdwellingplace,whichwasvisible fromagreatdistanceowingtoabroadpathofvividlight thatstreamedacrosstheroadfromthelatticeworkof
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shuttersandfromtheopendoor.Evenhadablindman comethatwayhecouldnothavefailedtonoticethis house,forlustylaughter,theclangofsilverdrinkingcups, theclappingofhands,thebeatofdancingfeetandthe rhythmicnotesofthesevenstringedvnroseclearly upontheair.Leaningagainstthedoorpostwasabeautiful girlrobedinrichsilksandhungwithjasminegarlands. Laughing,sheflashedherteeth,redfromchewingbetelnut, andinvitedthewayfarertostay:Enterhere,stranger. ThisistheHouseofDelight.ButtheBlessdOnewent onhisway,andashedidsoherecalledhisownwords: ForonewhoisenrapturedwiththeTruth,thesmileof smilingeyesisallsufficing. Theneighbouringhousewasnotfardistantbutthe noiseofthedrinking,singingandvnplayerspenetrated there,sotheBuddhawentontothenext.Besideittwo butchersassistantswerehardatworkbythelastglimmer ofdaylight,cuttingupwithsharpknivesacowtheyhad justslaughtered.AndtheMastermovedonpastthehouse ofthebutcher. Infrontoftheonefollowingstoodmanydishes andbowlsfreshlyformedfromclay,thefruitofadiligent dayslabour.Thepotterswheelstoodunderatamarind tree,andthepotteratthatmomentremovedadishfrom thewheelandboreittowheretheotherslay. TheMasterapproachedthepotter,greetedhim courteously,andsaid:Ifitisnotinconvenienttoyou, respectedfriend,Iwouldliketospendthisnightinyour guesthall. Itisnotinconvenienttome,sir.Butatthismoment anotherseekerlikeyourself,awandererwhoarrived tiredfromalongjourney,hasalreadymovedintherefor thenight.Ifitisagreeabletohim,youarewelcometo stay,sir;itsuptoyou. TheMasterreflected:Solitude,itistrue,isthebest
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ofallcompanions,butthisgoodpilgrimhasarrivedhere late,justlikemyself,tiredfromhiswanderings.Andhehas alsopassedbythehouseswherepeoplefollowunwhole someandbloodylivelihoods,pastthehouseofwrangling andstrife,thehouseofclamourandunholypleasure,and hehasnotresteduntilheenteredthehouseofthepotter. Inthecompanyofsuchamanitispossibletospendthe night. SotheBuddhaenteredtheouterhallandtherehe perceivedayoungmanofnoblebearingsittingina corneronamat. Ifitisnotdisagreeabletoyou,friend,saidthe Master,Iwouldliketospendthenightinthisplace. Thehallofthepotterisspacious,brother;please stayhereifyouwish. TheMasterthusspreadouthismatclosetooneof thewallsandsatdownwithhislegscrossed,hisbody perfectlyupright,focusinghismindindeepmeditation. TheBlessdOneremainedsittinginthiswayduringthe firstpartofthenight. Theyoungmanalsoremainedsittingthusduring thefirstpartofthenight.Seeingthis,theBuddhathought tohimself:Iwonderwhetherthisnobleyouthishappyin hissearchafterTruth.HowwoulditbeifIaskedhim? Soheturnedtotheyoungseekerandenquired, hisvoicebothdeepandgolden:Whatwerethereasons, youngfriend,whatwerethecausesthatencouragedyou tochoosethelifeofhomelessness? Theyoungmananswered:Thenightisyetyoung, venerablesir,ifyouarehappytolendanearIshallgladly tellyouwhyIhavechosenthelifeofthespiritualseeker. TheBlessdOnegaveassentbyafriendlymove mentofhishead,andtheyoungmanbegantotellhistale.
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~3~

TOTHEBANKSOFTHEGANG

YNAMEISKMANTA.Iwasbornin

Ujjen,atownlyingamongthemountains fartothesouth,inthelandofAvanti.Myfatherwasa merchantandrich,thoughourfamilycouldlayclaimto nospecialrank.Hegavemeagoodeducationand,when ofagetoassumetheSacrificialCord,Ialreadypossessed mostoftheaccomplishmentswhichbefitayoungmanof position,sothatpeoplegenerallybelievedImusthave beeneducatedinTaxil,atthegreatuniversity. Icouldwrestleandfencewiththebest.Myvoice wasmelodiousandwelltrained,andIwasabletoplay thevnwithconsiderableartisticskill.Icouldrepeatall theversesoftheMahbharatabyheartandmanyothers also.Iwasmostintimatelyacquaintedwiththemysteries ofpoeticconstruction,andwasmyselfabletowriteverses fulloffeelingandingeniousthought.Icoulddrawand paintsothatfewsurpassedme,andmyoriginalityinthe artofarrangingflowerswasuniversallylauded. Iattainedanunusualmasteryintheknowledgeof thecolourationofcrystalsand,furthermore,couldtellat sightfromwhatplaceanyjewelcame.Myparrotsand minahbirdsItrainedsothatnonespokesowellasthey. AndtoalltheseaccomplishmentsIaddedathorough commandofthegameofchess,thewandgame,archery, ballgamesofeverydescription,riddlesandofflower
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games.Sothatitbecame,myfriend,aproverbialsayingin Ujjen:TalentedastheyoungKmanta. * * * WhenIwastwentyyearsold,myfathersentforme onedayandsaid: Myson,youreducationisnowcomplete;itistime foryoutoseesomethingoftheworldandbeginyour careerasamerchant.Asuitableopportunityhasjustoffered itself.Withinthenextfewdaysourkingwillsendan embassytoKingUdenainKosamb,whichliesfartothe north.ThereIhaveafriendnamedPanda.HeandIhave visitedandstayedwitheachotheratvarioustimes.Hehas frequentlytoldmethatinKosambthereisgoodbusiness tobedoneintheproductsofourland,particularlyinrock crystalsandsandalwoodpowder,andalsoinartistic wickerworkandwovengoods.Ihavealways,however, shunnedsuchbusinessjourneys,holdingthemtobetoo hazardousanundertakingonaccountofthemanydangers oftheroad;butforanyonegoingthereandback alongwiththeembassytherecanbenodangerwhatso ever.Sonow,myson,wehadbettergotothewarehouse andinspectthetwelvewagonswiththeirteamsofoxen andthegoodswhichIhavedecidedonforyourjourney. Inexchangefortheseitemsyouaretobringbackmuslin fromBenaresandcarefullyselectedrice;andthatwillbe thebeginning,andItrustasplendidone,ofyourbusiness career.Thenyouwillhaveanopportunityofseeing foreigncountrieswithtreesandgardens,landscapesand architectureotherthanyourown,andothercustoms;and youwillhavedailycontactwithcourtierswhoaremenof thehigheststationandofmostrefinedaristocraticmanners. AllofthisIconsiderwillbeagreatgain,foramerchant mustbeamanoftheworld.
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 Ithankedmyfatherwithtearsofjoy,andafew dayslatersaidfarewelltomyfriendsandmyhome. Whatajoyfulanticipationmyheartbeatwithas,at theheadofmywagons,Ipassedoutofthecitygates,a memberofthismagnificentprocession,andthewide worldlayopenbeforeme!Eachdayofthejourneywasto melikeafestival,andwhenthecampfiresblazedupin theeveningstoscarethepanthersandtigersaway,andI satinthecirclebythesideoftheambassadorwithmenof yearsandrank,itseemedtomethatIwasinsomekindof wonderfulfairyland. ThroughthemagnificentforestregionsofVedisa andoverthegentlyswellingheightsoftheVindhaya mountainswereachedthevastnorthernplain,andthere anentirelynewworldopeneditselfoutbeforemeforI hadneverimaginedthattheearthcouldbesoflatandso huge. Itwasaboutamonthafteroursettingoutthat,one gloriousevening,fromapalmcoveredhilltop,wesaw twogoldenbandswhich,disengagingthemselvesfrom themistsonthehorizon,threadedthroughtheimmeasur ableacresofgreenbeneath,andgraduallyapproached eachotheruntiltheybecameunitedinonebroadzone. Ahandtouchedmyshoulder. Itwastheambassadorwhohadapproachedme unperceived. Those,Kmanta,arethesacredriverYamunand thedivineGangwhosewatersunitebeforeoureyes. InvoluntarilyIraisedmyhands,palmstogether,in reverence. Youdowelltogreettheminthisway,mypatron wenton.ForiftheGangcomesfromthehomeofthe godsamidthesnowcladmountainsofthenorthand flowsfromtheAbodeoftheEternal;theYamun,onthe otherhand,takesitsriseinlandsknowntofardistant
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heroicdays,anditsfloodshavereflectedtheruinsof Hastinapura,TheCityofElephants,anditwashedthe plainwherethePndavasandtheKaurvasstruggledfor mastery;whereKarnaragedinhistent,whereKrishna himselfguidedthesteedsofArjunabutofallthatIdo notneedremindyou,Iknowthatyouarewellversedin theancientheroicsongs. OftenIhavestoodonthatprojectingtongueof landwherethebluewavesoftheYamunrollonward sidebysidewiththeyellowwatersoftheGang,andblue andyellowhavenevermingled.Blueandyellow,warrior andbrahmininthegreatriverbedofCaste,passing onwardtoeternity,approachingunitingforever sidebysideforevertwo.Thenitseemedtomethat, blendedwiththerushingofthesebluefloods,Iheard warlikesoundstheclashofweaponsandtheblowing ofhorns,theneighingofhorsesandthetrumpetingofwar elephantsandmyheartbeatfaster,formyancestors alsohadbeenthere.AndthesandsofKurukshetradrank theirheroicblood. Fullofadmiration,Ilookeduptothismanfrom thewarriorcasteinwhosefamilysuchmemorieslived. Buthetookmebythehandandsaid:Come,son, lookatthegoalofyourfirstjourney.Heledmeafew stepsaroundsomedenseshrubberythathad,upuntil then,hiddentheviewtotheeast. AsitflasheduponmyvisionIgaspedinadmiration forthere,atabendofthebroadGang,laythecityof Kosambgreatandsplendidinitsbeauty.Withitswalls andtowers,itspiledupmassesofhouses,itsterraces, quaysandbathingghatslitupbythesettingsun,itreally lookedlikeacityofredgoldacitysuchasBenareshad beenuntiltheunwholesomelivesofitsinhabitants changedittostoneandmortarwhilethecupolasthat wereofrealgoldshonelikesomanysuns.Columnsof
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smoke,darkredbrownfromthetemplecourtsabove, lightbluefromthefuneralpyresonthebanksbelow,rose straightintotheair.Carriedaloftonthese,asifitwerea canopy,therehungoverthewholeaveilwovenofthe tenderesttintsofmotherofpearl,whileinthebackground, flungforthinthewildestprofusion,thereflashed andburnedeveryhueofheaven.Onthesacredstream, whichmirroredallthisgloryandmultiplieditathousand foldintheshimmerofitswaters,countlessboatswere rocking,gaywithmanycolouredsailsandstreamers.And, distantthoughwewere,wecouldseethebroadstairsof theghatsswarmingwithpeopleandnumerousbathers splashinginthesparklingwavesbeneath.Asoundof joyousmovement,floatingoutupontheairlikethebusy humofinnumerablebees,wasborneuptousfromtime totime. Asyoucanimagine,IfeltasifIwaslookingupon acityoftheTavatimsaheaven,theabodeoftheThirtythree Gods,ratherthanoneofhumanbeings;indeed,the wholevalleyoftheGangandtheYamunwithitsluxuriant richnesslookedtousmenofthehillslikeParadise.And,in truth,thisveryplaceofallothersonearthwasindeedto becomeParadiseforme. ThatsamenightIsleptunderthehospitableroofof Panda,myfathersoldfriend. EarlyonthefollowingdayIhurriedtothenearest ghatanddescended,withfeelingswhichIcannotattempt todescribe,intothesacredwaterswhichshouldnotonly cleansemefromthedustofmyjourneybutalsofrommy unwholesomekarmaaswell.Thiswas,owingtomy youth,ofnogreatgravityasyet;howeverIfilledalarge bottlefromtherivertotakehometomyfather.Unfortu nately,itnevercameintohispossession,asyouwillsoon learnfrommytale. ThegoodPanda,agreyhairedoldgentlemanof
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venerableappearance,nowconductedmetothemarkets ofthecityand,withhisfriendlyassistance,inthecourse ofthenextfewdaysIwasabletosellmywaresatagood profitandtopurchaseanabundanceofthoseproducts ofthenorthernplainswhicharesohighlyprizedamong ourpeople. Mybusinesswasthusbroughttoahappyconclusion longbeforetheembassyhadbeguntothinkofgetting readytostartonitsreturnjourney;andIwasinnoway sorry,forIhadnowfulllibertytoseethetownandto partakeofitspleasures,whichIdidtothefull,inthe companyofSomadatta,thesonofmyhost.

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 ~4~

THEMAIDENBALLPLAYER O
NEDELIGHTFULAFTERNOONwetook

ourselvestoapublicgardenoutsidethetowna reallymagnificentparkitwas,lyingclosetothehigh banksoftheGangwithshadygroupsoftrees,largelotus ponds,marblesummerhousesandjasminearboursin which,atthishouroftheday,lifeandbustlereigned supreme.Hereweweregentlyrockedonagoldenswingseat bytheattendants,whilewithravishedheartswe listenedtothelovesicknotesoftheKokilabirdandthe sweetchatterofthegreenparrots.Allatoncethererose ontheairthemerrytinklingofanklets,andinstantlymy friendsprangoutoftheswingandcalledtome: Look,Kmanta!ThefairestmaidensinKosamb arejustapproaching,virginsspeciallychosenfromthe richestandmostnoblehouses,cometodohonourtothe GoddesswhodwellsontheVindhayamountainsby engaginginballgames.Countyourselffortunate,my friend,foratthisgamewemayseethemwithoutrestraint. Come,wemustnotmissourchance. NaturallyIwaitedfornosecondbiddingbutmade hastetofollow. * * * Onaspaciousstagedecoratedwithprecious stonesthemaidensappeared,readyforthegame.And,if
21

itmustbeacknowledgedthatitwasararesighttobehold thisgalaxyoffairyoungcreaturesinalltheirgloryof shimmeringsilk,airymuslinveils,pearls,sparklingjewels andgoldenbangles,whatmustbesaidofthegameitself thatgavetoallthesegraciousfiguressuchvariedopportu nitiesofdisplayingtheirwealthofsubtlebeautyinthe mostcharmingofpositionsandmovements?Andyetthat was,asitwere,butaprologue.Forwhenthesegazelle eyedworshippershadentertainedusforaconsiderable timewithgamesofmanykinds,theyallsteppedback exceptforone,whoremainedaloneinthecentreofthe jewelledstage:inthecentreofthestage...andinthe centreofmyheart. Ah,myfriend,whatshallIsay?Totalkofher beautywouldbeanaudacity!Ishouldneedtobeapoet likeBharatahimselftoconjureuptoyourimagination evenafaintreflectionofit.Letitsufficethatthismaiden, withthegentleradianceofthemooninherface,wasof suchfaultlessformandglowedineveryfeaturewiththe freshnessofyouth,thatIfelthertobetheincarnate GoddessofFortuneandBeauty.Everyhaironmybody quiveredwithdelightasIbeheldher. InhonouroftheGoddesswhomshesoperfectly represented,shesoonbeganaperformanceworthyofa greatartist.Droppingtheballeasilyonthestage,asit slowlyroseshegaveit,withflowerlikehand,thumb slightlybentandtenderfingersoutstretched,asharp downwardblow,thenstruckit,asitrebounded,withthe backofherhandandcaughtitagaininmidairasitfell. Shetosseditinslow,inmediumandinquicktime,now incitingittorapidmotion,thengentlyquietingit. Then,strikingitalternatelywiththerighthandand withtheleft,shedroveittowardseverypointofthe compassandcaughtitasitreturned.Ifyouareacquainted withthemysteriesofballplayasitseemstomefrom
22

theintelligenceofyourexpressionthatyouareIneed onlytellyouthatyouhaveprobablyneverseenthe CurnapdaandtheGtamargasoperfectlymastered. ThenshedidsomethingthatIhadneverseenand ofwhichIhadnotevenheard.Shetooktwogoldenballs and,whileherfeetmovedinadancetothetinklingofthe jewelsshewore,shemadetheballsspringsorapidlyin lightninglikelines,thatitwasasifonesawthegolden barsofacageinwhichawondrousbirdhoppeddaintily toandfro. Itwasatthispointthatoureyessuddenlymet. Tothisday,Ostranger,Idonotunderstandhowit wasthatIdidnotinstantlydropdead,toberebornina heavenofbliss.Itmaywellbe,however,thatthefruitsof deedsdoneinaformerlifewerenotyetexhausted. Indeed,thiskarmafrommywanderingsinthepasthas,it seems,carriedmesafelythroughvariousmortaldangers downtothepresentday,andItrustitwilldosoforalong timetocome. Buttoreturn.Atthisinstantoneoftheballs,which hadhithertobeensoobedienttoher,escapedandflewin amightycurvedownfromthestage.Manyyoungmen rushedtoseizeit.Ireacheditatthesamemomentas anotherrichlydressedyouthandweflewatoneanother, becauseneitherwaswillingtoyieldit.Owingtomy absolutefamiliaritywiththetricksofthewrestler,Isuc ceededintrippinghimup;buthe,inordertoholdme back,caughtatthecrystalchainwhichIworeroundmy neck,andtowhichanamuletwasattached.Thechain snapped,hewentcrashingtotheearthandIsecuredthe ball.Inafury,hesprangupandhurledthechainatmy feet.Theamuletwasatigereye,notaspeciallyprecious stone,yetitwasaninfalliblesafeguardagainsttheevil eye;andnow,justashisenragedglarelandeduponme,I waswithoutit.Butwhatdidthatmattertome?DidInot
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holdinmyhandtheballwhich,amomentbefore,herlily handhadtouched?Atonce,asanyhighlyskilledplayer should,Isucceededinpitchingitwithsuchanaccurate aimthatitcamedownjustinfrontofonecornerofthe stageand,risingagainwithagentlemovement,itlanded asiftamedwithinreachofthefairplayer,whohadnotfor amomentceasedtokeeptheotherinmotion,andwho nowwoveherselfagainintohergoldencageamidthe wildjubilationofthecrowdofspectators.Withthatthe ballplayinhonouroftheGoddessLakshmcametoan end,themaidensdisappearedfromthestageandwe turnedourstepshomeward. Ontheway,myfriendremarkedthatitwasfortu natethatIhadnobusinesstoconductatcourt;forthe youngmanfromwhomIhadcapturedtheballwasno lessapersonagethanthesonoftheMinisterofState,and everyonehadnoticedfromhislooksthathehadsworn undyinghatredtome.Thatdidnotmovemeintheslight est;howmuchratherwouldIhavelearnedwhomy Goddesswas.Ifoughtshyofasking,however;infact, whenSomadattawantedtoteasemeaboutthefairone,I evenaffectedperfectindifference,praisedwiththelan guageofaconnoisseurthefinishofherplaybutadded,at thesametime,thatwehadinmynativetowngirlplayers atleastasskilfulwhileinmyheartofheartsIbegged theincomparableonetopardonmyfalsehood. * * * Ineedhardlysaythatthatnightbroughtnosleep tomyeyes,whichIonlyclosedinordertobepossessed anewbytheblissfulvisionIhadseen.Thefollowingday wasspentbymeinacornerofmyhostsgarden,far removedfromallthenoiseoftheday,wherethesandy soilunderamangotreeministeredacoolingbalmtomy
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lovetorturedbodymyonlycompanionbeingthe sevenstringedvntowhichIconfidedmylonging.As soonasthelesseningheatpermittedmygoingout,how ever,IpersuadedSomadattatodrivewithmetothepublic gardens,althoughhewouldhavegreatlypreferredtogo toaquailfight.Asitwas,Iwanderedthroughthewhole parkinvain.Manymaidenswerethereandallengagedin games,asthoughbentonluringmewithfalsehopesfrom onespottoanother,butthatunsurpassedoneSri Lakshmsveryimagewasnotamongthem. Bitterlydisappointed,InowpretendedthatIwas possessedbyanirresistiblelongingtoenjoythestrangely fascinatinglifeoftheGang.Wevisitedalltheghatsand finallygotintoaboat,inordertobecomeoneofthe joyousflotillawhicheveryeveningrockedtoandfroon thewavesofthesacredstream.Ilingereduntiltheplayof lightandthegoldenglowofeveningwereextinguished, andtheblazeoftorchesandtheglimmeroflanterns dancedandwhirledonitsglassysurface. ThenatlastIwasobligedtogiveupmysilentbut nonethelesspassionatehope,andIbidmyboatmansteer forthenearestghat. AfteranothersleeplessnightIremainedinmy roomand,inordertooccupyandrelievemymindwhich wasstillutterlypossessedbyherimage,Isoughtwiththe aidofbrushandcolourtotransfertothewoodenpanel onmywallherfairlineamentsasIhadlastbeheldthem, whendancingshehadstruckthegoldenball.Iwas unabletoeatamorsel;forevenastheCakorawithits exquisitelytendersonglivesonlyupontheraysofthe moon,sodidIlivesolelyupontheraysthatemanated fromherwhosefacewasasthemooninitsfairness, althoughthesecametomeonlythroughthemistsof memory;yetIconfidentlyhopedthatthiseveninginthe pleasuregardenstheywouldrefreshandvivifymewithall
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theirglowandradiance.Alas!Iwasagaindoomedto disappointment. AfterwardsSomadattawishedtotakemetothe gamingtables,forhewasaspassionatelyaddictedtothe diceaswasNlaafterthefierceGoddessKlhadentered intohim.Ifeignedtiredness. Insteadofgoinghomehowever,Itookmyself againtotheghatsandoutontotheriver,but,tomy unspeakablegrief,withnobetterresultthanonthepre cedingevening:Shewasnotthere.

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~5~

THEMAGICPORTRAIT

SIKNEWTHATformesleepwasnottobe

thoughtof,Ididnotundressatallthatevening, butsatdownattheheadofmybedonthegrass matintendedformeditationanddevotionalprayers.I spentthenightthereinwhatItooktobeasuitablyspiri tualfashion:filledwithferventthoughtsofloveand absorbedincontemplationofthelotusbearingLakshm, hercelestialprototype.Theearlymorningsun,however, foundmeagainatworkwithbrushandcolour. * * * Severalhourshadalreadyflownawayasifon wingswhileIwasthusoccupied,whenSomadattaentered theroom.WhenIheardhimcoming,Ionlyjusthadtime tothrustthepanelandpaintingmaterialsunderthebed.I didthisquiteinvoluntarily. Somadattatookalowchair,satdownbesideme andlookedatmewithasmileonhisface. IntruthIperceive,hesaid,thatourhouseisto havethehonourofbeingthespiritualbirthplaceofaholy man.Youfastasonlythemoststrenuousofasceticsdo andrefrainfromusingtheluxuriousbed.Forneitheron yourpillowsnoronyourmattressistheretobeseenthe faintestimpressionofyourbody,andthewhitesheetis
29

withoutacrease.Nevertheless,althoughastheresultof yourfastingyouhavealreadygrownquiteslim,yourbody isnotyetentirelydevoidofweight,astheobservantmay seefromthisgrassmatonwhichyouhaveobviously spentthenightinprayerandmeditation.ButIfindthat, forsoholyatenant,thisroomlookssomewhattoo worldly:hereonyourdressingtable,thejarofskincream untouched,itistrue;theboxofsandalwoodpowder; thecarafeofscentedwaterandthedishwithbarkofthe lemontreeandbetelnut.Thereonthewall,thewreathof yellowamaranths,andthevn,but...whereisthepanel whichusuallyhangsonthathook? InmyembarrassmentIwasunabletoframeany answertothisquestionandhemeanwhilediscoveredthe missingboard,anddrewitforthfromunderthebed. Why!Why!Whatwickedandcraftywizard,he cried,hascausedthefascinatingpictureofamaiden playingballtoappearbymagicontheboardwhichI myselfhungquiteemptyonthathook?Plainly,theyhave donethiswithevilintent,toassailtheembryoasceticand tempthimattheverybeginningofhiscareer,andthusto confusebothsenseandthoughtinhim.Orcoulditbethat thisistheworkofagod?Forweknowitisafactthatthe godsfeartheomnipotenceofgreatascetics;and,begin ningasyouhavedone,theVindhayaMountainsmight wellbegintobelchsmokeatthefervencyofyourausteri ties;indeed,owingtoyouraccumulationofblessings,the kingdomofheavenlybeingsmightalmostbegintototter. AndnowIalsoknowwhichdeityitis!Certainlyitishe whomwenametheInvisible,theGodwiththeFlower DartswhobearsafishonhisbannerKma,thegodof love,fromwhomyougetyourname,asInowremember. And,heavens,whatdoIsee?ButthisisVsitth,the daughteroftherichgoldsmith! AsIthus,forthefirsttime,heardthenameofmy
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belovd,myheartbegantobeatviolentlyandmyface grewpalefromagitation. Isee,mydearfriend,thisincorrigiblejesterwent on,thattheideaofthemagicofKmahasgivenyoua greatfrightand,truly,weshallbeobligedtodosomething inordertoaverthisanger.Insuchacase,however,Ifeel thatawomanscounselisnottobedespised.Ishallshow thispicturetomybelovdMedin,whowasalsooneof thoseatthedanceandwhois,furthermore,thefostersister ofthefairVsitth. Withthat,hewasabouttogoaway,takingthe panelwithhim.Perceiving,however,whattheroguehad inmindIbadehimwait,asthepicturestilllackedan inscription.Imixedsomebeautifulredofabrillianthue andinafewminuteshadwritten,inthedaintiestofscript, averseoffourlineswhichrelatedinsimplelanguagethe incidentofthegoldenball.Theverse,whenreadback wards,statedthattheballwithwhichshehadplayedwas myheart,whichImyselfsentbacktoherevenattherisk ofherrejectingit.Itwaspossible,however,toreadthe verseperpendicularlythroughthelinesandwhensoread, fromtoptobottom,itvoicedinsaddestwordsthedespair intowhichmyseparationfromherhadplungedme;ifone readitintheoppositedirectionthenthereaderlearned thatneverthelessIdaredtohope. ButofallthatIhadconveyedtoherinsucha surreptitiousfashionIsaidnothing,sothatSomadattawas bynomeansenchantedwiththisspecimenofmypoetic skill.Itseemedtohimmuchtoosimple,andheinformed methatIoughtcertainlytomentionhowthegodKma, alarmedatmyasceticism,hadbyhismagicskillcreated thispicturewithwhichtotemptmeandthatbyitIhad beenwhollyvanquishedSomadatta,likesomany others,beinghighlyimpressedbyhisownwit. AfterhehadcarriedoffthepictureIfeltmyselfina
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particularlyexaltedandenergeticmood,forastephad nowbeentakenwhich,initsconsequences,mightleadto thelongedforgoalofallmyhappiness.Iwasnowableto eatanddrinkand,afteralightmeal,Itookdownthevn fromthewallanddrewfromitsstringsmelodiesthatwere sometimesnomorethantunefulsighsbutnowandthen grewexultingandjoyous,whileIrepeatedtheheavenly nameofVsitthinathousandendearingaccents. Somadattafoundmethuswhen,afewhourslater, hecameinwiththepictureinhishand.Theballplaying destroyerofyourpeacehasalsobeenmovedtoverse, saidhe,butIcannotsaythatIamabletofindmuchof consequenceinwhatshehaswritten,althoughthehand writingisunusuallypretty. Anditwasindeedpretty.Isawbeforemewith inexpressiblejoyasecondverseoffourlineswrittenin characterslikespraysoftenderblossomsswayedbysum merzephyrs,andlookingasiftheyhadbeenbreathed uponthepicture.Somadattahad,ofcourse,beenunable tofindanymeaninginthem,fortheyreferredsolelyto thatwhichhehadnotperceived,andshowedmethatmy faironehadcorrectlyreadmycompositioninevery directionbackwards,upwardsanddownwards.Itgave meagoodideaofherexaltededucationandknowledge, nolessthanitdidtherevelationofherrarespiritinthe graciouslyhumorousturnshegavetomyfierydeclara tion,whichshechosetoacceptasapieceofgallantryor aneffusiontowhichtoomuchimportanceneednotbe attached. Inowattempted,Iconfess,toreadherverseinthe crisscrossfashionwhichhadbeenpossiblewithmine,in thehopethatImightfindinitacovertconfessionorother secretmessage,perhapseventheinvitationtoarendez vous,butinvain.AndItoldmyselfatoncethatthiswasin truthbutaconvincingproofofthehighestandmost
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refinedfemininevirtue:mydarlingshowedmethatshe wasperfectlycapableofunderstandingthesubtletyand daringwaysofthemasculinemindbutcouldnotbe inducedtoimitatethem. BesideswhichIfoundimmediatecomfortformy disappointedexpectationsinSomadattasnextwords. Butthisfaironewiththebeautifulbrows,evenif sheisnogreatpoetess,reallyhasagoodheart.Sheknows thatforalongtimeIhavenotseenherfostersister,my belovdMedin,exceptatlargesocialgatheringswhere onlytheeyesmayspeakandeventhesesolelybystealth. Andsoshehasarrangedameetingfortomorrownight,on theterraceofherfatherspalace.Tonightitis,Iregretto say,notpossibleasherfathergivesabanquet;sountil tomorrowwemusthavepatience.Perhapsyouwouldlike toaccompanymeonthisadventure? Ashesaidthis,helaughedwithmuchslynessandI laughedwithhim,assuringhimthathewouldhavemy company.Inthebestofspirits,wetookthechessboard whichwasleaningagainstthewallandwereabouttopass thetimebyengaginginthisgamewhenamanservant cameinandannouncedthatastrangerwishedtospeak withme. IntheentrancehallIfoundtheambassadors attendant,whoinformedmethatImustpreparefor departureatonceandcometothecourtyardofthepalace thatverynight,bringingmywagonsinordertobeableto startwiththefirstglimmerofdaylightonthemorrow. MydespairknewnoboundsandIimaginedthatI musthaveoffendedoneofthedeitiesinsomemysterious way.AssoonasIwasabletocollectmythoughtsIdashed awaytotheambassadorandfilledhisearswithliesabout somebusinessthatIhadnotyetarranged,andthatit couldnotpossiblybebroughttoasatisfactoryconclusion insoshortatime.WithhottearsIbeggedhimtoputoff
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thejourneyforbutasingleday. Butyousaideightdaysagothatyouwereready, hereplied. Iassuredhimthatafterwards,andquiteunexpect edly,theopportunityofgainingavaluableprizehad presenteditself.Andthatwasindeednofalsehood,for whatgaincouldmeanmoretomethanwinningtheheart ofthisincomparablemaiden?SoIfinallysucceededin willingthisonedayfromhim. Thehoursofthenextdayworequicklyaway, filledastheywerewiththepreparationsnecessaryforour journey,sothatinspiteofmylongingthetimedidnot drag.Wheneveningcameourcartsstoodloadedinthe courtyard.Everythingwaspreparedforyokingintheoxen sothat,assoonasIshouldappearthatis,before daybreakwemightbeabletostart.

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~6~

ONTHETERRACEOFTHESORROWLESS N
OWTHATNIGHTANDdarknesshadcome, SomadattaandItookourselvescladin shadowcolouredclothingwhichwegatheredwellup aboutus,ourwaistsfirmlybeltedandwithswordsinour handstothewesternsideofthepalatialhouseofthe goldsmith,wheretheterracethatwesoughtwasperched, crowningthesteepandrockysideofadeepravine.With thehelpofabamboopolethatwehadbroughtwithus, andbythedexteroususeofafewexistingprojections,we climbedthefaceoftherockataspotveiledindeep darkness.Weswungoverthewallwitheaseandfound ourselvesonaspaciousterracedecoratedwithpalms, Asokatreesandmagnificentfloweringplantsofevery description,allnowbathedinthesilverlightofthemoon. * * * Notfaraway,besideayounggirlonagarden benchandlookinglikeavisitantfromtheheavenly spheresinherwonderfullikenesstoLakshm,satthe greateyedmaidenwhohadplayedballwithmyheart.At thesightIbegantotremblesoviolentlythatIwasobliged toleanagainsttheparapet,thetouchofwhosemarble cooledandquietedmyfeveredandfailingsenses. MeanwhileSomadattahastenedtohisbelovd,
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whohadsprungupwithalowcry.Seeingthis,Ialso pulledmyselftogethersofarastobeabletoapproachthe incomparableone.She,toallappearancessurprisedatthe arrivalofastranger,hadrisenandseemedundecidedas whethersheshouldgoorstay;hereyesmeanwhile,like thoseofastartledyounggazelle,shotsidelongglancesat me,andherbodyquiveredlikeatendrilswayingina gentlebreeze.Asforme,Istoodinsteadilyincreasing confusion,withdisorderedhairandtelltaleeyes,andwas barelyabletostammerafewwordsinwhichItoldher howmuchIappreciatedtheunhopedforhappinessof meetingherhere.Butshe,whenshenoticedmygreat shyness,seemedherselftobecomecalmer.Shesatdown onthebenchagain,andinvitedmewithagentle movementofherlotushandtotakeaseatbesideher;and then,inavoicefulloftremuloussweetness,assuredme thatshewasverygladtobeabletothankmeforhaving flungtheballbacktoherwithsuchskillthatthegame sufferednointerruption;for,hadthathappened,the wholemeritofherperformancewouldhavebeenlostand theGoddesssoclumsilyhonouredwouldhavevisitedher angeruponher,orwouldatleasthavesentherno happiness.TowhichIrepliedthatsheowedmenothanks asIhad,attheverymost,onlymadegoodmyown mistakeand,asshedidnotseemtounderstandwhatI hadmeantbythat,Iventuredtoremindherofthe meetingofoureyesandoftheensuingconfusionwhich causedhertofailinherstrokesothattheballflewaway. Butshereddenedviolentlyandabsolutelyrefusedto acknowledgesuchathing:Whatshouldhaveconfused herinthat? Iimagine,Ianswered,thatfrommyeyes,which musthaverivalledflowersinfullbloomthen,suchasweet odourofadmirationstreamedforththatforamomentyou werestupefiedandsoyourhandwentbesidetheball.
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 Oh!Whattalkisthisofyoursaboutadmiration? sheretorted,youareaccustomedtoseeingmuchmore skilfulplayersinyourhometown! FromthisremarkIgatheredwithsatisfactionthatI hadbeentalkedofandthatthewordsIhadusedto Somadattahadbeenaccuratelyrepeated.ButIgrewhot andthencoldatthethoughtthatIhadspokenalmost slightinglyandIhastenedtoassureherthattherewasnot onewordoftruthinmystatement,andthatIhadonly spokenthusinordernottobetraymyprecioussecretto myfriend.Butshewouldntbelieveit,ormadeasifshe didntand,inspeakingofit,Ihappilyforgotmybashful ness,grewpassionatelyeagertoconvinceher,andtold herhow,atthesightofher,theLoveGodhadrainedhis flowerdartsuponme:Iwasconvinced,Isaid,thatina formerexistenceshehadbeenmyheartscompanion otherwisehowcouldsuchasuddenandirresistiblelove havearisen?Butifthatwereso,thenshemustequally haverecognisedinmeherformerbelovd,andasimilar lovemusthavesprungupinherbreastalso. WithsuchaudaciouswordsdidIbesiegeher,until atlengthshehadherburningandtearfulcheekonmy breastandacknowledgedinwordsthatwerescarcely audible,thatithadbeenwithherasithadbeenwithme, andthatshewouldsurelyhavediedhadnotherfoster sisterbroughtherthepicture. Thenwekissedandcaressedoneanothercountless timesandfeltasifweshouldexpireforjoy,until suddenlythethoughtofmyimpendingdeparturefelllike adarkshadowovermyhappinessandforcedadeepsigh fromwithinme. Dismayed,VsitthaskedwhyIsighed,butwhenI toldherofthecauseshesankbackfaintingonthebench andbrokeintoaperfecttempestoftearsandheartrending sobs.Vainwereallmyattemptstocomfortmyhearts
39

belovdone.InvaindidIassureherthatassoonasthe rainyseasonwasoverIwouldreturnandneveragain leaveher,evenifIhadtotakeserviceasamanual labourerinKosamb.Spokentothewindswereallmy assurancesthatmydespairattheseparationwasnotless thanherown,andthatonlystern,inexorablenecessity toremeawayfromhersosoon.Betweenhersobs,she wasscarcelyabletoutterthefewwordsneededtoask whyitwassoimperativetogoawayasearlyastomorrow, justwhenwehadfoundoneanother.AndwhenIthen explaineditalltoherveryexactly,witheverydetail,she seemedneithertohearnortocomprehendtwosyllables together:Oh,shesawperfectlythatIwaslongingtoget backtomynativetownwherethereweremanymaidens morebeautifulthanshe,whowerealsofarmoreskilful ballplayers,asImyselfhadacknowledged. Imightaffirm,protest,andswearwhateverIchose sheneverthelessadheredtoherassertion,andever morecopiouslyflowedhertears.Cananyonewonderthat Isoonfoundmyselflyingatherfeet,coveringthehand thathunglimplydownwithkissesandtears,andthatI promisednottoleaveher?Andwhocouldthenhavebeen moreblissfulthanIwhenVsitthflunghersoftarms aroundme,kissingmeagainandagain,laughingand cryingforjoy? Itistrueshenowinstantlysaid:There,yousee,itwas notatallsonecessaryforyoutotravelaway,forthen youwouldunquestionablyhavehadtogo.ButwhenIset myselfoncemoretoexplaineverythingclearlytoher, sheclosedmymouthwithakissandsaidthatsheknewI lovedherandthatshedidnotreallymeanwhatshehadsaid ofthegirlsinmynativetown. Filledwithtendercaressesandsweetconfidences, thehoursflewbyasinadream,andtherewouldhave beennoendtoallourblisshadnotSomadattaandMedin
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suddenlyappearedtotellusthatitwashightimetothink ofreturninghome. InthecourtyardatSomadattaswefoundevery thingreadyformysettingout.Icalledtheoverseerofthe oxwagonstomeandbiddinghimusetheutmosthaste senthimtotheambassadorwiththeinformationthat mybusinesswas,Iwassorrytosay,notyetentirelysettled andthatImust,asaconsequence,relinquishtheideaof makingthejourneyundertheescortoftheembassy.My onerequestwasthathewouldbesogoodasgivemylove tomyparentsandwiththatIclosedmymessage. * * * ScarcelyhadIstretchedmyselfonmybed,inorder ifpossibletoenjoyafewhourssleep,whenthe ambassadorhimselfentered.Thoroughlydismayed,I boweddeeplybeforehimwhilehe,inimperiousvoice, askedwhatthisunheardofbehaviourmeant:Iwasto comewithhimatonce! Inreply,Iwasabouttospeakofmystillunfinished business,buthestoppedmeinmidstream. Whatnonsense!Business!Enoughofsuchlies.Do yousupposeIwouldnotknowwhatkindofbusinessis onhandwhenayoungpuppysuddenlydeclareshimself unabletoleaveatown,evenifIhadnotseenthatyour wagonsalreadystandfullyloaded,harnessedupwiththe oxen,inthecourtyard? OfcourseInowstoodscarletwithshameand trembling,completelyrevealedinmylie.Butwhenhe orderedmetocomewithhimatonce,asalreadytoo manyoftheprecious,coolmorninghourshadbeenlost, heencounteredanoppositionforwhichhewasplainly notprepared.Fromatoneofcommandhepassedtoa threateningone,andfinallywasreducedtopleading.He
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remindedmethatmyparentshadonlydecidedtosend meonsuchadistantjourneybecausetheyknewIwould performitinhiscompanyandunderhisprotection. Buthecouldhaveputforwardnoargumentless suitedtohispurpose.ForIatoncerealisedthatthenI shouldhavetowaituntilanotherembassywentto KosambbeforeIcouldreturntomyVsitth.No,Iwould showmyfatherthatIwaswellabletoconductacaravan alonethroughallthehardshipsanddangersoftheroad. Itistruethattheambassadornowpaintedallof thesedangersinvividlygloomycolours,butallthathe saidwasspokentothewinds.Finally,inagreatrage,he leftme:Hewasnottoblame,hebarked,andImust smartformyownfolly. TomeitseemedasifIwererelievedfroman insufferableburden;Ihadnowsurrenderedmyselfcom pletelytomylove.InthissweetrealisationIfellasleep anddidnotwakeuntilitwastimeforustotakeourselves totheterracewhereourlovedonesawaitedus. * * * Nightafternightwecametogetherthere,andon eachoccasionVsitthandIdiscoverednewtreasuresin ourmutualaffectionandboreawaywithusanincreased longingforournextmeeting.Themoonlightseemedto metobemoresilvery,themarblecooler,thescentofthe doublejasminesmoreintoxicating,thecalloftheKokila birdmorelanguishing,therustlingofthepalmsmore dreamy,andtherestlesswhisperingoftheAsokasmore fullofmysteriouspromisethantheycouldpossiblyhave beenanywhereelseintheworld. Oh!HowdistinctlycanIstillrecallthesplendid Asokatreeswhichstoodalongthewholelengthofthe terraceandunderneathwhichwesooftenwandered,
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holdingeachotherincloseembrace.TheTerraceofthe Sorrowlessitwascalled,fromthosetreeswhichthepoets nameTheSorrowlessTree,andsometimesHeartsease.I haveneverseensuchmagnificentspecimensanywhere else.Thespearshapedsleeplessleavesgleamedinthe raysofthemoonandwhisperedinthegentlenightwind, andinbetweenthemglowedthegolden,orangeand scarletflowers,althoughwewereasyetonlyatthebegin ningoftheVasantaseason.Butthen,brother,howshould thesetreesnothavestoodinalltheirglory,seeingthatthe Asokaopensitsblossomsatonceifitsrootsaretouched bythefootofabeautifulmaiden. Onewonderfulnight,whenthemoonwasatits full,Istoodbeneaththemwiththebelovdcauseoftheir earlybloom,mysweetVsitth.Beyondthedeepshadow oftheravinewegazedfaroutintotheland.Wesawthe tworiversbeforeuswindlikesilverribbonsawayoverthe vastplainanduniteatthatmostsacredspot,whichpeople calltheTripleUnion,becausetheybelievethattheHeav enlyGangjoinsthemthereasathirdriverforbythis beautifulnametheycallthewonderfulheavenlyglow whichweintheSouthknowastheMilkyWayand Vsitth,raisingherhand,pointedtowhereitshonefar abovethetreetops. ThenwespokeofthemightyHimalayasinthe north,whencetheblessdGangflowsdown;the Himalayas,whosesnowcoveredpeaksarethedwelling placesofthegodsandwhoseimmenseforestsanddeep chasmshavegivensheltertothegreatascetics.Butitwas withevengreaterpleasurethatIfollowedthecourseof theYamuntowhereittakesitsrise. Oh,Icalledout,ifIonlyhadafairyshipof motherofpearl,withmywishesforsailsandsteeredby mywillitwouldcarryusontheswellofthatsilver streamupwardstoitssource.ThenHastinapurawouldrise
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againfromitsruinsandthetoweringpalaceswouldring withthebanquetingoftherevellersandthestrifeofthe diceplayers.ThenthesandsofKurukshetrawouldyield uptheirdead.TherethegreatBhshmainhissilver armour,overwhichwouldfloathislongwhitebraided locks,wouldtowerabovethefieldonhisloftychariotand rainhispolishedarrowsuponthefoe;thevaliantPhaga dattawouldcomedashing,mountedonhisbattledrunk bullelephant;theagileKrishnawouldsweepwiththe fourwhitewarriorsteedsofArjunaintothefiercesttumult ofthefight. Oh!HowIenviedtheambassadorhisbelonging tothewarriorcaste,whenhetoldmethathisancestors alsohadtakenpartinthatnevertobeforgottenencounter. Butthatwasfoolish.Fornotonlybydescentdowe possessancestors;weareourownancestors.WherehadI beenthen?Probablyalsothereamongthecombatants.For althoughIamamerchantsson,thepracticeofarmshas alwaysbeenmygreatestdelight;anditisnottoomuchto saythat,swordinhand,Iamamatchforanyman. Vsitthembracedmerapturouslyandsaid:I mustcertainlyhavebeenoneoftheheroeswhostilllive oninsong;whichoneofthemofcoursewecouldnot know,astheperfumeoftheCoralTreecouldscarcely penetratetousthroughthesweetaromaoftheAsoka blossoms. Iaskedhertotellmesomethingofthenatureof thatperfumeofwhich,totellthetruth,Ihadneverheard, forindeedIfoundthatfantasy,likeallotherthings, blossomedfarmoreluxuriouslyhereinthevalleyofthe Gangthanitdidwithusmorearidfolkupamongstthe mountains. Sosherelatedtomehowonce,onhisjourneying throughIndrasworld,Krishnahad,atthemartialgames, wonthecelestialCoralTreeandhadplanteditinhis
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garden,atreewhosedeepredblossomsspreadtheir fragrancefararound.Andshesaidthatonewhoinhaled thisperfumewouldrememberinherheartthelong,long pasttimesofformerliveslongsincevanished. Butonlysaintsandholyonesareabletoinhale thisperfumehereonearth,shesaid,andaddedalmost roguishly,andwetwoshall,Ifear,hardlybecomesuch. Butwhatdoesthatmatter?EvenifwewerenotNlaand Damayant,Iamsurewelovedeachotherquiteasmuch whateverournamesmayhavebeen.Andperhaps, afterall,LoveandFaitharetheonlyrealities,merely changingtheirnamesandforms.Theyarethemelodies andwetheinstrumentsuponwhichtheyareplayed.The vnisshatteredandanotherisstrung,butthemelody remainsthesame.Itcansound,itistrue,fullerandnobler ononeinstrumentthanonanother,justasmynewvn soundsfarmorebeautifulthanmyoldone.However, whateveristhecasewithustwo,wearebothsplendid instrumentsforthegodstoplayuponfromwhichto drawthesweetestofallmusic. Ipressedhersilentlytomybreastdeeply movedaswellasastonishedatthesethoughts,profound andstrange. Butsheaddedandsmiledgently,probably guessingwhatwasinmymind:Oh!Iknow,Ireally oughtnottohavesuchthoughts;ouroldfamilybrahmin becamequiteangryononeoccasionwhenIhintedat somethingofthekind:IwastopraytoKrishnaand leavethethinkingtothebrahmins!So,sinceIamnotto thinkbutamonlyallowedtobelieve,Iwillbelievethat wewere,reallyandtruly,NlaandDamayant. And,raisingherhandsinprayertotheAsoka beforeus,inallitsgloryofshimmeringblossomand flimmeringleaf,shespoketoitinthewordswhichDama yant,wanderingheartbrokeninthewoods,usedtothe
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Asoka.Butonherlipstheflexibleversesofthepoet seemedtogrowwithouteffortandtoblossomevermore richly,likeayoungshoottransplantedintohallowedsoil: OhSorrowlessOne, Ofthisheartstrickengirl,heartheanguishedcry! You,sowellnamedHeartsease, Bringthepeaceofyourpeacetome. Yourblossoms,allseeing,aretheeyesofgods; Yourwhisperingleavestheirlips, Tellme!Ohtellme,wheremyheartsbelovd wanders. WhereisitmycherishedNlawaits? Thenshelookedonmewithlovefilledeyes,in whosetearsthemoonlightwasclearlymirrored,andshe spokewithlipsthatweredrawnandquivering:When youarefaraway,andyourecallthissceneofourbliss, imaginetoyourselfthatIstandhereandspeakthustothis nobletree.OnlythenIshallnotsayNlabutKmanta. Ilockedherinmyarms,andourlipsmetinakiss fullofunutterablefeeling. Suddenlytherewasarustlinginthesummitofthe treeaboveus.Alarge,luminousredflowerfloateddown wardandsettledonourtearbedewedcheeks.Vsitthtook itinherhand,smiled,blesseditwithakiss,andgaveitto me.Ihiditinmybreast. Severalflowershadfallentothegroundinthe avenueoftrees.Medin,whosatbesideSomadattaona benchnotfarfromus,sprangtoherfeetand,holdingup severalyellowAsokablossoms,cametowardsuscalling out:Look,sister!Theflowersarebeginningtofallalready. Soontherewillbeenoughofthemforyourbath. Youdontmeanthoseyellowthings!exclaimed mymischievousfriend.Vsitthmaynot,onanyaccount, putthemintoherbathwater,thatis,ifherflowerlike bodyistoblossominharmonywithherlove;Iassureyou,
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onlysuchscarletflowersasthatonewhichKmantahas justconcealedathisheartshouldbeused.Foritiswritten intheGoldenBookofLove:ItiscalledSaffron,Yellow Affection,whenitattractsattentionbutthenlaterfades away;itiscalledScarlethowever,whenitdoesnotfade butlaterbecomesonlytooapparent. AtthesametimeheandMedinlaughedintheir merry,confidentialway. Vsitth,however,answeredgravely,thoughwith hersweetsmile,andgentlybutfirmlypressedmyhand: Youaremistaken,Somadatta!Mylovehasthecolourof noflower.ForIhavehearditsaidthatthecolourofthe truestloveisnotredbutblackblueblackasShivas throatbecamewhenthegodswallowedthepoisonwhich wouldotherwisehavedestroyedalllivingbeings.Andso itmustalwaysbe.Truelovemustbeabletowithstandthe poisonoflife,andmustbewillingtotastethebitterest,in orderthatthelovedonemaybespared.Andfromthat bitterestitwillassuredlyprefertochooseitscolour,rather thanfromanypleasures,howeverdazzling. InsuchprofoundfashionspokemybelovdVsitth, thatnightundertheSorrowlesstrees.

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INTHERAVINE D

EEPLYMOVEDBYTHESEvividmemories,the

youngseekerbecamesilentforashorttime. Thenhesighed,drewhishandoverhisforeheadand wentonwithhisnarrative. * * * Inshort,Obrother,Iwentaboutduringthiswhole timeasifintoxicatedwithblissandmyfeetscarcely seemedtotouchtheearth.OnoneoccasionIfeltobliged tolaughaloudbecauseIhadheardthattherewerepeople whocalledthisworldavaleoftears,aplaceofdissatisfac tion,andwhodirectedtheirthoughtsandaspirationsto notbeingbornagaininthehumanrealm.Whatmisguided fools,Somadatta,Icried,asiftherecouldbeamore perfectabodeofblissthantheTerraceoftheSorrowless! ButbeneaththeTerracewastheAbyss. Downintothiswehadjustscrambled,asIhadcalled outthosefoolishwordsand,asifIweretobeshownthat eventhegreatestofearthlypleasureshasitsbitterness,we wereatthatveryinstantattackedbyseveralarmedmen. Howmanytherewereofthemitwasnotpossibleforusto distinguishinthedarkness.Fortunately,wewereableto coverourbacksbyplacingthemagainstthewallofrock; and,withthecalmingawarenessthatwewerenowonly threatenedfromthefront,webegantofightforlifeand
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love.Webitourteethtogetherandweresilentasthenight asweparriedandthrustascoollyaspossible;butour opponentshowledlikedevilsinordertourgeoneanother onandwebelievedwecoulddistinguisheightortenof them.Eveniftheynowfoundacoupleofbetterswords menbeforethemthantheyhadexpected,oursituation wasstillgrave.Twoofthem,however,soonmeasured theirlengthonthegroundandtheirbodieshinderedthe fightingoftheothers,whofearedtostumbleoverthem andsobedelivereduptothetendermerciesofour swordpoints.Weguessedthattheythenwithdrewafew stepsforwenolongerfelttheirhotbreathinourfaces. IwhisperedafewwordstoSomadattaandwe movedacoupleofpacessideways,inthehopethatour assailants,imaginingusintheoldspot,wouldmakea suddenleapforwardand,insodoing,wouldrunagainst thewallofrockandbreakthepointsoftheirswords, whileourswouldfindafirmlodgingplacebetweentheir ribs.Althoughwewereascautiousascouldbesomefaint soundmusthaveawakenedtheirsuspicion,fortheblind attackwehadhopedfordidnotcome.ButpresentlyIsaw anarrowstreakoflightstrikethewall,andalsobecame awarethatthisraywasemittedfromalampwick,evidently fixedinacarefullyopenedholder,besidewhicha wartynoseandacunninghalfclosedeyeweretobeseen. Asthebamboopolebythehelpofwhichwehadscaled theterracefrontwasstillinmylefthand,Imadeahearty thrustwithit.Therewasaloudshriekandthedisap pearanceoftheray,nolessthanthecrashofthesmall lampasitfelltotheearth,borewitnesstotheefficacyof mystrike.Thisbriefrespitewemadeuseoftogetawayas rapidlyaspossibleinthedirectionfromwhichwehad come.Weknewthatherethegorgebecamegradually narrowerandtheascentsomewhatsteep,andthatfinally onecouldscrambleuptothetopwithoutanygreatexertion.
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Itwasneverthelessapieceofgreatgoodfortunethat ourwouldbemurderersverysoongaveupthepursuitin thedarknessatthefinalascent,mystrengththreatened togivewayandIfeltthatIwasbleedingcopiouslyfrom severalwounds.Myfriendwasalsowounded,thoughless severely. Ontheleveloncemore,wecutupmyshirtand temporarilyboundupourwounds,andthen,leaningon Somadattasarm,Ifortunatelysucceededinreaching home,whereIwasobligedtopassseveralweeksona bedofpain. * * * ThereInowlay,torturedbythreefoldtroubles:my woundsandafevertogetherconsumedmybody;aburn inglongingformybelovddevouredmyheart;butto thesetwowassoonaddedapprehensionforherprecious life.Forthedelicate,flowerlikebeinghadnotbeenable toendurethenewsofthemortaldangerinwhichIhad been,andperhapsstillwas,andhadfallenvictimtoa severeillness.HerfaithfulfostersisterMedin,however, wentdailyfromonesickbedtoanotherandsowestill enjoyedconstantcommunicationandlovingexchanges. Flowerspassedtoandfrobetweenusand,aswehad bothbeeninitiatedintothemysteryoftheirsecretlan guage,weconveyedmanythingstooneanotherbythe helpofthesesweetmessengers.Later,asourstrength cameback,manyadaintyversefounditswayfromhand tohand.Ourconditionwouldsoonhavebecomereally quiteendurable(ourrecoveryoccurredatthesamepace forbothofus,justasifweweretootrulyunitedtoallow anyprecedencewhatsoeverbetweenus)ifthefuturehad notapproachedandfilleduswithgraveconcern. Ishouldsayherethatthenatureoftheenigmatic
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andsuddenattackhadnotremainedamysterytous. NoneotherthanthesonoftheMinisterofState(Stgira washishatedname)withwhomIhadwrestledonthat unforgettableafternoonintheparkforVsitthsball noneotherthanhehadsetthehiredmurderersuponme. BeyondadoubthehadnoticedthatIhadremained behindintownafterthedepartureoftheembassyand,his suspicionshavingbeentherebyawakened,hehadvery soonspiedoutmynightlyvisitstotheTerrace. * * * Ohmyfriend,thatTerraceoftheSorrowlesswas, toourlove,likeasunkenislandnow.True,Iwouldhave joyfullyflungmylifeintothebreachoverandoveragain tobeabletoembracemybelovd.ButevenifVsitthhad hadthehearttoexposemeeverynighttodeadlydanger anysuchtemptationwassparedus.Stgira,inhislow cruelty,musthaveinformedtheparentsofmysweetheart ofoursecretmeetings,foritwassoonapparentthat Vsitthwascarefullyandjealouslywatched;besides which,stayingoutontheTerraceaftersundownwas forbiddentoherostensiblyonaccountofthedangerto herhealth. Thus,then,wasourlovehomeless.Thatwhich mostofallfeelsitselfathomeinsecret,mightonlybeso nowwherethewholeworldlookedon.Inthatpublic gardenwhereIfirstmetthesightofherdivineform,and hadsearchedforherseveraltimesinvain,wemetonceor twiceasifbychance.Butwhatmeetingstheywere!How fleetingthestolenminutes!Howhesitatingandfewthe hastywords!Howforcedthemovementswhichfelt themselvesexposedtocuriousorevenspyingglances! Vsitthbeggedmetoimmediatelyleavethistownin whichIwassothreatenedwithdeadlydangerbecauseof
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herpresence.Shereproachedherselfbitterlyforhaving prevaileduponmetostay,andtherebyhavingallbut drivenmeintothejawsofdeath.Perhapsevenatthisvery momentinwhichshewasspeakingafreshbandof assassinswasbeinghiredtoslayme.IfIdidnotdepartat once,andsoplacemyselfbeyondthereachofthisperil,I wouldmakeherthemurderessofherbelovd.Suppres sedsobschokedhervoice,andIwasobligedtostand therewithoutbeingabletoenfoldherinmyarmsorkiss awaythetearswhichrolled,heavyasthefirstdropsofa thundershower,overthestrainedcontoursofherdusky cheeks.SuchafarewellIcouldnotabide,andItoldherit wasnotpossibletoleavewithoutfirstmeetingheralone, inwhatsoeverwaythismighthavetobeaccomplished. Justatthatmomentwewereobligedtopartowing totheapproachofseveralpeople;Vsitthsfacehelda despairingandbeseechinglookbutitcouldnotshakemy determination.Spurredonbylongingformeandfearfor mylifeandcounselledmoreoverbyhercleverand,in alllovematters,experiencedfostersisterMedinI trustedthattheingenuityofmybelovdwouldbecertain tofindsomewayoutofthedifficulty.AndIwasnot deceived;forthatverynightSomadattainformedmeofa wonderfullypromisingplanofhers.

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~8~

THEPARADISEBUD
A

LITTLEBEHINDTHEeasternwallofKosamb

liesabeautifulSimsapwoodwhichis,strictlyspeaking, asacredgrove. Inanopengladethetemplesanctuarystillstood, thoughinasadlydilapidatedcondition.Ithadbeenalong timesinceanysacrificialritehadtakenplaceinthis ancientclearingbecauseKrishna,towhomitwasdedi cated,hadhadamagnificentandmuchlargertemplebuilt tohiminsidethetownitself.Intheruin,however,there dwelt,alongwithapairofowls,aholywomanwho enjoyedthereputationofcommuningwithspirits,by whosehelpshewasabletolookintothefutureand suchinsightthegoodsouldidnotwithholdfromthose whobroughthervotiveofferings. Suchpeoplemadepilgrimagestoherinlarge numbers;amongthem,andparticularlyaftersunset,were youngcoupleswhowereinlove.Andtherewerenota fewmalicioustonguesthatassertedthattheoldwoman shouldhavebeencalledafortunetellercummatchmaker ratherthanasaint.Howeverthatmayhavebeen,this saintlinesswasjustwhatweneededandherlittletemple waschosenastheplaceforourmeeting. * * *
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 NextdayIstartedwithmyoxwagonsandtook carethatitshouldbeatthehourwhenpeoplewereon theirwaytothebazaarortothelawcourts.IndoingsoI intentionallychosethemostfrequentedstreetssothatmy departurecouldnotpossiblyremainhiddenfrommy enemyStgira.Afteronlyafewhourstravel,however,I haltedinalargevillageandhadmycaravangointonight quartersthere,tothegreatdelightofmypeople.Shortly beforesunsetImountedafreshhorseand,wrappedin thecoarsecloakofoneofmyservants,rodebackto Kosambovertheroadwehadjusttravelled. NighthadfallenanditwasquitedarkbythetimeI reachedtheSimsapwood.AsIcarefullyguidedmyhorse betweenthetreetrunks,Iwaswelcomedbytheintoxic atingfragranceoftheblossomsofthenightlotus,which rosetogreetmefromtheancientKrishnapond. Verysoonthecrumblingroofofthetemple,with itsswarmingimagesofgodsanditsjaggedandtangled outlines,begantoshowagainstthestarlitheavens.Iwas attheappointedplace.ScarcelyhadIswungmyselfoutof thesaddlewhenmyfriendswereatmyside.Withacryof rapture,VsitthandIrushedintooneanothersarms,half besideourselveswiththejoyofmeetingagain.Allmy recollectionsnowareofcaresses,stammeredwordsof endearmentandassurancesofloveandfidelity,which absorbedusutterly. Iwasrudelystartledbytheunexpectedfeelingofa wingthatsoftlyfannedmycheekasitbrushedlightlypast. This,togetherwiththehootofanowlwhichimmediately followedthejarringclangofacrackedbronzebell, hadtheeffectofcompletelyrousingmefrommy lovetrance.Medinhadpulledtheoldprayerbellandthis hadscaredtheowlfromtherecessinwhichshedwelt. Thegoodheartedgirlhaddoneitnotsomuchtosummon thesaintlywoman,asbecauseshesawthatthat
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formidablepersonwasalreadycomingoutofthesanctu ary,plainlyindignantthatsheshouldhearvoiceswithin thesacredprecinctsalthoughnoonehadeitherrungor knocked. Medininformedtheancientwomanthathergreat reputationforholinessandthereportofhermarvellous knowledgehadbroughtherselfandthisyoungman pointingtoSomadattatoseekher,inordertoreceive informationaboutwhatwasasyetconcealedinthelapof time.Theholywomanraisedherglancesearchinglyto wardstheheavensandgaveitasheropinionthat,asthe Pleiadesoccupiedaparticularlyfavourablepositionwith regardtothePoleStar,shehadgoodreasontohopethat thespiritswouldnotrefusetheirhelp;uponwhichshe invitedSomadattaandMedintoentertheHouseof Krishna,theSixteenthousandonehundredfoldBride groom,whodelightedingrantingtoapairofloversthe inmostwishesoftheirhearts. VsitthandI,however,asthesupposedatten dants,remainedoutside.Howwenowassuredonean other,withthemostsolemnoaths,thatonlytheAll destroyer,Death,shouldbeabletopartus.Avidlywe spokeofmyspeedyreturnassoonastherainyseason wasover,anddiscussedwaysandmeansbywhichher extremelyrichparentsshouldbebroughttoconsentto ourunion. Howallofthiswasintermingledwithinnumerable kisses,tearsandembraces,Icouldnotnowdescribeto youwithevenanattemptattruth,foritabideswithme onlyastheremembranceofavaguedream. StilllesscanI,ifyouyourselfhavenotlived throughasimilarexperience,giveyouanyideaoftheway inwhich,ineveryembrace,sweetestraptureandheart rendingdespairclaspedeachotherclose.Foreachembrace remindedusthatthelastforthistimewouldsoon
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come,andwhocouldgiveustheassurancethatitwould notthenbetheverylastforalltime? Alltoosoon,SomadattaandMedincameforth fromthetemple.Thesaintlywomanwishedtorevealthe futuretousnowalso,butVsitthshrankfromthe thought. HowcouldIbearit,sheexclaimed,ifafuture thatportendeddisasterweretobeunveiled!? Butwhyjustportendingdisaster?saidthewell meaningoldwoman,whoselifeexperiences,presumably astheresultofhersanctity,hadprobablybeenhappy ones.Perhapsfortheservantalso,happinesswaits,she added,withalookbrimmingwithpromise. ButVsitthwasnottobeallured;sobbing,she clungaroundmyneck.Ohmylove!shecried,Ifeelthe futuresinexorablefaceglaringdownuponus.IfeelitI shallneverseeyouagain. Althoughthesewordscausedanicychilltocreep overme,Itriedtoreasonheroutofthisgroundlessfear; butsimplybecauseitwasgroundlessmymosteloquent wordsavailedlittleornothing.Thetearsrolledinan unbrokenstreamoverhercheeks,andwithalookof divineloveshecaughtmyhandandpressedittoher breast. Evenifweshouldneveragainseeeachotherin thisworld,weshallstillremainfaithful;andwhenthis shortandpainfullifeonearthisended,weshallfindone anotherinParadiseand,unitedthere,enjoytheblissof heavenforever...OKmanta,promisemethat.How muchmorewillthatraisemeupandstrengthenmethan anywordsofcomfort!Fortheseareaspowerlessagainst theinevitablestreamofkarmaalreadysurgingtowardsus, asreedsbeforethewatersofafloodingtorrent.But sacred,deepseatedresolutionisallpowerful,andcapable ofbringingforthnewlife.
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 Ifitonlydependsuponthat,belovdVsitth, howcouldIfailtofindyouanywhere?Isaid,butletus hopethatitwillbeinthisworld. Hereeverythingisuncertainandeventhemoment inwhichwenowspeakisnotours,butitwillbe otherwiseinParadise. Vsitth,Isighed,isthereaParadise?Where doesitlie? Wherethesunsets,sherepliedwithcomplete conviction,liestheParadiseofInfiniteLight;and,forall whohavethecouragetorenouncetheworldly,andtofix theirthoughtsuponthatplaceofbliss,therewaitsapure birthfromtheheartofalotusflower.Thefirstlongingfor thatParadisecausesabudtoappearintheholywatersof thecrystalpools;everypurethought,everygooddeed, causesittogrowanddevelop;whileallunwholesome nesscommittedinthought,wordanddeedgnawslikea wormwithinitandbringsitnearertowitheringaway. Hereyesshoneliketemplelightsasshespoke thusinavoicewhichsoundedlikesweetestmusic.Then sheraisedherhandandpointedoverthedarktopsofthe SimsaptreestowheretheMilkyWay,withasoftradiance uponitasofglowingalabaster,layalongthedarkpurple starsownfieldofheaven. Lookthere,Kmanta,shewhispered,the HeavenlyGang!Letusswearbyitssilverwaters,which feedthelotuspoolsoftheFieldsoftheBlessd,tofixour heartswhollyuponthepreparingofaneternalhomefor ourlovethere. Strangelymoved,completelycarriedoutofmyself andagitatedtotheverydepthsofmybeing,Iraisedmy handtohersandourheartsthrilledasoneatthedivine thoughtthat,atthatinstantintheendlessimmensitiesof space,highabovethestormofthisearthlyexistence,a doublebudofthelifeofeternallovehadcomeintobeing.
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 Vsitthsankintomyarmsasthough,withthe effort,allherstrengthwasexhausted.Then,having pressedyetanotherlingeringfarewellkissuponmylips, sherestedonmybreasttoallappearancelifeless. IputhersoftlyontoMedinsarms,mountedmy horseandrodeawaywithoutoncelookingback.

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~9~

UNDERTHECONSTELLATIONOF
THEROBBERS

HENIAGAINREACHEDthevillageinwhich

myfollowershadtakenuptheirquartersforthenight, Ididnothesitatetowakenthem;andatleastacouple ofhoursbeforesunrisethecaravanwasonitsway. * * * Onthetwelfthday,aboutthehourofnoon,we reachedacharmingvalleyinthewoodedregionofthe Vedisas.Asmallriver,clearascrystal,woundslowly throughthegreenmeadows;thegentleslopesweretim beredwithblossomingunderwoodwhichspreadalovely fragranceallaround.Somewhereaboutthemiddleofthe extendedvalleybottomandnotfarfromthelittleriver, therestoodaNigrodhabanyantree,whoseimpenetrable leafydomecastablackshadowontheemeraldgrasses beneath,andwhich,supportedbyitsthousandsecondary trunks,formedagrovewhereintencaravanslikemine couldeasilyhavefoundshelter. Irememberedthespotperfectlyfromourjourneyout andhadalreadydecidedonitasacampingplace,soa haltwasmade.Thetiredoxenwadedoutintothestream anddrankgreedilyofthecoolingwaters,enablingthemto enjoythetendergrassesonthebanksallthebetter.The menrefreshedthemselveswithabathand,collecting
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somewitheredbranches,proceededtolightafireon whichtocooktheirrice;meanwhileI,alsoreanimatedby abath,flungmyselfdownfulllengthwheretheshadows laydeepest,witharootofthechieftrunkasheadrest,in ordertothinkofVsitthandsoon,asitturnedout,to dreamofher.Ledbythehandofmybelovd,Ifloated awaythroughthefieldsofParadise. * * * Agreatoutcrybroughtmeabruptlybacktorude reality.Asthoughanevilmagicianhadcausedthemto growupoutofthesoil,armedmenswarmedaboutus, andtheneighbouringthicketsaddedconstantlytotheir numbers.Theywerealreadyatthewagons,whichIhad orderedtobedrawnupintoacircleroundthetree,and hadbeguntofightwithmypeople,whowerepractisedin thehandlingofarmsanddefendedthemselvesbravely.I wassooninthethickofthefight. Severalrobbersfellbymyhand.SuddenlyIsaw beforemeatall,beardedmanofterrifyingappearance: theupperpartofhisbodywasnakedandabouthisneck heworeatriplegarlandofhumanfingers.Likeaflashthe knowledgecametome:ThisisAngulimla,thecruel, bloodthirstybanditchief,whoturnsvillagesintoheapsof blackenedtimbers,reducestownstosmokingruinsand devastatesthewidelands,leavingthemasdesertwastes; thisistheonewhodoesawaywithinnocentpeopleand hangstheirfingersabouthisneck.AndIbelievedmylast hourhadcome.Asamatteroffactthisogrelikebeingat oncestruckmyswordoutofmyhandafeatwhichI wouldhavecreditednocreatureoffleshandbloodwith theabilitytoperform. SoonIlayontheground,fetteredhandandfoot. Roundaboutmeallmypeoplewerekilledexceptone,an
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oldservantofmyfatherswhowasoverpoweredand,like myself,hadbeenmadeprisonerwithoutawound.Gath eredingroupsroundaboutus,undertheshadyroofof thegigantictree,therobbersindulgedthemselvestotheir heartscontent.Thecrystalchainwiththetigereye,which wastornapartinthestrugglewithStgira(itwasachain whichmygoodmotherhadhungroundmyneckasan amuletatparting)wasrentfrommebyAngulimlas murderoushand.Butmuchmoredistressingwastheloss oftheAsokaflower,whichIhadconstantlycarriedover myheartsincethatnightontheTerrace.IbelievedIcould seeitnotfarfromme,alittleredflameinthetrampled grassontheveryspotwheretheyoungestrobbersran hitherandthither,carryingtotherevellersthestreaming fleshofoxenwhichhadbeenhastilyslaughteredand roastedand,whichwasevenmoreagreeabletothethirsty passionsofthatcoarsethrong,calabashesfilledwith alcoholicspirits. Itwastomeasthoughtheytrampledonmyheart everytimeIsawmypoorAsokaflowerdisappearunder theirfoulfeet,toreappearamomentlaterlessluminous thanbefore,untilatlengthIcouldseeitnolonger.I wonderedwhetherVsitthnowstoodbeneaththe Sorrowlesstreepleadingfornews.Howgood,ifshewere, thatitcouldnottellherwhereIthenwas,forshewould certainlyhaveyieldeduphertenderspiritanddiedhad sheseenmeinsuchacondition.Notmorethanadozen pacesawaytheformidableAngulimlahimselfcaroused withseveralofhiscronies.Thebottlecirculatedfreelyand thefacesoftherobberswiththeexceptionofoneof whomIwillspeaklaterbecamemoreandmore flushedwhiletheycarriedonconversationsfullofnoisy animationandexcitement,andnowandagainbrokeinto openquarrel. Atthattime,unfortunately,anunderstandingofthe
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languageoftherobbershadnotbeenaddedtomymany accomplishmentsfromwhichonemayseehowlittle humanbeingscandiscernwhatacquisitionsarelikelyto beofmostservicetothem.HowmorethangladwouldI havebeentobeabletocomprehendthegistoftheir raucoustalk,forIdidnotdoubtthatitconcernedmeand myfate.Theirfacesandgesturesshowedmeasmuch withgruesomeplainness;andthetonguesofflame,which fromtimetotimeflashedovertomefrombeneaththe darkbushybrowsoftherobbercaptain,broughthome withmuchbitternessthelossofmyamuletagainsttheevil eye,whichIcouldnowseegleamingamongstthesevered fingersontheshaggybreastofthedemonkinghimself. Myfeelingwasnotatfaultfor,asIlaterlearned,Ihadcut downafavouriteofAngulimlasbeforehisveryeyes onewhowas,moreover,thebestswordsmaninthewhole band.Thecaptainhadonlyrefrainedfromkillingmeon thespotforthereasonthathewantedtoslakehisthirstfor vengeancebyseeingmeslowlytorturedtodeath.Butthe otherswerenotinclinedtoseesucharichprize,which belongedbyrighttothewholeband,uselesslysquandered inanysuchway.Abaldheaded,smoothshaven robber,wholookedasthoughhemightbeapriest,struck measthemanwhochieflydifferedinviewfromAnguli mla,andtheonlyonewhounderstoodhowtocurbthe savage.Hewasalsotheonlyonewhosefaceretainedits composureduringthedrinking.Afteralongdispute,in thecourseofwhichAngulimlasprangupacoupleof timesandreachedforhissword,victoryfellfortunately formetotheprofessionalaspectofthecase. * * * ItshouldbementionedthatAngulimlasband belongedtotheclanofrobbersknownasTheSenders,
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socalledbecauseitwasoneoftheirrulesthat,oftwo prisoners,oneshouldbesenttoraisethemoneyrequired fortheransomtheydemandedfortheother.Iftheytooka fatherandsonprisoner,theybadethefathergoandbring theransomfortheson;oftwobrothers,theysentthe elder;ifateacherwithhisdisciplehadfallenintotheir hands,thenthedisciplewassent;hadamasterandhis servantbeencaught,thentheservantwasobligedtogo forthisreasontheywereknownasTheSenders.To thisendtheyhad,aswasusualwiththem,sparedmy fathersoldservantwhentheybutcheredalltherestofmy people;for,althoughsomewhatadvancedinyears,he wasstillveryactive,andlookedintelligentandexperi encedwhichindeedhehadprovedhimselftobe, seeingthathehadalreadysuccessfullyconductedseveral caravans. Hewasnowfreedfromhisfettersandsentaway thatsameevening,afterIhadgivenhimaconfidential messagetomyparentsfromwhichtheywouldbeableto seethattherewasnodeceptionaboutthematter.But beforehesetout,Angulimlascratchedsomemarksona palmleafandhandedittohim.Itwasakindofpassof safeconduct,incaseheshouldfallintothehandsofother robbersonthewaybackwiththemoney.ForAnguli mlasnamewassofearedthatrobberswhodaredtosteal royalpresentsfromtheKingshighwaywouldneverhave hadtheaudacityeventotouchanythingthatwashis. Mychainswerealsosoontakenoff,astheyknew wellthatIwouldnotbesofoolishastoattempttoescape. ThefirstuseIputmyfreedomtowastoflingmyselfdown onthespotwhereIhadseentheAsokaflowerdisappear. Alas!Icouldnotevendiscoveraremnantofit.Thedeli catefragmentofflamingflowerseemedtohavebeen trampledtodustunderthecoarsefeetoftherobbers.Was itasymbolofourlifehappiness?
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 * * * Comparativelyfree,Inowlivedwithandmoved aboutamongthosedangerouscharacters,awaitingthe arrivaloftheransomwhichhadtocomewithintwo months. Aswewereatthattimeinthedarkhalfofthe month,theftsandrobberiesfollowedupononeanotherin rapidsuccession.Thisseason,whichstandsunderthe auspicesoftheterribleGoddessKl,wasdevotedalmost exclusivelytoregularbusiness,sothatnonightpassed withoutasurpriseattackbeingcarriedout,orahouse beingbrokeninto.Severaltimeswholevillageswere plundered. Onthefifteenthnightofthewaningmoon,Mother Klsfestivalwascelebratedwithghastlysolemnity.Not onlywerebullsandcountlessblackgoatsslaughtered beforeherimagebutseveralunhappyprisonersaswell, thevictimbeingplacedbeforethealtarandhavingan arterysoopenedthatthebloodspouteddirectlyintothe mouthoftheterrifyingfigurehungroundwithHerneck lacesandpendantsofhumanskulls.Thereafterfolloweda franticorgy,inthecourseofwhichtherobbersswilled intoxicatingdrinkwithcompleteabandonuntilquite senseless.Duringthecourseofthisbacchanaliantheband amusedthemselveswithsomeofthesacreddancers, knownasbhajadereswho,withunparalleledaudacity, hadbeencarriedofffromagreattemplenearby. Angulimla,whoinhiscupsbecamemagnani mous,wantedtomakemehappyalsowithayoungand beautifulbhajadere.ButwhenI,withmyheartfullof Vsitth,spurnedthemaiden,andshe,overwhelmedby theslightputuponher,burstintotears,Angulimlaflew intoafrightfulrage,seizedandwouldhavestrangledme thenandthere,hadnotthebald,smoothfacedrobber
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cometomyhelp.Afewwordsfromhimsufficedtomake theirongripofthechiefrelax,andsenthimawaygrow linglikeascarcelytamedanimal. Thisremarkablemanwhothusforthesecond timehadbecomemyrescuer,althoughhishandswerestill bloodyfromthehideousKlsacrificehehadjustcon ductedwasthesonofabrahmin.Butbecausehehad beenbornundertheConstellationoftheRobbershehad takentothatsametrade.Atfirsthehadbelongedtothe Thugs,butwentoverforspiritualreasonstotheSenders. Fromhisfathersfamilyhehadinherited,sohetoldme,a leaningtowardsreligiouspractices.So,ontheonehand, heconductedthesacrificialservicesasapriestand peopleascribedtheunusualluckofthebandnearlyas muchtohispriestlyknowledgeastoAngulimlasable leadershipand,ontheotherhand,helecturedonthe metaphysicsoftherobbernature,insystematicform.And notonlyonthetechnicalsideofitbutonitsethicalside also;forIobserved,tomyamazement,thattherobbers didhaveamoralityoftheirownandbynomeansconsid eredthemselvesworsethanothermen. Theselecturesweredeliveredchieflyatnight, duringthebrighthalfofthemonth,atwhichtimeapart fromchanceoccurrencesbusinesswasquiet.Inaforest clearingthehearersarrangedthemselvesinseveralsemi circularrowsaboutthepraiseworthyVjashravas,whosat withhislegscrossedunderhim.Hispowerfulhead, barrenofallhair,shoneinthemoonlightandhiswhole appearancewasnotunlikethatofaVedicteacherwho,in thequietofastarlitnight,impartstheEsotericorSecret Doctrinetotheinmatesofaforesthermitage.But,onthe otherhand,manyanunholyandbestialface,andintruth thatofmanyagallowsbird,wastobeseenthereinthat circle.Itseemstome,brother,asthoughIseethemstillat thismomentasthoughIhearagaintheseethingofthe
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soundsinthatgiganticforest,nowswellingtothelong rumblingsofthefaroffstorm,nowsinkingtothegentle sighofthenightwindasitgoestorestamidthelonely treetopsatintervals,thedistantgrowlofatigerorthe hoarserbellowofapantherandaboveitall,clear, penetrating,marvellouslyquiet,thevoiceofVjashravas adeep,fulltonedbass,thepricelessinheritanceof countlessgenerationsofudgtars,thesacrificialsingersof theVedas. TotheselecturesIwasadmittedbecauseVjashra vashadconceivedalikingforme.Heevenwentsofaras toassertthatI,likehimself,hadbeenbornunderthe RobbersstarandthatIwouldonedayjoinmyselftothe servantsofMotherKl. Itwasalsoforthisreasonthatheclaimeditwould beofvalueformetolistentohisdiscourses,asthey wouldunquestionablywakentoactivelifetheinstincts slumberingwithinme.OnsuchoccasionsIthusheard trulyremarkablelecturesfromhimonthedifferentSects ofKlusuallycalledthievesandrobbersandonthe activitieswhichdistinguishthemfromeachother. Nolessinstructivethanentertainingwerehisother descriptiveremarksonthemeslikeThevalueof courtesansinhoodwinkingthepolice,orCharacter isticsofofficialsoftheupperandlowerranksopento bribery,withreliablenotesastoeachmansprice.Irre proachabletestimonywasbornetohisparticularlykeen observationofhumannature,aswellastohissevere logicalityindrawingconclusions,byhistreatmentofthe questionHowandwhyrascalsrecogniseoneanother atfirstglance,whilehonestmendonot,andwhatadvan tagesaccruetotheformerfromthiscircumstance;notto speakofhisbrilliantremarksonThestupidityof nightwatchmeningeneral,astimulatingreflectionfor beginners.Thesleepingforestwouldringagainand
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againtosuchchorusesoflaughterthattherobbersflocked togetherfromallsidesofthecampinordertohearwhat wasgoingon. Themasteralsounderstoodhowtohandledry technicalquestionsinaninterestingfashion,andIrecol lectreallyfascinatingdissertationsonHowtomakea breachinawallwithoutnoise,orHowtoexcavatea subterraneanpassagewithtechnicalaccuracy.The properconstructionofdifferentkindsofcrowbar,partic ularlyofthesocalledsnakejawandthecrableghook, wasmostgraphicallydescribed;theuseofsoftstringed instrumentstodiscoverwhetherpeoplewereawake,and ofthewoodenheadofamanthrustinatthedooror windowtoascertainwhetherthesupposedburglarwillbe observedallsuchthingswerethoroughlydiscussed. Hisdevelopmentofthetheorythataman,when carryingoutatheft,mustunquestionablytakethelifeof everyonewhomightbearwitnessagainsthim,asalsohis generalconsiderationofthestatementthatathiefshould notbeafflictedwithmoraltalkandconversationbut,on thecontrary,shouldbecoarseandviolent,occasionally abandoninghimselftodrunkennessandimmorality,I countamongthemostlearnedandwittylecturesIhave everheard. Inorder,however,togiveyouabetterideaofthe profoundmindofthistrulyoriginalman,Imustrepeatto youthemostfamouspassagefromhisCommentaryon theAncientKlStras,theEsotericDoctrineofthe Thievesadiscourseofallbutcanonicalimportance.

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ESOTERICDOCTRINE T
HUSTHESTRAREADS:TheDivinealso,do youthink?...No!...Nonresponsibility...On accountofSpace,ofScripture,ofTradition. * * * TheworshipfulVjashravascommentsuponthisas follows: TheDivinealso...,thatispunishment. For,intheprecedingStra,suchpunishments werespokenofasthekingortheauthoritiesmight decreeupontherobber;theseareasfollows:themutilation ofhand,footandnose;theseethingcauldron;the pitchgarland;thedragonsmouth;runningthegauntlet; therack;besprinklingwithboilingoil;decapitation; rendingbydogs;impalementofthelivingbodythese beingmorethansufficientreasonwhytherobbershould, ifpossible,notlethimselfbecaughtbut,ifheshould indeedhavebeencaught,whyheshouldineverypossible wayseektoescape. Nowsomepeoplesay,Divinepunishmentalso threatenstherobber.No!saysourStra.Why?Because Nonresponsibilitycomesintoplay.Whichmaybemade clearinthreeways:bytheaidofreason,fromtheVeda, andfromtheheroicsongshandeddowntous. OnaccountofSpace...bywhichthefollowing
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consideration,foundedonreason,ismeant.IfIcutoff theheadofahumanbeingorananimal,myswordgoes throughbetweentheindivisibleparticlestheatoms;for itcannotcutthroughtheseparticlesonaccountoftheir veryindivisibility.Whatitcutsthroughthen,istheempty spacewhichseparatestheseparticles.But,onaccountof itsveryemptiness,onecannotdoanyharmtothisspace. Fortoharmanothingisjustthesameasnottoharm anything.Asaconsequenceonecannot,bythiscutting throughofspace,incuranyresponsibility,andadivine punishmentcannotthereforebemetedoutforit.Andif thisbetrueofkilling,howmuchmoresothenofdeeds whicharepunishedlessseverelybyhumanlaw? Thusfar,reason;nowcomesScripture. ThesacredVedateachesusthatthatwhichalone hasanytrueexistenceistheHighestGodhead,theBrah man.Ifthisistrue,thenallkillingisanemptydeception. ThistheVedaalsosaysinsomanywords,inthepassage whereYama,theGodofDeath,tellstheyoungNashiketas ofthisBrahman,andamongotherthings,says: Who,whenslaying,believeshekills, Who,whenslain,believeshedies, Deceivedareboththisandthatonetoo Hediesnot,neitherdoeshekill. Evenmoreconvincinglyisthisawfultruthrevealed tousinTheHeroicSongofKrishnaandArjuna theBhagavadGt.ForKrishnahimselfhavingknown nobeginning,destinedtoknownoend,theeternal, almighty,inconceivableBeing,theHighestGod,whofor thesalvationofalllivingbeingscausedhimselftobeborn asamaninthelastdaysofhisearthlypilgrimageKrishna helpedthekingofthePndavas,thehighmindedArjuna, inthewaragainsttheKaurvasbecausethelatterhad donehimandhisbrothersgrievouswrong.Nowwhen botharmiesweredrawnupinbattlearray,theirbristling
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ranksopposedtooneanother,Arjunaespiedamongthe hostileforcesmanyaformerfriend,manyacousinand comradeofpastdaysforthePndavasandthe Kaurvaswerethesonsoftwobrothers.Arjunawas movedtothedepthsofhisheart,andhehesitatedtogive thesignalforbattleforhewasloathtokillthosewhohad oncebeenhisownpeople.Sohestoodtherelooking downfromhiswarchariot,hischinsunkonhisbreast,a preytotorturesomehesitancy,undecidedastowhathe shoulddo;andbesidehimstoodthegoldengodKrishna, whowashischarioteer.AndKrishnaguessedatthe thoughtsofthenoblePndavaking. Smiling,hepointedtotherivalarmies,and showedArjunahowallthosebeingscameintoexistence andwillpassyetonlyapparentlydosobecausein allofthemonlythatOneliveswhosepasthasknownno dawn,whosefutureshallknownosunset,untouched alikebybirthanddeath: Whosoeverholdssomeonetobeakiller, Ordescribesasmurderedonewhoslyinghere, Theydonotunderstandthetruthofeithercase. ComeArjuna!Nowbeginthefight! Taughtinthisway,thePndavakinggavethe signalforbeginningtheterriblebattle,andwon.Sothat Krishna,thehumanbornHighestGod,bytherevelation ofthisgreatesotericdoctrine,changedArjunafroma shallowandweakheartedmantoadeeplythoughtful, ironheartedsageandhero. Intruththen,thefollowingalsoholdsgood Whosoevercommitsacrimeorcausesittobecommitted, whosoeverdestroysorcausestobedestroyed,whosoever strikesorcausestobestruck,whosoeverrobsthelivingof lifeortakesthatwhichhasnotbeengiventothem,breaks intohousesorrobsothersoftheirpropertywhatsoever itbethattheydo,theyburdenthemselveswithnoguilton
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thataccount;andifsomeoneweretoslaughterevery livingthingonthisearthwithasharplygroundaxeand reducethemtoasinglebonelessmass,toonemassof pulp,theywouldbeinnowayguiltyonthataccount theywoulddonowrong.Andifsomeoneweretomake theirwayalongthesouthernbankoftheGanglaying wasteandmurdering,theywould,onthataccount,acquire nobadkarma;andifsomeoneweretomaketheir wayalongthenorthernbankoftheGangdistributing almsandmakingofferings,onthataccounttheywould acquirenomerit.Bymeansofgenerosity,gentlenessand selfrenunciation,oneacquiresnothingmeritorious, nothinggood. Andtherenowfollowstheastounding,indeed frightful, 477thStra. Which,initsstrikingbrevity,runs:Rather...on accountofTheEater... Themeaningofthesefewwords,wrappedasthey areindeepestmystery,theworshipfulVjashravasdis closestousasfollows:Farremovedfromanysuchidea asthatofdivinepunishmentthreateningtherobberand murderer,Ratheristheoppositethecase;namely,that suchaonegrowstobelikeGodHimself;whichbecomes clearfromthosepassagesintheVedawheretheHighest GodisglorifiedasTheEater,suchas: Boththewarriorandthebrahmin,Heeatsforbread, WhenwithdeathsgarnishingHesprinklesthem. AstheworldhasitsbeginninginBrahman,so alsoithasitspassingawaythereBrahmancausingit constantlytocomeforthanewandconstantlydestroying it.SothatGodisnotonlythecreatorbutalsothedevourer ofalllivingbeings,ofwhomhereonlywarriorsand brahminsarementionedasthehighestinrankbutwho thereforerepresentalltheothers.
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 Soalsoitreadsinanotherpassage:Ieatthemall, butmetheydonoteat. Theseweretheverywords,asyoushouldknow, oftheHighestGodHimselfwhen,intheshapeofaram, hecarriedtheboyMedhtithitotheheavenlyworld.For, indignantathisforcibleabduction,thelatterdemandedto knowwhohisabductorwasTellmewhoyouareorI, abrahmin,willstrikeyouwithmywrath;andHe,inthe semblanceofaram,revealedHimselfasthatHighest Brahman,astheAllinAll,inthewords: Whoisitthatkillsandalsoprisonertakes? Whoistheramthatleadsyoufarfromhere? ItisI,whointhisformappear, ItisI,andIappearineveryform. Ifonefeelsfearitbeofwhatsoever ThatfearisMine,whoalsocausesfear; Butintheholygreatnessliesthedifference IeatthemallbutMetheydonoteat. WhocanknowMe? WhocancallMebyMytruename? IstrikedownallMyenemies,yetnoonecanstrikeMe. Bythistime,itmustbeplaintothedimmesteye thatthelikenesstotheBrahmancannotlieinbeingdes troyedandeatenaswouldbethecaseweregentleness andselfrenunciationtoberegardedasvirtuesbuton thecontrary,itliesindestroyingandeatingallothers.In otherwords,itliesinusingotherstotheutmostandin crushingthemwhileoneselfsufferingnoharm.There cannotthereforebetheslightestdoubtthatthedoctrineof thepunishmentofhellforonewhocommitsdeedsof violenceisaninventionoftheweaktoprotectthemselves fromthemightofthestrong,byintimidatingthem.
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 AndifintheVedaseveralpassagescontainthis doctrineofpunishment,theymusthavebeentreacher ouslyinterpolatedbytheweakastheyarequiteoutof harmonywiththechieftenetsofthefaith.WhentheRig Vedasaysthat,althoughthewholeworldistheBrahman, itisafactthatGodrecogniseshumankindtobethemost fullypenetratedbythatBrahman.Byvirtueofthesame argumentitmustalsoberecognisedthat,amongpeople, therealandtruerobberistheoneaboveandbeyondall otherswhoismostfullypenetratedbytheBrahman,and thattherobberisthereforetheCrownofCreation. Butwithregardtothethiefwhodoesnotriseto thelevelofrobberhood:seeingthatscripturefrequently declarestheideaofThatbelongstometobeadelusion andahindrancetothehighestpurposeforwhichhuman itywascreated,itis,withoutfurtherwasteofwords,clear thatthievesrepresentthehighestTruth,astheyhave madeittheirlifeworktocombatthatdelusionbytheir dailyactions.Neverthelessrobbers,onaccountoftheir violence,standhigher. Sothen,thepositionoftherobberasLordof Creationhasbeenplainlymademanifest,bothbylogical reasoning,fromscriptureandfromtradition,andisthere foretoberegardedasincontrovertible.

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THEELEPHANTSTRUNK

FTERTHEFOREGOINGspecimenofthecurious

beliefsofthisextraordinarymanonwhomone couldatleastnotlaythecharge,unlikethecaseofso manyothernotedthinkers,thathedidntputhistheories intopracticeIresumethethreadofmynarrative. * * * Inthepresenceofthesemanyadventuresandnew mentaloccupations(Inaturallydidntneglecttheoppor tunityofmakingtherobbersvernacularmyown)itwas impossiblethatthetimeshouldnotpassquickly.Butthe neareritapproacheditsend,themoremyconfidencewas shakenbyoppressivefears.Wouldtheransomcomeat all?Althoughthesafeconductgivenhimcouldprotectthe oldservantagainstrobbers,atigermighthaverenthimin piecesatsomepointonhisjourney,oraswollenriver swepthimaway,oranyoneofthecountlessunforeseen chancesoftravelmighthavedetainedhimuntiltoolate. Angulimlasflamingglancesshotsooftenandsoevillyat methatIfeltasifhewerehopingforsomethingofthe kind,andthenperspirationbornofpurefearbrokeforth fromeverypore. Howeverwonderfullyandsystematicallyintro duced,andwithwhateverkeenlogicVjashravasrea sonedstatementmightbeestablished(thatineverycase
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inwhichtheransomwasnotforthcomingwithinthe propertime,theprisonerinquestionhadtobesawn throughthemiddlewithacrosscutsawandbothparts tossedontothehighroadwiththeheadtowardsthe risingmoon)Imusthonestlyconfessthatmyadmiration forthis,scientificallyregarded,assuredlyastounding performanceofmylearnedfriend,wassomewhatspoiled byapeculiarsensationinmymorethanslightlyinterested peritoneum,particularlyasthedoubletoothedcrosscut sawusedonsuchoccasionswasfetchedand,toillustrate whathesaid,wassetinmotionbytwohorriblelooking fellows,itsvictimforthemomentbeingawoodenlog representingahumanbeing. Vjashravas,whonoticedthatIbegantofeelsick, pattedmeencouraginglyontheshoulderandsaidthatthe thingshouldnotinanywayconcernme.Fromthis,I naturallybelievedthat,incaseofnecessity,hewould cometomyrescueforthethirdtime.ButwhenI,inmost gratefulwords,hintedatsomethingofthekind,hedrewa verylongfaceandsaid: Ifyourkarmashouldreallybearyousucha grudgeastocauseyourransomtocomelate,evenifonly bysomuchashalfaday,thenassuredlyneithergodnor devilcouldhelp,forthelawsofMotherKlareinviolable. Butcomfortyourself,myson,youaredestinedfor otherthings.RatherdoIfearforyouthatoneday,aftera notablerobbercareer,youwillbebeheadedorimpaledin somepublicplace.Butthatisalongwayoffyet. Icouldnotsaythiscomfortupliftedmegreatly, andsoIwasveryrelievedwhen,afullweekbeforethe expiryoftheallottedtime,ourfaithfuloldservantarrived withthesumdemanded.Ibadefarewelltomyhorrible hostwho,rememberinghisslainfriend,putona gloomyexpressionasthoughhewouldmuchratherhave hadmesawnasunderandaffectionatelypressedthe
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handofthebrahmin,whobanishedatearofemotionby theconfidentassurancethatweshouldcertainlymeet againonthenightlypathsofKl.Thenweleftaccompa niedbyfourrobbers,whohadtoanswerwiththeirlives foroursafearrivalinUjjen,forAngulimla,whowasvery jealousofhisrobberhonour,promisedthem,ashesentus away,thatifIwerenothandedoversafeandsoundinmy nativetown,hewouldflaythemaliveandhangtheirskins upatthefourcornersofacrossroadsandthemen knewthathekepthisword. Fortunatelyhoweveritdidnot,inthisinstance, becomenecessaryandthefourrogues,whobehaved admirablyontheway,maystillbeintheserviceofthe Goddessdancerwithherswayingnecklaceofskulls. WereachedUjjenwithoutfurtheradventureand, tobequitetruthful,IhadhadenoughwithwhatIhad alreadygonethrough.Thejoyofmyparentsatseeingme wasindescribable.Butallthemorewasitimpossibleto wringfromthemthepermissiontoundertakeanother journeytoKosambverysoon.Myfatherhadlost,asyou know,allthegoodsandallthepeopleinmycaravanin additiontomyransom,andhewasnotinapositiontofit outanewoneatonce.Yetthatwasasmallhindrancein comparisontotheterrorwhichovercamemyparentsat thethoughtofthedangersoftheroad.Inadditionwedid notfailtohearfromtimetotimeofAngulimlasfurther terribledeeds;andIcannotdenythatIhadnogreatdesire tofallintohishandsasecondtime.Norwastherejust thentheslightestpossibilityofgettingamessagethrough toKosambtheroadsweresodangerousthatno couriercouldbepaidenoughtomakethejourneysoI wasobligedtocontentmyselfwithmemoriesand,confi dentlyrelyinguponthefidelityofmyadoredVsitth,to comfortmyselfwiththehopeofbettertimes. Andatlastthesecame.Onedayarumourflewlike
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wildfirethroughthetownthatthefrightfulAngulimla hadbeenutterlydefeatedbyStgira,thesonofthe MinisterinKosamb,hisbandhadbeencutdownor dispersedandhehimselfwithmanyofhismostnotorious followershadbeentakenprisonerandexecuted. Myparentswerenownolongerabletoresistmy passionateentreaties.Peoplehadverygoodreasonto believethat,foralongtimetocome,theroadswouldbe free,andmyfatherwasnotdisinclinedtotryhisluck again.ButatthisjunctureIbecameill,andwhenIrose frommybedtherainyseasonwassonearthatitwas necessarytowaituntilitshouldbepast. Then,atlast,nothingfurtherstoodinmyway. Withmanyadmonitionstobeprudent,myparentsbade mefarewellandIwasoncemoreontheroadatthe headofawellstockedcaravanofthirtyoxwagons,witha heartfullofjoyandcourage,andurgedforwardbycon sumingdesire. Everythingranassmoothlyonthepresentjourney asonmyfirstone,andonebeautifulmorningIentered Kosamb,halfcrazedwithjoy.Iwassoonaware,however, ofahugethrongofpeopleinthestreets,andmy progressbecameeversloweruntilatlength,ataspot wherewehadtocrossthechiefthoroughfareofthetown, ourtrainofwagonswasbroughttoacompletestandstill. Itwasliterallyimpossibletoforceourwaythroughthe crowd,andInownoticedthatthismainstreetwasmag nificentlydecoratedwithflags,carpetsdrapedfromthe windowsandbalconies,andfestoonshungfromsideto sideovertheroad,asifforsomepageant.Cursingwith impatience,Iaskedthosewhostoodinfrontofmewhat wastakingplace. Why!theycriedout,dontyouknow?Today Stgira,thesonoftheMinisterofState,iscelebratinghis marriage.Consideryourselfblessdtohavearrivedjustat
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thismoment:theprocessionisnowonitswayfromthe templeofKrishnaandwillpassrightbyhere.Assuredly youwillneverhavebeheldsuchmagnificencebefore! ThatStgirashouldbecelebratinghismarriage wasimportantandwelcomenewstome,becausehis seekingthehandofmyVsitthinmarriagewouldhave been,alongwiththeillfavourofherparents,oneofthe greatesthindrancestoourunion.Sothewaitingdidnot displeaseme,especiallyintherealisationthatitcouldnot lastlongforalreadywewereabletoseethelancesofa cavalrydivisionwhichmovedslowlypastamidthedeaf eningcheersofthecrowd.Thepeopletoldmethatthese horsemennowenjoyedgreatpopularityinKosamb, becauseitwaschieflytheywhohaddestroyedAnguli mlasband. Almostdirectlybehindthemcametheelephant carryingthebridebeyondallquestionastupendous sightthecrusted,knolllikeforeheadofthegigantic animal(whichremindedoneofMeru,themountainofthe gods)wascoveredwithaveilofmanycolouredjewels. Andjustasearlyintheyear,whenafierybullelephant movesalong,thedropsofperspirationrollingdownhis templesandcheeksattractswarmsofbeesalluredbythe sweetodour,soherehistemplesandcheeksshimmered withthemostwonderfulpearls,abovewhichdangled limpidgarlandsofblackdiamondsaneffectbeautiful enoughtomakeonecryout. Thepowerfultusksweremountedwiththepurest gold;andfromthebreastplate,whichwasmadeofthe samepreciousmetalandsetwithlargerubies,theairiest ofBenaresmuslinhungdownandsoftlywounditself aroundthepowerfullegsoftheanimal,likemorningmists aroundthestemsofregalforesttrees. Butitwasthetrunkofthestateelephantthat,more thanallothersights,enchainedmyglance.Ihadseen
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processionsinUjjen,andgorgeouslydecoratedeleph antstrunks,butneveronedisplayingsuchtasteasthis. Withus,thetrunkwasusuallydividedintofieldswhich formedoneexquisitepatternandwerecompletelycov eredwithcolour.Butheretheskinwasleftfreeasthe groundtone,andoverthisbranchlikefoundationwas twinedaloosesprayoflancetshapedAsokaleaves,from themidstofwhichyellow,orangeandscarletflowers shoneforththewhole,intreatmentandfinish,the perfectionofexquisiteornamentalstylisation. WhileInowstudiedthismarvellouspieceofwork withtheeyeofaconnoisseur,therebegantocreepover meahomesickfeeling,andIseemedtoinhaleagainall theloveodourofthoseblissfulnightsupontheTerrace. MyheartbegantobeatviolentlyasIwasinvoluntarily drawnontothinkofmyownmarriage;forwhathappier adornmentthanjustthiscouldbeinventedfortheanimal whichshouldonedaycarryVsitth,seeingthatthe TerraceoftheSorrowlesswasfamedthroughoutKosamb foritswonderfulAsokablossoms? Inthisdreamycondition,Iheard,nearme,one womansaytoanother:Butthebrideshedoesntlook atallhappy! HardlyconsciousofwhatIdid,Iglancedupward, andastrangelyuneasyfeelingstoleovermyheartasI caughtsightofthefiguresittingthereunderthepurple baldachin.Figure,IsaybecauseIcouldntseetheface theheadwassunkuponthebreastbutevenofafigure onesawlittle,anditseemedasifinthatmassofrainbow colouredmuslins,althoughabodydidexist,itwasnot onegiftedwithlifeoranypowerofaction.Thewayin whichsheswayedhitherandthitherateverymovement oftheanimal,whosepowerfulstridescausedthecur tainedstructureonhisbacktorockrhythmicallytoand fro,hadsomethingunutterablysad,somethingtomake
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oneshudderinit.Therewasrealcausetofearthatshe mightatanymomentplungeheadlongdownward.Some suchideamayhaveoccurredtothemaidenstanding behindher,forshelaidherhandontheshoulderofthe brideandbentforward,possiblytowhisperawordof encouragementinherear. Anicyfearallbutcrippledmeas,inthesupposed servant,Irecognised...Medin.Andbeforethissuddenly awakenedforebodinghadtimetogrowclearwithinme, Stgirasbrideraisedherhead. ItwasmyVsitth.

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ATTHEGRAVEOFTHEHOLY
VJASHRAVAS

ES,ITWASSHE.Nopossibilityofmistaking

thosefeatures,andyettheyinnowayresembled hers,theywereindeedlikenothingthatIhad everseeninsuchnameless,superhumanmiserydid theyseemtobepetrified. * * * WhenIcametomysensesagaintheendofthe processionwasjustpassingus.Myfaintingsosuddenly wasascribedtotheheatandtothecrushofpeople. Utterlywithoutpowerofvolition,Iallowedmyselftobe takentothenextcaravanserai.ThereIlaydowninthe darkestcorner,withmyfacetothewall,andremainedin thesamepositionformanydays,bathedintearsand refusingallfood.Toouroldservantandcaravanleader, thesamethathadaccompaniedmeonmyfirstjourney,I gavedirectionstosellallourwaresasquicklyaspossible ifnecessary,evenonthemostunfavourableterms asIwastooilltoattendtoanybusiness.Intruth,Iwas abletodonothingbutbrooduponmyinconceivableloss; inadditiontowhichIdidnotwishtoshowmyselfinthe town,lestIshouldberecognisedbysomeone.Beforeall things,IdesiredtokeepVasitthifromlearninganything ofmypresenceinKosambi.
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 HerpictureasIlastsawherfloatedunceasingly beforemyvision.True,Iwasindignantatherfickleness, orratheratherweakness,forIcouldnotfailtorealisethat onlythelattercameintoquestion,andthatshehadnot beenabletowithstandthepressurebroughttobearupon herbyherparents.Thatshehadnotturnedherheartto thetriumphantsonoftheMinisterwasmadeevident plainlyenoughbyherattitudeandappearance.Butwhen Irememberedherasshehadsworneternalfidelitytome, standingintheKrishnagrovewithherwholefacetrans figured,Ididnotunderstandhowitwaspossibleforherto yieldsosoon;andIcursedtomyself,sighingbitterlyin mydespair:Onwomensoathsnoreliancewastobe placed. Yetalwaysthatfacefullofdeepestmiseryrose beforemeandinamomentallresentmentwasdis pelledandonlytenderestcompassionwentsurgingforth tomeetit.SoIfirmlymadeupmymindnottoaddtoher troublesbyallowinganynewsofmypresenceinKosambi tocometoherears.Neveragainshouldshelearnany thingofme;shewouldthen,beyondallquestion,believe thatIwasdeadandwouldgraduallyresignherselftoher fate,whichwas,afterall,notlackinginoutward splendour. Fortunatelycircumstancesrendereditpossiblefor myoldservant,inanunexpectedlyshorttime,toex changeorsellourwarestogreatadvantagesothat,after onlyafewdays,IwasabletoleaveKosambwithmy caravanveryearlyonemorning. WhenIpassedthewesterngateonmywayout,I turnedtotakealastlookatthecitywithinwhosewallsI hadlivedthroughsomuchjoyandsorrowthattheplace couldneverbeforgotten.Afewdaysbefore,asIhad enteredthetown,Ihadbeenfilledtosuchadegreewith restlessanticipationthatIhadeyesfornothinground
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aboutme.Impossibleasitmayseem,Ihadthusremained blindtothefactthatnotonlythebattlementsofthegate, butalsothecopingofthewallstoeitherside,werehid eouslydecoratedwithimpaledhumanheads. Therewasnoroomfordoubtthesewerethe headsoftheexecutedrobbersfromAngulimlasband. * * * ForthefirsttimesinceIhadseenVsitthsface underthebaldachin,anotherfeelingthanthatofgrief possessedme,andIgazedwithunspeakablehorrorupon thoseheads,ofwhichthevultureshadlongsinceleft nothingbuttheboneswith,attheverymost,thepigtails andhereandthereabeard,whosewildtanglehadpro tectedtheplaceonwhichitgrew.Allofthemwouldthus havebeenunrecognisablehadnotthesavageredbeard ofonebetrayedhimandanotherbythepigtailwound aroundonthetopofhisheadinthemannerofthe asceticplaitwearers.Thesetwo,andwithoutdoubtmany oftheothers,hadoftennoddedtomeincomradelike fashionfromthecampcircleatnight;andIrememberedwith ghastlydistinctnesshowthatrussetbeard,flaringinthe moonlight,hadwaggedwithmerrimentontheoccasion ofthelectureuponTheStupidityofNightwatchmen. Yes,sorealisticwasitallthatIcouldalmostimagineIstill heardtheraucouslaughterfromthatliplessmouth. Butinthemiddleofthebattlementsoverthegate, andsomewhatraisedabovetherest,apowerfulskull shoneforthintheraysoftherisingsunandimperiously drewallmyattentiontoitself.HowcouldIhavenot recognizedthoselinesagain?Itwashewhothatday forcedusalltolaugh,withouthimselfmovingamuscleof hisbrahminface.Vjashravasheaddominatedhere, while,withoutadoubt,Angulimlashadbeenputup
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overtheeasterngate.Andacurioussensationstoleover measIthoughtoftheprofunditywithwhichthatmanhad inthosepastdaysexpoundedthemysteriesofthevarious modesofcapitalpunishmentquartering,rendingby dogs,impalement,decapitationandwithwhatgreat carehethereuponsoughttoprovethattherobbershould notlethimselfbecaught;butifunfortunatelycaught,how hemustseekbyallpossiblemeanstoescape.Ofwhat helphadhissciencebeentohim?Solittlemayweavoid ourkarma,whichisasweknow,thefruitofallourdeeds perhapsinthisorperhapsinsomeformerlife. Tomeitseemedasthoughhestaredwithgreat earnestnessfromthehollowsofhisemptyeyes,andhis halfopenmouthcalledtome:Kmanta!Kmanta!Look closelyuponme,considerwellwhatyousee.Foryou also,myson,werebornunderaRobberStar,youalsowill treadthenightlypathsofKland,justasIhaveended here,sotooyouwillalsoendoneday. Yet,strangelyenough,thisfantasyfilledmeneither withfearnorhorror,eventhoughitwasasvividasany senseperception.Myappointedcareerasarobber,(ac cordingtothissupposition)towhichIhaduptothistime nevergivenanyseriousthought,suddenlystoodbefore meandnotmerelyinpleasantbuteveninseductive colours. Robberchief!Whatcouldbemorealluringtomein mymisery?ForIdidnotdoubtforamomentthat,withmy manytalentsandaccomplishments,andparticularlywith thosethatIowedtotheteachingofVjashravas,Ishould atoncetakethepositionofleader.Andwhatposition couldmeanasmuchtomeasthatofrobberchief?Why, eventhatofakingwouldbeoflittlecountbeside.For coulditgivemevengeanceonStgira?Coulditbring Vsitthtomyarms?IsawmyselffightingStgirainthe midstofaforest,splittinghisskullwithapowerfulstroke
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ofmysword;andagainIsawmyselfasIborethefainting Vsitthoutofaburningpalace,whichrangwiththe voicesofmyrobberband. Forthefirsttimesincethatsorrowfulsightofmy lostVsitthhadmetmyeyes,myheartbeatwithcourage andhope,andIbegantothinkofthefuture;forthefirst timeIwishedformyselfnotdeath,butlife. Fullofsuchpictures,Ihadscarcelygone1,000 paceswhenIsawbeforemeacaravanwhich,evidently comingfromtheoppositedirection,hadhaltedwhileits leaderofferedupasacrificebesidealittlehillockcloseto thehighway. Iwentuptohimwithapolitegreetingandasked whatdeityhewasworshippinghere. Inthisgrave,hereplied,reststheholyVja shravas,towhoseprotectionIoweitthat,passingthough adangerousneighbourhood,Iamstillabletoreachhome safelyandwithoutdamagetolifeorproperty.AndI adviseyouearnestlynottoneglecttoofferupasuitable sacrificehere.Forif,whenyouenterthewoodedregion, youweretohireahundredforestguardians,theirhelp wouldbeasnothingtoyoucomparedwiththeprotection ofthisholyman. Mydearfriend,Ireplied,thismoundseemsto beonlyafewmonthsold,andifaVjashravasliesburied beneathit,itcertainlywillnotbeanysaintbuttherobber ofthatname. Themerchantquietlynoddedassent. ThesamecertainlyIsawhimimpaledatthis spot.Andhisheadisstillupoverthecitygate.Butsince hehassufferedthepunishmentimposedbytheKinghe has,purgedtherebyfromhissins,enteredheavenwithout spotorstainandhisspiritnowprotectsthetravellerfrom robbers.Overandabovethis,however,peoplesaythat evenduringhisrobberlifetimehewasanexceedingly
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learnedandalmostsaintlyman;forheknewevensecret partsoftheVedabyheartatleastthatiswhatissaid. Anditisperfectlytrue,Ireplied,forIknew himwell,andmayevencallmyselfhisfriend. Asthemerchantlookedsomewhatappalledwhen Isaidthis,Icontinued:Iwasoncemadeprisonerbythis band,andatthattimeVjashravastwicesavedmylife. Themerchantslookpassedfromfrighttoenvious admiration. Thenindeedyoucantrulycountyourselfhappy! IfIhadsostoodinhisfavour,Ishouldinaveryfewyears betherichestmaninKosamb.Andnow,aprosperous journeytoyou,Oenviableone!Sayingwhich,hegave thesignalforhiscaravantoproceedonitsway. * * * Inaturallydidnotneglecttolayanofferingforthe deadonthegraveofmyfamousandesteemedfriend;but myprayer,incontrasttoalloftheothersoffereduphere, hadforitssubstancethewishthathewouldleadme straightintothearmsofthenearestrobberband,towhich, withhishelp,Iwouldthenjoinmyself.Andtheleadership ofwhich,asIhavealreadysaid,Ididnotdoubtwould soonpassintomyhands. Iwaspresentlytosee,however,thatmylearned and,bypopularpronouncementnowsaintedfriend,had beenmistakenwhenheaverredthatarobberconstellation hadshoneuponmeatmybirth.Foronnopartofthe waytoUjjendidweseeevenatraceofrobbers,andyet scarcelyaweeklateracaravanwemet,afterwehadgone throughalargeforestclosetothebordersofAvanti,was fallenuponbybanditsatthatveryspot. Ithasbeenthesourceofmanyathoughtfulreflection tomethatthepurestchanceshouldtoallappearanceshave
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ledtomyremainingincivillife,insteadofadopting,asmy heartsoardentlydesired,thelifeoftherobber.Notthatit isimpossibleforoneofthenightlypathsofMotherKlto leaddirectlytothepathofthespiritualseeker;justas,of thehundredandoneveinsfilledwithquinquecoloured fluid,onlyasingleoneleadstotheheadanditisthatone bywhich,atdeath,thespiritleavesthebody,soitisalso quitepossiblethat,evenifIhadbecomearobber,Imight neverthelesshavebecomeaseekernowandonthe spiritualpath,withenlightenmentasmygoal.Besides, whenonehasattainedenlightenment,allonesworks disappear,whethergoodorbad:burnttoashes,asit were,inthefervourofilluminedknowledge. Moreovertheintervalbetweenthattimeandthis, haditbeengivenovertothelifeoftherobberratherthan tocivillife,mightnothaveturnedoutasdifferentlyasyou mightexpect,brother,insofarasitsmoralfruitsarecon cerned.For,duringthetimethatIdweltamongtherobbers, Icametoknowthatthereareamongthemmanydifferent types,ofwhichsomepossessmostexcellentqualities,and that,certainexternalfeaturesapart,thedifferencebetween robbersandhonestfolksisnotquitesovastasthe latterwouldhaveusbelieve.Andfurthermore,intheripe periodoflifeonwhichInowentered,Icouldnothelp noticingthatthehonestfolksdabbledinthehandiwork ofthethievesandrobbers:anumberofthemasoppor tunityofferedand,asitwere,improvising;othersregularly andwithgreataswellashighlyprofitableskill.Thusby mutuallylesseningthedividingdistance,considerable contacttookplacebetweenthetwogroups. ForthisreasonIamreallyunabletosaywhetheror notIhaveactuallygainedsoverymuchfromthehelpofthe protectivespiritwhichheldmebackfromthenightlypaths oftheDarkGoddessdancerwithherswayingnecklaceof humanskulls.
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 * * * Afterthisprofoundreflection,Kmantabecame silentandturnedhiseyes,lostinthought,onthefull moon,whichroselargeandglowingintotheheavens directlyoverthedistantforestthehauntoftherobbers andfloodedtheopenhallofthepotterwithastreamof light,whereitseemedtotransformtheochremantleof theMasterintopuregold,liketheraimentofsomegodlike image. TheLordBuddhaonwhomtheseekerinvolun tarilyturnedhisgaze,attractedbythesplendourbut withouthavingthesmallestinklingoftheidentityofhim whomhebeheldexpressedhissympathywithagentle inclinationofhishead,andsaid:Still,friend,Ionlysee youturningyourstepstowardsthehouseholdliferather thantohomelessness,althoughthepathtothelatterhad intruthopeneditselftoyou. Evenso,brother!Mydimeyesfailedtoseethe pathtofreedomandItookmyway,asyousay,tothe householdlife. Theyoungseekersigheddeeplyand,inafresh clearvoice,shortlyresumedtherecordofhisexperiences.

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THECOMPANIONOFSUCCESS T
HEENDOFTHEMATTERwasthatIcontinued

toresideinthehouseofmyparentsinUjjen. * * * Asalltheworldknows,stranger,thismynative townisfamedthroughoutJambudvpaasmuchforits revelsandunstintedenjoymentoflife,asforitsshining palacesandmagnificenttemples.Itsbroadstreetsresound bydaywiththeneighingofhorsesandthetrumpetingof elephants,andbynightwiththemusicofloverslutesand thesongsofcarefreecarousers. ButofallthegloriesofUjjen,noneenjoyarepu tationsoextraordinaryasdoitscourtesans.Fromthegreat ladieswholiveinpalacesbuildingtemplestothegods, layingoutpublicparksforthepeople,andinwhose receptionroomsonemeetspoets,artistsandactors, distinguishedstrangersandoccasionallyevenprinces downtothecommonwenches,allarebeautieswithsoftly swellinglimbsandindescribablegrace.Atallthegreat festivals,inprocessionsandexhibitions,theyformthe chiefadornmentofthebeflaggedandflowerstrewn streets.Incrimsonsariswithfragrantwreathsintheir hands,theairaboutthemheavywithdeliciousperfumes, theirdressessparklingwithdiamonds:Doyousee them,brother?Sittingontheirmagnificentgrandstandsor
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 movingalongthestreetswithglancesfulloflove,seduc tivegesturesandplayfullylaughingwords,everywhere fanningtheheatedsensesofthepleasureseekerstoliv ingflame. HonouredbytheKing,worshippedbythepeople, sungofbythepoets,theyareaptlynamedThemany colouredfloralcrownoftherockenthronedUjjen,and theydrawdownuponustheenvyofthelessfavoured neighbouringtowns.Notinfrequentlythechoicestofour beautiesgototheseplacesasguests,andnowandagainit happensthatoneoranotherofthemhastoberecalledby royaldecree. Desiringtodrownthegriefthatwaseatingaway mylife,thegoldencupofpleasure,filledtothebrimwith itsintoxicatingLethedraughtsofforgetfulness,wasfreely nay,prodigallyraisedtomylipsbythefairhandsof thisjoyoussisterhood.Owingtomymanytalentsand wideknowledgeofthefinearts,andnotlessofallsocial games,Ibecameafavouredguestofthegreatcourtesans. Infacttherewasevenone,whosefavourcouldscarcely bemeasuredbygold,whofellsopassionatelyinlove withmethatshequarrelledwithaprinceonmyaccount. Ontheotherhand,owingtomycompletemasteryofthe robbersdialect,Iwassoononconfidentialtermswiththe girlsofthelowstreets,whosecompanyonthepathofa coarserandmorerobusttypeofpleasureIbynomeans despised,andofwhomseveralwereheartandsoulde votedtome. ThusmadlydidIdivedeepdownintotherushing whirlofthepleasuresofmynativecity,anditbecame,O stranger,aproverbialsayinginUjjen:Asfastasyoung Kmanta. * * *
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 Itwasaboutthistimethataneventoccurredwhich goestoshowthatevilhabits,andsometimesevenvice, maybethesourceofgoodfortunetosuchanextentthat themanofworldlymindcannoteasilydecidewhetherhe mostlyoweshisprosperitytohisgoodortohisbad qualities. Ireferparticularlytothatfamiliaritywiththe womenofthelowerclassestowhichallusionhasalready beenmade,andwhichbecameofthegreatestserviceto me.Myfathershousewasbrokenintoandjewels,which hadbeenforthemostpartentrustedtohimforvaluation, werestolen;andtoanamountwhichitwaspractically impossibletomakegood.Iwasbesidemyselfforabsolute ruinstaredusintheface.InvaindidImakeuseofallthe knowledgeIhadgainedintheforest.Fromthefashionin whichthesubterraneanpassagewasconstructedIcould easilytelltowhatclassofthiefthedeedwastobeascribed. Buteventhismostusefulhintprovedofnovalue tothepolice,whoinUjjen,tobesure,werenotheldin thesamehighregardaswastheinstitutionofthecourt esanseventhoughtherewasconsiderableevidenceof someinnerrelationshipbetweenthetwobodies.Onone occasion,inaverylearnedlectureontheloveaffairsof thevariousclasses,Iheardwithmyownearsthefollow ingsentence:Thegallantriesofthepoliceofficerhaveto takeplaceduringhisnightlyroundofinspection,andwith thecourtesansofthecity.Byorder.Which,takenin connectionwithVjashravasremarksuponThe servicerenderedbythecitycourtesansinhoodwinking thepolice,gaveme,inthosedaysofanxiouswaiting, muchfoodforthought. Now,however,inthisstrangestofallworldsof ours,thingsseemtobesoarrangedthatthelefthandmust makegoodwhattherighthasdoneamiss.Andthatis whathappenedhere.Forthoseflourishingblossomsfrom
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Ujjensflowergardenactuallyyieldedtomethefruit whichthethornyhedgeofthepoliceperhapsstunted solelyonaccountofthatverysameflourishingcondition oftheblossomshadfailedtoproduce. Thesekindmaidens,seeingmeindespairbecause oftheruinthreateningmeandmine,discoveredthe culpritsandforcedthemtohandovertheplunderby threateningthecompletewithdrawaloftheirfavours,so thatwegotofflenientlywiththelossofthelittlethathad alreadybeenspent,andwithafrightwhichdidnotfailto haveitseffectuponme. ItwokemeupfromthedissipatedlifeinwhichI wasuselesslysquanderingthebestofmyyearsand strength.For,quiteapartfromthewakingupandthe reasonsforit,myfollyhadnowreachedapointwhereit wascertaineithertoenslaveanddepravemecompletely, inthegarbofhabitor,onthecontrary,tofillmewith graduallyincreasingdisgust.Thislatterresultwasnow verymuchhastenedbytheexperienceIhadjusthad.I hadseenpovertystaringmeinthefacethepovertyto whichthelifeIhadbeenleadingwouldhavehandedme overdefenceless,afterithad,withallitscostlypleasures, treacherouslyleftmeinthelurch.AtthisjunctureI thoughtofthewordsutteredbythemerchantatthegrave ofVjashravas:IfIstoodashighinVjashravasfavour asyoudo,inaveryfewyearsIwouldbetherichestman inKosamb. ThusIresolvedtobecometherichestmaninUjjen and,tothisend,todevotemyselfwithallmystrengthto thetrafficofcaravansofgoods. Icarriedoutmyresolutions;andwhethermy friendandmasterVjashravas,fromhisabodeintheother world,didordidnotstandbymeinpersoninallmy undertakingsIcannotcertainlysay,althoughIhaveat timesbelievedit.Thismuchiscertain,thathiswordsin
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theiraftereffectsnowdid.Formyhavingbecomefamiliar, throughhisteaching,withallthecustomsandusagesof thevarioustypesofrobbers,andmyhavingevenbeen initiatedintothemysteriesoftheirsecretrules,now placedmeinapositionwhereIwasable,withoutridicu lousfoolhardiness,tocarrytoasuccessfulconclusion enterpriseswhichanotherwouldneverhavedaredto ventureupon.AndsoitwasthesethatInowpurposely selected,nolongercondescendingtotheordinaryroutes. Asaresult,whenIconductedalargecaravantoa towntowhich,formonths,noothermerchanthadbeen abletoproceedbecausepowerfulbandsofrobbershad cutoffthedistrictfromallcontactwiththeouterworld,I foundtheinhabitantssodesperatelyanxioustobuymy waresthatIwasattimesabletodisposeoftheseatten timestheusualprofit.Butthatwasnotall;forinestimable wastheadvantageIdrewfrommyoldfriendsinstruction withregardtoThedistinguishingmarksofofficials, bothofhigherandlowerrank,whoareopentobribery withreliablenotesastoeachmansprice,andwhatI gainedinthecourseofafewyearsbytheskilfuluseof thesehintsalone,representedamodestfortune. Soseveralyearspassed,duringwhichthevarious delightsofmypleasurelovingnativecityalternated healthilywiththehardshipsofbusinessjourneys,rich indeedindangersbutneverthelessbynomeansbarrenof pleasure,inspiteofallperils.InstrangecitiesIalways residedwithacourtesantowhomIwasasarulerecom mendedbysomemutualfriendsomeoneofthefair onesofUjjenandwhonotonlyplayedthepartof hostessbut,asoftenhappened,formedmybusiness connectionsformeveryshrewdlyaswell. * * *
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 Suchwasthetenorofmylifewhen,onemorning, myfathercametomyroom. AtthatmomentIwasbusyputtingsomelaconmy lips,onlypausingfromtimetotimetoshoutdirectionsto aservantwhohadledmyhorseoutintothecourtyardin frontofmywindowandwassaddlinghimup.Thespecial carerequiredonthepresentoccasionwasduetoaunique contrivancebywhichcushionsweretobestrappedonin frontofthesaddleforagazelleeyedbeautyIwastohold there.Anoutinghadbeenarrangedfortheafternoontoa publicgardenandIwasgoingbothwithwomenandmen friends. Iwelcomedmyfatherandwasabouttocallfor refreshments,buthestoppedme;andwhenIofferedhim somesweetscentedcashewsfrommygoldenboxhe declinedthesealso,onlytakingsomebetel.Iconcludedat oncefromthis,andnotwithoutmisgiving,thatmyrespec tedparenthadsomethingonhismind. Iseethatyouaregettingreadyforalittleexcur sion,son,hesaid,afterhehadtakentheseatIoffered him,andIcannotblameyou,seeingthatyouhavejust returnedfromafatiguingbusinessjourney.Whereareyou goingtoday? Itismyintention,father,toridewithsomefriends totheGardenoftheHundredLotusPonds,wherewewill amuseourselveswithvariousgames. Excellent,mostexcellent,myson!Charming, delightfulisanafternoonintheGardenoftheHundred LotusPondsthedeepshadeofthetreesandthecooling breathofthewatersinvitethevisitortolingerthere. Andsophisticatedandingeniousgamesaremostpraise worthy,fortheyexercisebodyandmindwithoutstraining them.Iwonderwhetherthegamesarestillinvoguethat weusedtoplayinmyyouth?Whatdoyousuppose, Kmanta,willbeplayedtheretoday?
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 Itdepends,father,onwhoseproposalprovesto bemostacceptable.IknowthatNimiwantstopropose sprayingwithwater. Idontknowit,saidmyfather. NoNimilearntitintheSouth,whereitisall thefashion.Theplayersfillbamboocaneswithwaterand sprayoneanother,andwhoeverbecomeswettesthaslost. Itisveryamusing.ButKoliythinksofsuggesting Kadamba. Myfathershookhishead:Idontknowthat either. Oh!thatismuchinfavouratpresent.Theplayers firstdivideintotwoparties.Thesethenattackoneanother, andthebranchesoftheKadambashrub,withitsgreat goldenblossoms,serveasmagnificentweapons.The woundsarerecognisablefromthedustoftheblossoms,so thattheumpiresareabletodecidewithoutdifficulty whichpartyhaswon.Thegameisbracing,andhassome thingdaintyaboutit.Imyself,however,intendtopropose theweddinggame. Thatisagoodoldgame,saidmyfather,witha decidedsmirk,andIamgreatlydelightedthatyouare mindedtoproposeit,asitisanevidenceofyoursenti ments.Fromplaytotherealthing...hepaused,thestep isnotanexcessivelylongone. Ashesaidthisheagainsmirked,withsuchevident satisfactionthatitmademyveryfleshcreep. Yes,son,hewenton,talkingofthatleadsme straighttowhatbroughtmetoyoutoday.Youhave,on yourmanybusinessjourneys,byyourcapacityandgood fortunemultipliedourpossessionsmanytimesover,so thattheprosperityofourbusinesshasbecomeproverbial inUjjen.Ontheotherhand,however,youhavealso quaffedthedelightsofyouthsfreedominunstinted draughts.Asaresultoftheformer,youarewellableto
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provideforahouseholdofyourown.Andfromthelatter, itfollowsthatitisalsotimeforyoutodoso,andtothink ofspinningthethreadofourracefarther.Inordertomake thingsveryeasyforyou,dearson,Ihavesoughtouta brideforyouinadvance.SheisSt,theeldestdaughterof ourneighbourSajaya,thegreatmerchant,andhasjust recentlyreachedmarriageableage.Asyoucanperceive, shecomesfromafamilyoflikestandingwithourown, respectedandveryrich,andshehasalargenumberof relativesbothonherfathersandmothersside.Herbody isfaultless;herhair,oftheblacknessofthebee;herface, likethemooninitsbeauty;eyes,likeayounggazelles;a noselikeablossomofthesesame;teethlikepearls;and Bimbalips,fromwhichtherecomesthevoiceofthe Kokila,sorarelysweetisit.Andherlimbsdelightthe heartasdoesthestemoftheyoungPisang,whileherfull hipslendtohercarriagetheeasymajestyoftheroyal elephant.Itisnotpossible,therefore,thatyoucouldhave anythingtoobjecttoinher. Ihadindeednothingtofindfaultwith,saveper hapsthathermanyandsopoeticallyextolledcharmsleft meutterlycold.AndIadmitthatamongthedetailsofthe weddingceremony,intheprescribedthreenightsof renunciationduringwhichIhadtoeatnoseasoned food,sleeponthefloorandkeepthehearthfirealight preservingthestrictestcelibacyinthecompanyofmy youngwifewas,amongstalltheothers,theleastirksome tome. * * * Anunlovedwife,brother,doesnotmakeones homedear,noritsfourwallsattractive,soItookmyself onjourneysalmostmorewillinglythanbeforeandinthe intervalsconcernedmyselfsolelywithbusinessmatters.
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AndasItogivethetruthitsduedidnotdealtoo scrupulouslyinthese,butwithoutmuchhesitationtook whatwastomyownadvantageoneveryoccasion,my richesincreasedtosuchanextentthat,afterafewyears,I foundmyselfneartothegoalofmyambitionandwasone oftherichestcitizensofmynativetown. Withthathappystateofthings,asmasterofa houseandfatherofafamily(Sthadinthemeantime borneustwobeautifuldaughters:AmbandTamb)there camethedesiretotastethesweetsofmyrichesabundantly andespeciallytomakeadisplayofthembeforemyfellow citizens.TothatendIpurchasedalargetractoflandinthe suburbsandlaidoutamagnificentpleasuregarden,inthe midstofwhichIbuiltaspaciousmansionwithhallswhose ceilingswerebornealoftonmarblepillars.Thisproperty wasreckonedamongthemarvelsofUjjenandeventhe Kingcametoseeit. WithinthesefairdomainsInowgavefabulous gardenpartiesandthemostluxuriousofbanquets,forI hadnowbeguntodevotemyselfmoreandmoretothe pleasuresofthetable.Themostlusciousmorselswhich weretobehadformoneywerealwaysserved,evenat ordinarymeals.AtthattimeIwasnotasyouseemenow, leanandweatheredbylonewanderings,bylifeinthe woodsandasceticpractices;ratherIwasofafullendowment ofbodyindeed,eveninclinedtobesomewhatportly. Anditbecame,Ostranger,aproverbialsayingin Ujjen:HistableislikethemerchantKmantas.

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THEFAMILYMAN

ONEMORNINGIWASwalkingbackandforthin
thegroundswithmyheadgardener,considering whereimprovementscouldbebestintroduced, whenmyfatherrodeintothecourtyardonhisolddonkey. * * * Ihastenedforwardand,afterhelpinghimto dismount,wasabouttogointothegardenwithhimasI believedhehadcometoenjoythebeautyofourflowers. Buthepreferredtoenterthenearestreceptionroomand whenIorderedmymantobringsomerefreshmentshe declined:Hewishedtospeaktomewithoutbeing disturbed. Overcomebyafeelingofuneasinessandscenting dangerahead,Isatdownonalowseatbesidehim. Myson,hebegan,inatoneofdeepestearnest ness,yourwifehas,sofar,onlyborneyoutwodaughters andmybrahminstellmethatthereisnoprospectthatshe willpresentyouwithason.Now,itissaid,andwithmuch truth,thatthemandiesmiserablyforwhomthereisno sontoofferthesacrificespropertothedead. Idontblameyou,son,headdedhastily,perhaps observingthatIhadbecomesomewhatagitated;and, althoughIwasnotawarehowinthismatterIcouldhave deservedblame,Ithankedhimwithsuitablehumilityfor
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hisclemencyandkissedhishand. No,Imustblamemyself,becauseinchoosing yourwife,Iallowedmyselftobedazzledintoogreata degreebyworldlyconsiderations,havingreferenceto familyandpossessions,anddidnotobservethecharacter isticmarkssufficiently.ThegirlwhomInowhaveinmind foryoucomes,itistrue,fromafamilywhichisbyno meansdistinguished,andfarfromrich;norcanonepraise herforherpossessionofwhatthesuperficialobserver mightcallbeauty.But,bywayofrecompense,shehasa navelwhichsitsdeepandisturnedtotheright;both handsandfeetbearlotus,urnandwheelmarks;herhairis quitesmooth,exceptforonherneckwhereshehastwo whorlscurlingtotheright.Andofamaidenwhopos sessessuchmarks,thewisesaythatshewillbearfive heroicsons. Ideclaredmyselfperfectlysatisfiedwiththepros pect,thankedmyfatherforthekindnesswithwhichhe lookedoutformeandsaidIwasreadytoleadthemaiden homeatonce.ForIthoughttomyself:Wellifithas tobe... Atonce?!criedoutmyfather,inaccentsofhorror. Myson,moderateyourimpatience!Weareatpresent inthesoutherncourseofthesun.Whenthisdeityenters hisnortherncourseandwehavereachedthehalfofthe monthinwhichthemoonwaxes,thenwewillchoosea favourabledayforthejoiningofhandsbutnotbefore notbefore,myson!Otherwisewhatgoodwouldallthe bridesqualitiesdoforus? Ibeggedmyfathertohavenoanxiety:Iwould havepatienceforthetimementionedandwouldinall thingsbeguidedbyhiswisdom.Onwhichnotehe praisedmydutifulness,gavemehisblessingandallowed metoorderrefreshments. * * *
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 AtlastthedayapproachedintruthIdidnot ardentlylongforitbutitwastheoneonwhichallthe propitioussignswerefoundtobeunited.Theceremonies thistimeweremuchmoretedious.Ineededafullfour teendaysofinstructionbeforehandinordertomasterall thenecessarysentences. TheagonyoffearIenduredduringthejoiningof handsinthehouseofmyfatherinlawitishardlypossible toputintowords.Itrembledwithoutintermissionfilled withahorribledreadlestIshouldnotrecitesomeverse correctly,orinkeepingwiththeactiontowhichitbelonged; formyfatherwouldassuredlyneverhaveforgiven meforit.Andyet,inmyanxiety,Ihadalmostforgotten thechiefthing,forinsteadoftakingmybrideSavitrs thumb,Ireachedouttoseizeherfourfingers,asthoughI wishedhertobearmedaughtersbutluckilyshehad presenceofmindenoughtopushherthumbintomyhand instead. IwasliterallybathedinperspirationbythetimeI wasfinallyabletoyokeinthebullsforourdeparture. Meanwhilemybrideinsertedintoeachofthecollarholes thebranchofafruitbearingtree,andIspoketherequired coupletwithafeelingthattheworstwasnowpast.The dangers,however,didnotbyanymeansliebehindusyet. Itistruethatwereachedthehousewithoutencoun teringanyofthenumerouslittlemishapswhich,onsuch occasions,seemtolieinwaitfortheirunfortunate victims.AndatthedoorSavitrwasliftedfromthewagon bythreebrahminwomenofblamelesslifewhohadall givenbirthtoboys,andwhosehusbandsyetlived.Sofar, allhadgonewell.Butnow,brother,imaginetheshockI receivedwhen,onenteringthehouse,mywifesfootall buttouchedthethreshold.Tothisday,Icannotconceive whenceIdrewtheresolutiontoliftherhighupinmy arms,andtherebyhindersuchcontactfrompossibly
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takingplace.Nevertheless,eventhiswasanirregularity and,whenenteringthehouse,wasofitselfbadenough; buttoaddtoitI,formyownpart,forgottoenterwiththe rightfootfirst.Fortunatelytheweddingguests,andespe ciallymyfather,weresonearlybesidethemselvesatthe threatenedcontactwiththethreshold,thatmyfalsestep wasallbutentirelydisregarded. InthemiddleofthehouseItookmystationtothe leftofmywife,onaredbullshidethatlaywiththeneck towardstheeast,andwiththehairysideuppermost.Now myfatherhad,afteralongsearch,andwithendless trouble,comeuponamalechildthathadonlybrothers andnosistersnotevendeadonesandwastheson ofafatherwhohadbeenthesame,havinghadbrothers only.Moreover,thiswasalsoactuallytrueofhisgrand fatherand,totheaccuracyofthestatementsineachcase, legaltestimonywasforthcoming.Thislittleboywastobe placedonmybridesknee.Alreadytherestoodatherside thecopperdishcontaininglotusflowersfromtheswamps, whichshewastolayinthefoldedhandsofthechild;and everythingwasprepared,when...thehaplesslittleurchin wasnowheretobefound!Notuntilafterwards,whenit wastoolate,didamanservantdiscoverthatthechildhad foundthesacrificialbedbetweenthefiresalltooenticing andhadrolledhimselfinthesoftgrassuntilhewaspracti callyburiedinit.Now,ofcourse,thesacrificialbedhadto bemadeupanewandfreshKusagrasscutwhichwas initselfreversingthedueorderofthingsasthegrass shouldhavebeencutattherisingofthesun. Wewerefinallyobliged,asIhaveindicated,todo withoutthiscrownofthewholefunction,andtocontent ourselveswiththehastilyprocuredsonofamotherwho hadborneonlysons.Butmyfatherwasinsuchastateof excitementatthefailureofthisprecaution,onwhichhe hadbuilthishighesthopes,thatIfearedafitofapoplexy
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wouldsuddenlyputanendtohispreciouslife.True,he wouldundernocircumstanceshavecommittedtheindis cretionofdyingatthatmoment,inordernottointerrupt theceremoniesintheworstofallpossibleways,butthis comfortingreflectiondidnotoccurtomeatthetime. Martyredbythemosthorriblefears,andinorderthatno intervalmightensue,Iwasobligedtopassthetimeof waitingforthesubstitutebyrecitingsomeappropriate mantraswithoutpause. ThathourIsolemnlypromisedmyselfthat,come whatmay,Iwouldnevermarryagain. Finally,aftereverythingwasended,Iwasobliged tospendtwelvenightswithmynewwifewho,bythe way,wasanythingbutthemonsterofuglinessmyfathers descriptionhadledmetoexpectinabsolutechastity, fastingrigorouslyandsleepingonthefloor.Thistimeit wastwelvenightsbecausemyfatherthoughtitwasbetter tobeonthesafesideanddotoomuchratherthantoo little.Butthedoingwasdistinctlypainfultome;particu larlybecauseIhadtodeprivemyself,duringthewhole time,ofmyfavouritedisheshighseasoningsandall. However,thisperiodofprobationIalsomanaged tosurvive,andliferanonagainontheoldlines,though soonwithaverysubstantialdifference.BeforelongIwas toseehowthoroughlywarrantedwasmyaversiontomy fathersnewmarriageproposal.True,Ihadinstantly comfortedmyselfwiththeideathat,ifamanhadone wife,hemightjustaswellhavetwo.Butalas,howsadly hadIdeceivedmyself! Myfirstwife,St,wasasweetpersonandhad alwaysseemedtopossessagentledemeanour,shecer tainlyleanedtothesideofmellownessratherthantothat ofirritablepassion;andSavitrwasalsoquiteloveableand hadalwaysbeenpraisedforhergenuinewarmthandher truewomanlysoftness.Inthesameway,brother,that
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waterandfirebothhavetrulybeneficialqualities,when theymeetonthehearth,onemustbepreparedfornoise andsteam.Andfromthatunhappydayonwardtherewas indeedthesoundofhissinginmyhome.Itwasmisery andIalsochidedmyselfforhavingbroughtthissituation about,wheretwogoodwomenweresetupincompetition witheachother,andthuscausedtobringoutthevery worstinthemselves. Butimaginetoyourself,ifyoucan,whatbecame ofthesituationwhenSavitrdidindeedbearmethefirstof thosefiveheroicsons.NowStaccusedmeofnothaving wantedsonsbyher,andofhavingrefrainedfromoffering thefittingsacrificesinorderthatImightthushavean excuseformarryinganother;whileSavitr,whenshewas irritatedbySta,performedaverydevilsdanceoftrium phantscorn.Then,betweenthetwo,therewasaconstant wrangleastoprecedence;myfirstwifelayingclaimtothe firstpositionashavingactuallybeenthefirst,whilethe secondmadethesamedemandasthemotherofmyson. Butworsewasyettocome. OnedaySavitrdashedintome,tremblingfrom headtofootinfrenziedagitation,anddemandedthat IshouldsendStawayasshewishedtopoisonmy belovdson:theboywhomeverybodyknewbythe nicknameofKrishna,onaccountofhisunusually darkcolorationandmisheviousnaturehadmerely hadanattackofcolicfromeatingtoomanysweets, ahabitinwhichhealsoimitatedhisdivinenamesake. Irebukedherseverely,buthadscarcelyfreedmyself fromherpresencewhenStstoodbeforeme,clamouring thatourtwolambs,AmbandTamb,werenotsureof theirlivessolongasthatvilewomanremainedinthe house:Herrivalwishedtogetbothofmydearlittle daughtersoutofthewayinorderthattheirdowriesshould notdiminishtheheritageofherson.
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 So,undermyroof,peacewasnolongertobefound. Ifyou,brother,chancedtodelayyourstepsatthe farmhouseoftherichbrahminwholivesbutashortway off,andheardhowhistwowivesrailedatoneanother disputinginhigh,shrilltonesandshakingtheairwith theircoarselanguagethenyouhave,sotospeak, passedmyhouseontheway. Anditalsobecame,Iamsorrytoconfess,aprover bialsayinginUjjenatthattime:Thetwoagree:like Kmantaswives!

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THESHAVENHEADEDMONK S
UCHWASTHESTATEofaffairsinmyhome

when,onemorning,Isatinalargeroomwhich layontheshadysideofthehouseandwhichwassetapart forthetransactionofallbusinessmatters.Forthatreasonit overlookedthecourtyard,anarrangementwhichenabled metokeepundermyowneyeeverythingrelatingtothe administrationofmyaffairs. Beforemestoodatrustedservantwhohad,fora numberofyears,accompaniedmeonallmyjourneysand towhomIwasgivingexactinstructionswithregardtothe takingofacaravantoasomewhatdistantspot.Alongwith thesedirectionsIwas,ofcourse,describingtohimthebest modeofdisposingofhiswareswhenhegotthere,the producehehadtobringbackwithhim,thebusiness connectionshewastoformandothersimilarmatters,forit wasmyintentiontogivehimfullchargeoftheexpedition. * * * Tobesure,myhousewaslesshomelikethan ever,andonemightsupposethatImyselfwouldhave beengladtoembraceeveryopportunityofroamingabout indistantlands.ButIwasbeginningtobesomewhatself indulgentanddainty,andIshunnedverydistantjourneys notonlybecauseofthefatiguestobefacedontheway but,aboveall,onaccountofthesparingdiettobeputup
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withwhenactuallyontheroad.Yetevensupposingthe journeysendreached,withthepossibilityofmakingup forlosttimeandofhavingthebestofeverything,there werenumerousdisappointmentstobereckonedwithand I,atleast,wasneverabletodineabroadaswellasIdidat home.Asaresult,Ihadbeguntosendoutmycaravans undertrustyleaderswhileIremainedbehindinUjjen. Well,asIwassaying,Iwasinthemidstofgiving mycaravanleaderveryminuteandwellconsidered instructions,whenfromthecourtyardweheardthevoices ofmytwowives,bothmuchlouderthanusualandwitha flowoflanguagewhichsoundedasthoughitwouldnever end.Irritatedbythistiresomeinterruption,Ifinallysprang upand,afterhavingvainlylookedoutofthewindow, Isteppedintothecourtyard. ThereIsawbothofmywivesstandingattheouter gate.Butfarfromfindingthemwranglingwithonean otherasIhadexpected,Icameuponthemforthefirst timeofonemind:theyhaddiscoveredandpouncedupon acommonenemyandonhimtheynowpouredoutthe vialsoftheirunitedwrath.Thislucklessvictimwasa wanderingascetic,whostoodtherenexttooneofthe pillarsofthegatequietlylettingthisstreamofabuseflow overhim. TheactualreasonfortheirattackuponhimIhave neverdiscovered;Iimagine,however,thatthemother instinct,whichwasveryhighlydevelopedinbothofthem, scentedinthisselfdenieratraitortothesacredcauseof humanpropagationandafoetotheirsex,andthatthey hadjustasinstinctivelyfallenuponhimastwomongooses uponacobra. Outwithyou,youbaldpatedpriest,youshame lessruffian!Justlookhowyoustandthere,withyourbent shouldersandhangdoglook,breathingpietyandcon templationyouoilyhypocrite!Yousmoothfaced
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windbag!Itisthekitchenpotthatyoupeerandgazefor, thatyousniffandsnuffleatjustlikeanyolddonkey who,unyokedfromhiscart,runstotherubbishheapin thecourtyardandpeersandgazesandsniffsand snuffles...Outwithyou,youlazy,brazenfacedthief,you shamelessbeggar,shavelingmonk! Theobjectoftheseandsimilarexpressionsof maternalcontempt,awandererbelongingtosomeascetic schoolandamanofstrikinglyloftystature,stoodstill besidethegatepostinanattitudeofeasyrepose.His robe,oftheambercolouroftheKanikraflowerandnot unlikeyourown,fellinpicturesquefoldsoverhisleft shouldertohisfeet,andgavetheimpressionofcoveringa powerfullybuiltbody.Therightarm,whichhunglimply down,wasuncoveredandIcouldnothelpadmiringthe hugecoilofmuscles,whichratherseemedtobethewell earnedpossessionofawarriorthantheidleinheritanceof anascetic;andeventheclayalmsbowlappearedtobeas strangeandincongruousinhishandasanironbludgeon inthatsamehandwouldhaveseemedtobeinitsproper place.Hisheadwasbent,hisgazefixedontheground, hismouthabsolutelywithoutexpression,andhestood motionlessthereasthoughsomemasterlyartisthadhewn thestatueofawanderingmonkinstone,hadpaintedand clothedit,andthatIhadthereuponcausedittobesetup atmygateasifitwereasymbolofmyliberality. Thistranquillityofhis,whichIheldtobemeekness butwhichmytwowivesregardedascontempt, naturallygoadedthelattertoevergreaterefforts;andthey wouldprobablyhavegraduatedtoactualviolence,hadI notcomebetween,rebukedthemfortheirdisrespect fulnessanddriventhemintothehouse.ThenIwentupto thewanderer,bowedrespectfullybeforehimandsaid: Itrust,MostVenerableOne,thatyouwillnottake toheartwhatthesetwowomenmayhavesaid:Iknowit
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hasbeenbothuncalledforandunfitting.Iamafraidthey wereoverwroughtandnotentirelyincontroloftheir faculties.Itrustthatyouwillnot,onthisaccount,strike thishousewithyourasceticanger.Iwillfillyouralms bowlmyselfwiththebestthishousehastooffer, HonouredSir.Howfortunatethatthebowlisasyet empty!Iwillfillitsothatitcannotcontainanothermorsel andnoneighbourshall,thisday,earnmeritbyfeeding you.Youhaveindeednotcometothewrongdoor, VenerableOne;andIbelievethefoodwillbetoyour taste,foritisaproverbialsayinginUjjen:Histableislike themerchantKmantas,andIamhe.Itrust,therefore, VenerableOne,thatyouwillnotbeangryatwhathas takenplace,andwillnotcursemyhouse. Whereuponheanswered,andwithnoappearance ofunfriendliness: HowcouldIbeangryatsuchabuse,Oheadof thishouse,seeingashowitismydutytobegratefulfor evenfarcoarsertreatment?Once,inthepast,Itookmyself withrobeandalmsbowlintoatowntoreceivefoodfrom thecharitable,asisourcustom.Butinthattown,Mra,the EvilOne,hadjustthenstirredupthebrahminsandthe householdersagainsttheOrderoftheBuddhaAway withthesesocalledvirtuous,noblemindedascetics! Abusethem,insultthem,drivethemaway,pursuethem. Andsoithappened,asIpassedalongthestreetastone flewatmyhead;nextabrokendishstruckmeintheface andastickwhichfollowedhalfcrushedmyarm.But when,withheadallcutandcoveredwithblood,with brokenbowlandtornrobeIreturnedtotheMaster,his wordswere:Bearit,brahmin!Bearit!Foryouareexperi encinghereandnowtheresultofdeedsbecauseofwhich youmighthavebeentorturedinhellformanyyears,for manyhundredsofyears,formanythousandsofyears. Atthefirstsoundofhisvoice,therequivered
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throughmefromheadtofootaflashofhorrorand,with everyadditionalword,anicycoldnesspenetrateddeeper intotheveryrecessesofmybeing.Foritwas,brother,the voiceofAngulimla,therobberhowcouldIdoubtit? Andwhenmyconvulsiveglancefixeditselfonhisface,I recogniseditalso:althoughhisbeardformerlywentup almosttohiseyesandhishairhadgrowndowndeepinto hisforehead,andwhereashenowstoodcompletely cleanshavenbeforeme.ButonlytoowelldidIrecognise againtheeyesunderthosebushy,coalescingeyebrows, althoughinsteadofdartingflashesofrageatme,asin thoseformerdays,theynowlookedkindnessitself;and thesinewyfingerswhichencircledthealmsbowlthey wereassuredlythesamethathadonceclutchedmythroat likedevilishtalons. How,indeed,couldIgrowangryatabuse?my gruesomeguestwenton,HasnottheMastersaid: Bhikkhus,evenifrobbersandmurderersweretosever yousavagelylimbbylimbwithatwohandledsaw,one whogaverisetoamindofhatredonthataccountwould notbecarryingoutmyteachings. WhenI,brother,heardthesewords,withtheir diabolicallyconcealedyettomesoevidentthreat,mylegs shookundermeandtosuchadegreethatIhadtohold ontothewallinordernottofalldown. WiththegreatestdifficultyImanagedtopullmyself togethersofarastoindicatetotherobberascetic,moreby gesturethanbymyfewstammeredwords,thathewasto havepatienceuntilIshouldprocurehimthefood. ThenIhurried,asrapidlyasmyshakinglegs wouldcarryme,straightacrossthecourtyardintothelarge kitchen,wherejustatthatmomentthemiddaymealfor thewholehouseholdwasbeingprepared,andwherefrom everypotandpantherecamethesoundsofroastingand boiling.
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 HereIchose,withnolesshastethancare,thebest andmostsavourymorsels.Armedwithagoldenladleand followedbyawholetroopofservantsbearingdishes,I dashedagainintothecourtyardinordertowaituponand, ifpossible,conciliatemyterribleguest. ButAngulimlahaddisappeared.

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READYFORACTION H
ALFSWOONING,ISATdownuponabench.My brain,however,begantoworkagainatonce. Angulimlahadbeenthere,ofthattherecouldbeno doubt;andthereasonforhiscomingwasonlytooclearto me. * * * HowmanytaleshadIheardofhisimplacability andgreedforvengeance!Moreover,Ihadhadthemis fortunetoslayhisbestfriendand,frommytimewiththe robbers,Iwellknewthatfriendshipamongthemdoesnot countforlessthanamonghighlyrespectablecitizens indeed,ifanything,formuchmore.AtthetimewhenI washisprisoner,Angulimlacouldntkillmewithout contraveningthelawsofTheSendersandatthesametime puttinganindelibleblotuponhisrobberhonour;yethe neverthelessallbutdidittwiceover.Now,however,he hadatlastbeenabletoseekoutthisland,inspiteofits lyingsofarfromthesceneofhisfavouredactivities,and evidentlyheintendedtomakeupforthatpastomission. Inthedisguiseofanascetichehadsucceededinleisurely surveyingtheplacesintheneighbourhoodand,without doubt,hadresolvedtoactthatsamenight.Evenifhehad byanychanceperceivedthatIrecognisedhim,hedared notdelay,forthiswasthelastnightofthedarkhalfofthe
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monthandtocarryoutsuchanenterpriseinthelighthalf wouldhavebeenanoffenceagainstthesacredlawsofthe robbers,andwouldhavebroughtdownuponhimthe vengeanceofthewrathfulGoddessKl. Iatonceorderedmybesthorsetobesaddledand rodeintotowntothepalaceoftheKing.Icouldeasily haveobtainedanaudiencebut,tomydisappointment,I learnedthathewasjustthenresidingatoneofhisdistant huntinglodges.Iwasthereforeobligedtobecontentwith avisittotheMinisterofState.Asithappenedthiswasthe verysamemanwhohadconductedthefatefulembassyto Kosamb,andinwhoseprotectionasyouwillremember,I didnottravelback.Now,fromthatdayonwhichIhad refusedtofollowhim,hehadnotbeenveryfriendlyto me,asIhadnoticedonseveraloccasionswhenwehad chancedtomeet;inadditiontowhich,Iknewhehad frequentlycriticisedmymodeoflife.Tohavetobringthis matterbeforehimwasnotexactlyagreeable;itsjustifica tion,however,wassoapparentthathere,itseemed,there wasnoroomleftforpersonallikesordislikes. Irelatedtohim,therefore,asshortlyandclearlyas possible,whathadtakenplaceinmycourtyard,and addedtheallbutselfevidentpetitionthatadivisionof troopsmightbestationedforthenightinmyhouseand garden,forthedoublepurposeofdefendingmyproperty fromthecertainattackoftherobbers,andofcapturingas manyoftheseaspossible. TheMinisterheardmeinsilenceandwithan inscrutablesmileonhisface.Thenhesaid: MygoodKmanta,Idonotknowwhetheryou havealreadyindulgedinanearlyandveryheavydraught, orarestillsufferingfromtheeffectsofoneofyourfamous nightlybanquetswhichhavebecomethetalkofUjjen;or, indeed,whetheryoumaynothaveruinedyourinner organstosuchanextentbyyournolessproverbialthan
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remarkablespiceddishes,astonowbesubjecttonight mares,andnotonlybynightbutalsoinbroaddaylight! ForassuchIamcompelledtodesignatethisinteresting tale,particularlyasweknowthatitisalongtimesince Angulimlaceasedtosojournamongsttheliving. Butthatwasafalserumour,aswenowsee!I calledoutimpatiently. Ibynomeansseeit,herepliedsharply.There canbenoquestioninthisinstanceofafalserumoura shorttimeaftertheaffair,Stgirahimselfrelatedtomein KosambthatAngulimlahaddiedintheunderground dungeonsoftheministerialpalace,undertorture;andI myselfsawhisheadononeofthespikesovertheeastern gate. Idonotknowwhoseheadyousawthere,Icried, butthisIdoknow,thatonehouragoIsawtheheadof Angulimlasafeandsoundonhisshoulders,andthat,far frommeritingyourmockery,Ideservethatyou,onthe contrary,shouldthankmeforgivingyoutheopportunity... ...ofkillingadeadmanandmakingafoolof myself?theMinisterinterruptedme.Muchobliged! ThenIbegyouatleasttorememberthatthisis notamatterwhichconcernsjustanyoldplace,butrelates toamansionandgroundsreckonedamongthewonders ofUjjen,andinspectedbyourgraciousKinghimselfwith greatadmiration.HewillnotthankyouifAngulimla reducesallthesesplendoursofhiscapitaltoashes. Oh!thattroublesmeverylittle,saidtheMinister, laughing.Takemyadvice:gohome,calmyourselfwitha shortsleep,anddontletthematterdisturbyoufurther. Fortherest,thewholeaffairarisesfromthis,thatyou plungedyourselfintoaromanticadventurethatyearin Kosamband,inyourheadstrongfolly,flungmywordsto thewindsratherthanreturnwithme.Hadyoulistened
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then,Angulimlawouldneverhavemadeyouprisoner andyouwouldnotnowhavebeentormentedbyan emptyandbaselessfear.Moreover,yourtwomonthlong lifeinthecompanyofthatrobberpackdidnotimprove yourmorals,asallofushereinUjjenhaveperceived. Atthispointhelaunchedintoafewadditional moralplatitudesandthenhedismissedme. EvenbeforeIreachedhomeIwasconsidering whatwastobedone,seeingthatIwasnowthrownonto myownresources.Arrivingthere,Ihadallthemovable treasurescostlycarpets,inlaidtablesandsimilaritems carriedintothecourtyardandloadedontowagons,in ordertohavethemconveyedtoaplaceofsafetyinthe innertown.AtthesametimeIhadweaponsdistributed amongstallmypeople;bothwagonsandweaponsbeing forthcominginabundance,owingtothefactthatacara vanhadbeenincourseofpreparation.ButIdidntlet thingsrestthere.Myfirstmeasurewastosendseveral trustedservantsintothetowninorder,bythepromiseofa handsomereward,toenlistforthenightcourageousand capablefightingmen. Foranyotherpersonthiswouldhavebeena hazardousprocedure,forhoweasilymightsuchfellowsat thecriticalmomentmakecommoncausewiththeassail ants.ButIrelieduponcertainfemalefriends,whorecom mendedtomyservantsonlytrustworthyrascalsthatis, fellowswhowerecapableofanything,buttowhomtheir solemnlypledgedwordandfightingmoney,onceaccep ted,weresacred.AsIknewthisriffraffandtheircurious customs,IwaswellawareofwhatIwasdoing. Duringthesepreparations,asIhadnotimemyself togotomywives,Isentaservanttoeachofthemwith instructionsthattheyshouldholdthemselvesinreadiness Stwithhertwodaughters,Savitrwithherlittleson tomoveintotowntomyfathershome.Ididntletthem
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knowthatitwasonlytobeforonenightbecauseIhad consideredthat,oncetheywerethere,theymightaswell stayaweekorlonger,andIshouldmeanwhileenjoya littleperiodofpeaceathomesupposing,ofcourse,that Isucceededinbeatingofftheattack.JustaslittledidIlet themknowthereasonforthisarrangementbecause,at thattime,Ifoolishlybelievedthatoneshouldnevergive reasonstowomen. MeantimetheworkwentonandIwasonthepoint ofmakingastirringspeechtomyarmedservants,anold practiceofminewhendangerthreatenedonourcaravan journeys,andwhichhadalwaysbeenattendedwith excellentresults,when,withoneaccordandasifbypre arrangement,mytwowivesdashedoutofseparatedoors intothecourtyard,withanairofconsternationontheir facesandshoutingloudly.Everyonelookedroundatthem andIwasforcedtointerruptmyspeechbeforeitwas wellbegun. Stbroughtoutourtwodaughters,Savitrourlittle son,withher.Nosoonerhadtheyreachedmethanthey pointedeachattheother,andcriedsimultaneously: Soatlastthisawfulwomanhassucceededin turningyourheartagainstme,sothatyoudrivemeforth andlayuponme,yourfaithfulwife,thedisgraceofbeing sentbacktomyfathershouse,withyourinnocentlittle daughters!/withyourpoorlittleson! Howlongandbitterly,brother,haveIregrettedmy greedandfollytohavemarriedmyselftotwowomenat thesametimetohavedrawnthesetwointoasituation fraughtwithsuchpotentialforfrictionhowpainfuland joylessitwasforallthreeofus,tospeaknothingofthe childrenandtherestofthehouseholdwhoallhadto endureourconstantwranglings.Howrarely,Iwasto discover,doessuchanarrangementbringanythingbut griefforthusitwasbetweenusonceagain.
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 Thefoamingragethatpossessedthembroughtitto passthatneitherperceivedhowtheotheraccusedherof theverysamethingwhichsheherselfbroughtforward, andcomplainedofthesamehardfatewhichsheherself bewailedasherownandthat,withoutquestion,there musthavebeenamistakesomewhere. Farfromsuspectinganythingofthekind,they screamedandhowled,tearingtheirhairandstrikingtheir breastswiththeirfistsberatingmealsoformyfaithless nessandfavouritismuntilatlast,asifbywayofrelax ation,eachbegantopouroutabuseuponhersupposedly victoriousrival,whichinitscoarsenessfarsurpassed anythingIhadeverheard,eveninthecompanyofthe womenofthestreets. FinallyIsucceededinmakingmyselfheard,and alsoinmakingcleartothemthattheyhadutterlymisun derstoodmymessage:thatneitherofthemwastobesent toherownparents,buttomyfathershouse,andbyno meansasapunishmentorasasignofmydispleasure,but solelyonaccountoftheirownandtheirchildrenssafety. When,however,Isawthattheyatlastfullyunderstood this,Icouldnolongercontainmyself,butcriedout: Thisiswhatyouhavecreatedbyyourunbearable rudeness;youbothneedtolearntobehaveyourselvesina seemlyfashion!Thisiswhatyourshavelingmonkhas doneforyou!Whodoyousupposethatwas?Itwas Angulimla:therobber,thehorriblefiend,whoslays peopleandhangstheirfingersaroundhisneck.Heitis whomyouhaveabused,hewhomyouhaveangered!Itsa miraclethathedidntbeatyoutodeathwithhisalmsbowl. Butitisweothers,ifanyofusshouldfallintohishands, whowillhavetopaytotheuttermostfarthing;andwho knowswhetheryouyourselveswillbesafefromhim, evenatmyfathershouse! Whenmywivesfullycomprehendedthemeaning
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ofmywords,theybegantocryasiftheyalreadyfeltthe knifeattheirthroats,andwantedtorushoutofthegate withthechildren. Istoppedthem,however,andthencarefully explainedthatforthepresentnodangerwastobefeared becauseAngulimla,asIwellknew,wouldnotattackus beforemidnight.ThenIbadethemgobackintoour dwellingandpackallthethingstogetherwhichtheyand thechildrenwouldbelikelytoneedduringthetimethat thedangerfromrobberscompelledthemtoremainin town.Thistheythenatoncedid. AtthesametimeIhadquiteoverlookedthepos sibleeffectofmywordsonmypeople.Andthat,asIsoon discovered,wasanythingbutagreeable.Forwhenthey learnedthatitwastheterribleAngulimla,longsince believedtobedead,thathadspiedoutmyhouse,and wouldcertainlyattackitinthenight,firstoneandthen anotherslunkquietlyaway,untilfinallytheythrewdown theirarmsbydozensanddeclaredthattheywouldhave nothingtodowithsuchadevilthatnoonecould possiblyaskitofthem.Thosewhohadbeenenlistedin thetown,andofwhomthefirstcomersarrivedjustthen, whentheyheardhowthingsstood,alsosaidthatthiswas notwhattheyhadbargainedforandwithdrew. Onlyabouttwentyofmyownpeople,attheirhead thebravestewardofmyhouse,professedthattheywould notleavemebutwoulddefendtheplacetothelastdrop oftheirblood;fortheycouldallseethatIwasdetermined nottosacrificethissplendidpropertyinwhichmyheart waswrappedupbut,ifneedbe,toperishwithit. Severalresolutefellowsfromthetown,attracted almostmorebytheprospectofahotfightthanbythe money,andwhonotonlydidnotfearthenameof Angulimlabuttalkedthemselvesintothebeliefthat,after theyhadfoughtwellandbeentakenprisoner,theywould
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beenrolledinthebandseveralsuchdesperatecharac tersjoinedthemselvestous,andsoIfinallyhadcommand ofaboutfortywellarmedandbravemen. Meanwhile,eveningwasalmostuponusandthe wagonformywivesdroveup.Theycameout,bringing thechildrenwiththem,andallwerebythistimequieted down.Butafreshanxietyaroseatoncewhentheyper ceivedthatIwasnotgoingwiththemthat,onthe contrary,Ihadnottheslightestintentionofleavingthe house.Theythrewthemselvesontheirknees,clutchedat myclothesandbeggedmeasthetearsstreameddown,to rescuemyselfwiththem:Husband,dontforsakeus,dont castyourselfintothejawsofdeath! Iexplainedtothemthat,ifIabandonedmypost, ourhousewouldbecomeapreytoflamesandplundering hands,andmysonwouldlosethechiefpartofhisinherit ance,while,ontheotherhand,ifweheldoutbravely, therewasstillapossibilityofrescuingitasnoonecould saywhetherornotAngulimlawouldattackingreatforce. Kmanta,Kmanta!theycried,pleasedont leaveus!TheterribleAngulimlawillmakeawaywithyou andwillwearyourfingersonhisgorynecklace!Hewill tortureyoutodeathinhisfearfulfuryandthefaultwillbe ours.Becauseofourcursesandbadlanguageyou,our belovd,mustsufferandonthataccountwewillbe punishedinhell! IsoughttocomfortthemaswellasImight,and whentheysawthatIwasnottobemovedfrommyresolu tion,theywereobligedtomakethebestofitandgetinto thewagon.Scarcely,however,hadtheytakentheirplaces whentheybegantohurlaccusationsatoneanother. Itwasyouwhobeganit! No!Youcalledmyattentiontohimashestood therebesidethegatepost.Yes,thatyoudid!Youpointed yourfingerathimrightthere.
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 Andyou,youspatathimredspittleupto thattimeIhadntchewedanybetelIneverdothatin themorning. Butyoucalledhimatramp,alazybeggar! Andyou,abaldpatedmonk... Andsoitwenton;butthecreakingofthewheels, astheoxennowbegantopull,drownedouttheirvoices.

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TOHOMELESSNESS W
HATAHITHERTOunknownstillness

envelopedmenow,brother,asIagainentered thehouseafterstationingmypeople,eachmanat hispost.ThatIdidnthearthevoicesofmywivesit wasntthatalone;itwasalsothatIhadheardtheirvoices goingoutofthegate,awayintothedistance.Itwasthat therewasnopossibilityofsuddenlyhearingoutofany cornerthosescoldingtonesgrowinggraduallyshrillerand shrilleruntiltheyfinallyunitedorratherbecamedisunited inonecacophanousbrawlduetitwasthatwhichlent tomyhouseanairofunspeakablequiet,whichasyetI couldhardlybringmyselftobelievein. * * * AsIstoodtheremypalace,surroundedbyits beautifullylaidoutparks,seemedtomemoresplendid thaneverbefore,andItrembledatthethoughtthatallthis magnificencewastobeutterlydestroyedwithinafew hoursbytheinfamousbandofrobbers.Fearformyown lifetroubledmefarlessthanthecruelconvictionthat thesewellcaredforavenuesoftreeswouldbelaidwaste, theseartisticallyhewnmarblepillarshurleddown,and thatallthis,thebuildingupofwhichhadcostmesomuch thoughtandsuchtediouseffort,whosecompletionhad filledmewithsomuchjoy,wouldbeaheapofruinswhen
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thesunroseagain.ForonlytoowelldidIknowthetraces leftbyAngulimla. Therewas,however,nomoreformetodonow butwait,anditwasstillyetseveralhoursbeforemidnight. Ihadforyearsbeenlivinginaceaselessroundof businessandpleasureneveramomenthadItakenin whichtocometomyself;andasIsattherewithnothingto do,aloneinaroomopeningintothepillaredhallonthe onesideandintothegardenontheother,inthemidstof allthedeathlikestillnessofthepalace,Ilivedthroughthe firsthours,inasense,sincemyearliestyouth,which entirelybelongedtome. Mysuddenlyunfetteredthoughtsbegantofocus forthefirsttimeonmyself.Mywholelifepassedinreview beforeme;andlookinguponitasastrangermighthave done,Icouldfindnopleasurewhatsoeverinthesight. ThesereflectionsIinterruptedacoupleoftimesto makearoundthroughthehouse,courtyardandgarden, andthusassuremyselfthatmymenwereonthewatch.As Isteppedoutforthethirdorfourthtimefrombetweenthe pillars,myeyes,trainedonmanyacaravanjourney,at oncetoldmefromthepositionofthestarsandconstella tionsthatitwasbuthalfanhourtomidnight. Ihastilywenttheroundsagainandexhortedmy peopletobekeenlyonthealert.Imyselffelttheblood hammeringineveryvein,andmythroatseemedtocon tractfromtheanxietyandthestrain.Goingbacktomy room,Isatdownasbefore.Butnothoughtswouldcome; Ifeltaheavypressureonmybreastandsoonitseemedto measthoughIshouldsuffocate.Isprangupandwentout betweenthepillarstoinhalethecoolnightair.AsIdidso, mycheekwassoftlyfannedbywhatseemedtobea passingwaveofair,andimmediatelythereafterthehootof anowlsoundedinthestillness.Atthesamemomenta strongodouroftheblossomsofthenightlotuswaswafted
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towardsmefromthegardenponds.Ihadraisedmyeyes inordertocalculateoncemorethehourfromthestars, when:Thereitwas!Ibeheld,acrossthedeepblue expanseoftheheavens,betweentheblacktreetops,the softlyglowingradianceoftheMilkyWay. * * * TheHeavenlyGang,Imurmuredinvoluntarily, andinamomentitwasasifthepressureonmybreast wereloosening,wererisinginawarmwavewithinme,to pouroutinastreamofhottearsfrommyeyes.ItistrueI had,afewhoursearlier,whenmywholelifepassedin reviewbeforeme,thoughtofVsitthandthebriefseason ofmylovebutthenonlyasofsomethingdistantand strangethatseemedtobenomorethanafoolishdream. Now,however,InolongerthoughtofitatallIlivedit again:Iwasallatoncetheselfofthepastandtheselfof thepresent,andwithgenuinehorrordidIbecomeaware ofallthedifference.AtthattimeIpossessednothing exceptmyselfandmylove;andtheseweretheynot inseparable?NowohwhatdidInotpossessnow! Wivesandchildren,elephants,horses,cattle,draught oxen,servantsandslaves,richlyfilledwarehouses,gold andjewels,apleasureparkandapalacethepossessionof whichmyfellowcitizensenviedmebutwherewas I?Asinsomeblightedfruit,thekernelhaddriedup disappearedandeverythinghadturnedtoempty shell... Likeoneawakening,Ilookedaroundme. Theextensiveandbeautifullytimberedparklifting itsdarktreetopsagainstthenightsky,sownwithmyriads ofstarsandthreadedbytheMilkyWay,andtheproud hallwherethealabasterlampsglowedbetweenthepillars thesesuddenlyappearedtomeinquiteanewlight.
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Hostileandthreatening,theysurroundedmelikemagnifi centlyglisteningvampireswhichhadalreadydrained almostthewholeofmyheartsbloodandwerenow gapinggreedilyfortheenjoymentofthelastdrops,after whichtherewouldremainnothingbutthewithered corpseofanabortivehumanlife. Adistantandundefinablenoisemurmursof footstepsasitseemedtomecausedmetostartup. Unsheathingmysword,Isprangdownacoupleofsteps andthenstoodstilltolisten.Therobbers!butno... everythingwassilent,everythingremainedsilent.Farand wide,nothingmoved.Itwasonlyoneofthoseunfathom ablesoundswhichbelongtothestillnessofthenight,one ofthosewhichsooftenbythewatchfiresofthecaravans hadcausedmetospringtomyfeet.Outside,therewas nothing.Butwhatwasthatwithinme?Thiswasnolonger terrorwhichmadethebloodbeatinmytemples;noryet thecourageofdespair;no,itwasexultantjubilation. Welcome,yourobbers!Come,Angulimla!Layit alltowaste,reduceittoashes!Thesearemydeadliest enemieswhomyoudestroythatwhichwouldcrush me,youtakeaway.Here,heretome!Immerseyour swordsinmyblood!Itismybitterestenemyyoupierce, thisbodydevotedtosensuality,givenovertogluttony!It ismysaddestpossession,thislifewhichyoudepriveme of.Welcomerobbers!Goodfriends!Oldcomrades! Itcouldnotbelongnow;midnightwaspast,and withwhatjoydidIlookforwardtothecombat!Anguli mlawouldseekme;Iwishedtoseewhetherhewouldbe ablethistimealsotostrikemyswordoutofmyhand.Oh, howsweetthatwouldbe,todie,afterIhadpiercedhim tothehearthim,towhomaloneallmymisfortune wasdue. Itcannotbelongnow...howoftenIrepeated thatcomforttomyself,ashourpassedhour,thatnight!
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 Nowatlast!No,itwasarustlingofthetreetops whichdiedawayinthedistance,toriseagainasbefore itsoundedasthoughagreatshaggyanimalhadshaken itself.Againandagainitwasrepeated,andthenthere soundedtheshrillcryofsomebird. Werenotthesesignsofapproachingday? * * * Fearmademecold.WasitpossiblethatIwastobe disappointed?Yes,Itremblednowatthethoughtthat, afterall,therobbersmightnotcome.Howcloselywithin myreachtheendhadappearedtobeashort,exciting fightandthendeath,scarcelyfelt.Nothingseemedtome sohopelessnowasthewretchedprospectofbeingfound hereinthemorning,intheoldsurroundings,myoldself again,andagainboundtotheoldlife.Wasthatreallyto happen?Weretheynotcoming,mydeliverers?Itmust assuredlybehightimebutIdidntevendaretolook. Yethowwasthatpossible?WasI,afterall,thevictimof someillusionwhenIrecognisedAngulimlainthatwan derer?AgainandagainIaskedmyselfthequestion,but thatIcouldnotbelieve.Andyetifitwerehe,hewouldbe suretocomethisnighthewouldcertainlynothave appearedatmyhouseinhisverycleverdisguisewithouta purpose,onlytodisappearagainasthoughtheearthhad swallowedhim;forIhadcausedinquiriestobemadeand Iknewthathehadbeggedforalmsnowhereelse. Thedrowsycrowingofayoungcock,inthecourt yardnearby,wokemeoutofmybrooding.Theconstella tionthatIsought,Iwasnowscarcelyabletofind,several ofitsstarshavingalreadysunkbeneaththetreetops.All theothergroups,withtheexceptionofthosethatstood highestintheheavens,hadlosttheircleartwinkling. Therewasnolongerroomfordoubt;thegreydawnwas
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alreadyheraldingitscomingandanattackbyAngulimla wasabsolutelyoutofthequestion. ButofallthestrangethingsthatIhadexperienced thisnight,thestrangestcamenow. Therecognitionofmyimmunitywasatfirstaccom paniedbyafeelingofdisappointment,ratherthanany feelingofreliefbecauseofthedisappearanceofalldanger. Butanewthoughthadsuddenlyarisenandpossessedme utterly: WhatdoIreallyneedthoserobbersfor? Ihadlongedfortheirtorchesandpitchgarlandsto comeandfreemefromtheburdenofthismagnificent property.Therearepeople,however,whooftheirown freewilldivestthemselvesoftheirpossessionsandlay holdofthewanderingseekersstaff.Asabird,whither soeveritflies,fliesbearingonlyitswingsandiscontent withthese,soalsoitiswiththespiritualseekertheyare contentwitharobetocoverthebodyandwithalmsfood tosustainhealthandlife.AndIhaveheardthemsayin praiseofthatlife:Thehouseholdlifeiscrowdedand dusty;wideopen,likethefreeairofheaven,isthelifeof onegoneforth. Ihadcalledupontheswordsoftherobberstokill thisbody.Butifthisbodycrumblesintodust,anewoneis formed;andoutfromtheoldlifegoesforthanewoneas itsfruit.Whattypeoflifewouldgoforthfrommine?Itis truethatVsitthandIsolemnlysworebyyonderHeav enlyGang,whosesilverwavesfeedthelotuspondsof theWesternParadise,thatwewouldmeetinthoseFields oftheBlessd.Andwiththatvowtherewasformed,as shesaid,foreachofusthereinthecrystalwatersofthe sacredsea,alifebud:abudthatwouldgrowbyevery purethought,everygooddeed,butatwhicheverything lowandunworthyinourliveswouldgnawlikeaworm. Ah!Ifeltminemusthavebeengnawedutterlyawaylong
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ago.Ihadlookedbackovermylife;ithadgrownunwor thy.Unworthinesswouldgoforthfromit.WhatwouldI havegainedbysuchanexchange? Butthereare,asweknow,peoplewhobefore theyleavethislife,destroyeverypossibilityofrebirthon earthandwhowinthesteadfastcertaintyofeternalbliss. Andthesearetheverypeoplewho,forsakingeverything, adoptthewanderingseekerslife. Whatthencouldtheburningtorchesoftherobbers, whatcouldtheirswordsdoforme? AndI,whohadatfirsttrembledanxiouslybecause oftherobbers,andhadafterwardslongedimpatientlyfor themasmyonehopenowIneitherfearedthemnor hopedforanythingfromthem.Freedalikefromfearand hope,Ifeltagreatcalm.InthispeaceIassuredlyexperi encedaforetasteofthejoywhichistheirswhohave reachedthespiritualseekersGoal.For,asIstoodin relationshiptotherobbers,sothoseseekerssurelystand inrelationtoallthepowersofthisworld:theyneitherfear themnordotheyhopeforanythingfromthem,they simplyabidewiththeminsereneandperfectpeace. AndIwhoameretwentyhoursearlierhad fearedtostartoutonashortjourneyonaccountofthe hardshipsandthemeagrefareofthecaravanlifeInow decidedwithoutfearorvacillationtojourneyshelterless andonfoottotheendofmydays,contenttotakethings astheycame. WithoutoncegoingbackintothehouseIwent straightawaytoashedlyingbetweenthegardenand courtyard,whereallkindsoftoolswerekept.ThereItook anoxgoadandcutthepointoffit,inordertouseitasa staff;andIhungovermyshoulderagourdbottle,suchas thegardenersandfieldworkerscarried. AtthewellinthecourtyardIfilledthegourd,upon whichthehousestewardapproachedme.
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 Angulimlaandhisrobberswillnotcomenow, Master!Willthey? No,Kolita,theywillnotcomenow. But,Masterareyougoingoutalready? Evenso,Kolita,Igo.AndofthisverymatterI desiretospeakwithyou.ForIgothewaynowthat peoplecallthewayofthenoblestbirdsofpassage.From thisway,however,Kolitathereisnoreturnforonewho perseveresinitnoreturntothisworldafterdeath,how muchlesstothishouseduringlife.ButthehouseIgive intoyourcare,foryouhavebeenfaithfuluntodeath. Administerthehouseandfortuneuntilmysonattainsto manhood.Givemylovetomyfather,mywives,mylittle girlsandtheboy,andfarewell! AfterIhadthusspokenandfreedmyhandfrom thegoodKolita,whocovereditwithkissesandtears,I walkedtowardsthegate,andatthesightofthegatepost besidewhichthefigureofthewandererhadstood,I thought:IfitslikenesstoAngulimlawasbutavision, thenIcertainlyhavereadthevisionright! Quickly,andwithoutlookingback,Iwentthrough thesuburbwithitsgardens.Beforemethedesolate,far reachingcountryroadlaystretchedoutinthefirstgrey shimmerofthedawn,asifitwentonandeveronforall eternity. Thus,VenerableOne,didIadoptthelifeof homelessness.

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INTHEHALLOFTHEPOTTER W
ITHTHESEWORDSthepilgrimKmanta

broughthisnarrativetoaclose,satsilently andgazedmeditativelyoutuponthelandscape. * * * AndtheLordBuddhaalsosatsilentlyandgazed meditativelyoutuponthelandscape. Loftytreesweretobeseen,somenear,some fartheroff,somegroupingthemselvesinshadowymasses, othersdissolvingairilyincloudlikeformationsanddisap pearingintothemistsinthedistance. Themoonnowstooddirectlyovertheporch,and itslightshoneintotheouterpartofthehall,whereitlay likethreewhitesheetsuponableachinggreen,whilethe leftsideofthepillarsgleamedasthoughmountedinsilver. Inthedeepsilenceofthenightonecouldheara waterbuffalosomewhereintheneighbourhood,cropping thegrasswithshortmeasuredjerks. AndtheMasterponderedwithinhimself: ShouldItellthisseekerallIknowofVsitth? Howfaithfulshewastohim;how,withoutfaultofher own,shewasforcedtomarryStgirabylowfraud;how itwasherdoingthatAngulimlaappearedinUjjen;and how,owingtothatveryvisit,hehimself,Kmanta,isnow treadingthepathofthespiritualseekerinsteadofsinking
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infoulluxury.ShouldIrevealtohimthepaththatVsitth isfollowingnow? Buthedecidedthatthetimewasnotyetcomeand thatsuchknowledgewouldnotbehelpfultotheseekerin hisefforts.TheMaster,therefore,spokeandsaid: Tobeseparatedfromwhatweloveissuffering, tobeunitedtowhatwedonotloveissuffering.When thiswassaid,itwassaidofsuchanexperienceasyours. Oh!howtrue!calledoutKmanta,inanagitated voice,howprofoundly,deeplytrue!Who,stranger, utteredthoseprofoundandwonderfulwords? Thereisnoneedtobeconcernedaboutthat, friend.Itisofnoconsequencewhoutteredthem,aslong asyoufeelandrecognisetheirtruth. HowcouldInot?Theycontaininafewwordsall mylifetrouble.HadInotalreadychosenaMaster,Iwould seeknoneotherthantheadmirableonewithwhomthese wordsoriginated. ThenyouhaveaMasterwhoseteachingyou acknowledge,friend,andinwhosenameyouhavegone forth? Intruth,brother,Iwentforthinthenameofno Master.Onthecontrary,myideaatthattimewasthatI shouldwinmywaytotheGoalunaided.AndwhenI restedbydayintheneighbourhoodofavillage,atthefoot ofatreeorintherecessesofaforest,Igavemyselfup withfervourtodeepestthought.Tosuchthoughtsasthese WhatistheSelf?Whatistheuniverse?IstheSelf eternalandtheuniversetemporal?Istheuniverseeternal andtheSelftemporal?OrWhyhasthehighestBrahm causedtheworldtocomeforthfromHimself?Andifthe highestBrahmispureandperfecthappiness,howdoesit happenthattheuniverseHehascreatedisimperfectand isafflictedwithsuffering? AndwhenIgavemyselfuptosuchthoughts,I
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reachednosatisfactorysolution.Onthecontrary,new doubtsconstantlyarose,andIdidnotseemtohaveneared bysomuchasasinglestep,theGoalforthesakeofwhich thenoblemindedabandonhomeforeverandvoluntarily becomehomeless. Yes,friend,theBuddhareplied,itisasifone weretopursuethehorizon,thinking:Oh,ifonlyIcould reachthelinethatboundsmyvision!Inthesameway doestheGoalescapethosewhogivethemselvestosuch questions. Kmantanoddedthoughtfully,andthenwenton: Thenithappenedoneday,whentheshadowsofthe treeshadalreadybeguntolengthen,thatIcameupona hermitageinaforestglade,andthereIsawyoungmenin whiterobes,severalofwhommilkedcows,whileothers splitwoodandyetotherswashedpailsatthespring. Onamatinfrontofthehallsatanagedbrahmin, fromwhomtheseyoungpeopleevidentlylearnedthe sacredsongsandsentences.Hegreetedmewithfriend liness,andalthoughitwouldtake,ashesaid,scarcelyan hourtoreachthenextvillage,hebeggedmetosharetheir mealandtospendthenightwiththem.Ididsogratefully enough,andbeforeIhadlaidmyselfdowntosleepIhad heardmanyagoodandimpressiveutterance. Onthefollowingday,whenIwasabouttogoon mywaythebrahminaddressedmewithWhoisyour Master,youngman,andinwhosenamehaveyougone forth? AndIansweredhimasIhaveansweredyou. UponwhichthebrahminsaidHowwillyou, friend,reachthathighestGoalifyouwanderalonelikethe rhinoceros,insteadofinaherdandledbyanexperienced leaderasisthewayofthewiseelephant? Atthewordherd,heglancedbenevolently towardstheyoungpeoplestandingroundabout;atthe
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wordleaderheappearedtosmilewithmuchinward satisfaction. For,hewenton,thisisindeedtoohighandtoo deepforonesowncomprehension,andwithoutateacher itmustremainaclosedbook.Ontheotherhand,the Veda,intheteachingofShvetaketu,saysJustas,O belovd,amanwhohasbeenledblindfoldedhitherfrom thelandofGandhra,andthenhasbeenletlooseinthe desert,willstriketoofareastward,oritmaybetoofarto thenorth,orthesouth,becausehehasbeenledhither withhiseyesbound;buthewill,afteronehasunbound hiseyesandsaidtohimThere,inthatdirectionlivethe Gandhra,gothither,askhiswayfromvillagetovillage andreachhishome,richerinknowledgeandwisdom;so alsoisthemanwhohasfoundaMastertodirecthimto thelandoftheSpirit.SuchamancansayIshallhave partandlotinthisworldsturmoiluntilmyliberation comes,andthenIshallgotomyrealHome. Isawatonce,ofcourse,thatthebrahminwas planningtosecuremeasapupil.Butthisverydesireofhis destroyedanyconfidencewhichmighthavebeenawakening withinme.Ontheotherhand,Iwaswellpleasedwith thesayingfromtheVedaand,asIwentonmyway, repeateditoverandoveragaintomyself,inordertofixit inmymemory.Indoingso,asentenceoccurredtome whichIhadonceheardusedregardingaparticularMaster TheMasterdoesnotcravedisciples,butthedisciples, theMaster. Whataverydifferentmanhemustbe,Ithoughtto myself,fromthisforestbrahmin!AndIlonged,Venerable One,forsuchaMaster,whowasaboveallsuchcraving. WhoisthisMasterwhomyouheardsopraised? Whatishisname? Heis,brother,theSamanaGotama,oftheSkya clan,whorenouncedthethroneofhisfathers.ThisMaster
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Gotamaisgreetedeverywherewithhonourandthe joyousacclaimHeistheBlessdOne,theHolyOne, ImpeccableinConductandUnderstanding,Knowerofthe Worlds,TeacherofGodsandHumans,theEnlightened One,theBuddha.AndIjourneynowinordertofindthat SublimeOneandtoacknowledgemyselfashisdisciple. Butwhere,friend,doeshenowresidethis Sublime,thisEnlightenedOne? Fartothenorth,brother,inthekingdomofKosala, liesthegreatcityofSvatthi.Justbeyondthetownis therichlywoodedJetavanapark,filledwithmightytreesin whosedeepshade,farremovedfromallnoise,thewise andfaithfulareabletositandmeditate.Itscrystalpools everexhalecoolness,anditsemeraldmeadowsarestrewn withmyriadsofvaricolouredflowers.Yearsagotherich merchantAnthapindikapurchasedthegrovefromPrince JetaandpresentedittotheBuddhaitcostsomuch moneythat,ifspreadoverthesurfaceoftheground,it wouldhaveconcealedthewholeproperty.There,then,in thisdelightfulJetavanaoverwhosemeadowsthefeetofso manyofthewisehavepassed,theMaster,theFullyEnlight enedOne,atpresentmakeshisabode.IfIstepout bravelyIhopeinthecourseofaboutfourweekstohave accomplishedthedistancefromheretoSvatthiandtosit atthefeetoftheMaster. Buthaveyoueverseenhim,brotherthis BlessdOneandifyoudidseehimwouldyourecognise him? No,brother,Ihavenotyetseenhim,theBlessd One,andifIsawhimIwouldnotrecognisehim. ThentheMasterreflected:Formysakethisyoung seekerisnowontheWay;heacknowledgeshimselfasmy disciple;howwoulditbeifIrevealedtheheartofthe Dharmatohim?AndtheMasterturnedtoKmantaand said:Themoonhasjustrisenovertheporch,wearenot
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yetfarintothenightandtoomuchsleepisnotgoodfor themind.IfitisagreeabletoyouIcanoffer,inreturnfor yournarrative,tounfoldtoyoutheTeachingofthe Buddha. Thatwouldmakemeveryhappy,brother,andI begyoutodosoifyouareable. Listenwellthen,myfriend,andreflectonwhatI havetosaytoyou.

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THEMASTER A

NDTHELORDBUDDHAsaid:TheTathgata,

theFullyEnlightenedOne,setthewheelof theDharmarollingatBenares,besidetheRockofthe Prophet,intheGroveoftheGazelles.Anditcanneither bestoppedbymonknorbrahmin,neitherbygodnor demon,norbyanyoneelseinthisworld. * * * ThatTeachingistheUnveiling,theRevelationof theFourNobleTruths.WhatFour?TheNobleTruthof Suffering,theNobleTruthoftheOriginofSuffering,the NobleTruthoftheCessationofSuffering,theNobleTruth ofthePathwhichleadstotheCessationofSuffering. Butwhat,brother,istheNobleTruthofSuffering? BirthisSuffering,ageingisSuffering,sicknessisSuffering, deathisSuffering;sorrow,lamentation,pain,griefand despairareallSuffering;tobeseparatedfromthelovedis Suffering;tobeunitedwiththeunlovedisSuffering;notto obtainwhatwedesireisSuffering;inshort,allthevarious formsofattachmentinvolveSuffering.Thatis,brother,the NobleTruthofSuffering. Butwhat,brother,istheNobleTruthoftheOrigin ofSuffering?Itisthis:thecravingthatcontinuallygives risetofreshbirth,companionedbydesireandpassion, everseekingfreshdelight,nowhere,nowthere.Inother
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words:cravingforsensualpleasure,thecravingforexist enceorthecravingforannihilation.Thatis,brother,the NobleTruthoftheOriginofSuffering. Butwhat,brother,istheNobleTruthofthe CessationofSuffering?Itisthecompletefadingawayand cessationofthatverycraving;itsabandonmentandrelin quishment;thefreedomfromanddiscardingofit.Thatis, brother,theNobleTruthoftheCessationofSuffering. Butwhat,brother,istheNobleTruthofthePath whichleadstotheCessationofSuffering?ItistheNoble EightfoldPathconsistingofRightView,RightIntention, RightSpeech,RightAction,RightLivelihood,RightEffort, RightMindfulness,RightConcentration.Thatis,brother, theNobleTruthofthePathwhichleadstotheCessation ofSuffering. AftertheMasterhadinthiswaysetupthefour cornerstones,heproceededtoraisethewholestructure oftheTeachinginsuchawayastomakeitahabitable homeforthethoughtsandfeelingsofhispupil.Heeluci datedeachseparatesentenceasaskilledmasonhewsand polisheseachindividualstone,andjustasonelaysone stoneuponanothersodidhejoinsentencetosentence, everywherelayingdownthefoundationscarefullyand fittingeachsentenceintoitsownproperplace,initsdue relationtoeveryother.Bythesideofthepillarofthe PrincipleofSufferingheplacedthepillarofthePrinciple oftheTransitorinessofAllThings;and,asanentablature joiningthetwo,whilesupportedbyandoverarching them,headdedtheweightyPrincipleoftheSelflessness ofPhenomena.Throughthismightyportalheascended, leadinghispupilcircumspectly,stepbystep,severaltimes upanddownthewellbuiltstairofthefundamentallawof conditionalityDependentOriginationeverywhere establishingandperfecting. Andjustasanablebuilder,whenerectingsome
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magnificentstructure,addspiecesofstatuaryatsuitable pointsandinsuchawaythattheyservenotonlyas ornamentsbutalsoasbearersofsupports,sotoothe Masterattimesintroducedanamusingoringenious analogy,consciousthatbysuchmethodtheveiledmean ingofmanyaprofoundutterancecanbecomeclear. Finally,however,hesummedthewholeupandat thesametime,asitwere,coveredthestructureoverby placinguponitaresplendent,farseendomeinthewords: Byattachmenttoexistence,friend,onecomesinto existence;lackingsuchattachmentonecomesintoexist encenomore. Andintheseekerwhoisnowhereheldfastby suchattachments,theregrowsamidtheuncloudedcheer fulnessofinnerpeacethisrealisationMydeliveranceis unassailable,thisisthelastbirthofall,nowtherewillbe nomorecomingintoanystateofbeing. Theonewhohascomethusfarawakenstothe highestwisdom.Andthis,friend,isthehighest,holiest wisdom:Toknowthatallsufferingisended.Onewho hasfoundthishasfoundafreedomwhichstandstrueand inviolable.Forthatwhichisdeceptiveandfleetingisfalse, myfriend;andthatwhichhasanundeceptivenatureisthe SupremeNobleTruththatistosay:Nirvna. Andone,whofromtheverybeginningwas subjecttobirth,thechangesofageandtodeath,marking welltheremorselessnessoftheLawofNature,nowwins thesafetythatknowsnobirth,noageingandnodeath. Onewhowassubjecttosicknessandcorruptionthus reachestheassurancethatknowsnochange,thatispure andholysuchaoneknows,withabsolutecertainty: Birthisdestroyed,theknowledgeoffreedomis clear;theholylifehasbeenfulfilled,whathadtobedone hasbeendone,thereisnomoreofthistocomethe worldhasbeenutterlytranscended.
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 Suchones,myfriend,arecalledFinishersbecause theyhavefinishedandmadeanendofallsuffering. Suchones,myfriend,arecalledObliterators becausetheyhaveobliteratedthedelusionofIand Mine. Suchones,myfriend,arecalledWeedersbecause theyhaveweededouttheplantoflifebytheroots sothatnonewlifecanevergerminateagain. Solongastheyareinthebody,suchonesare seenbygodsandhumans;butwhenthebodyisdissolved indeaththeyarenolongerseenbyanyoneatalland neitherevendoesMotherNaturetheAllseeingespy themanymore.Suchoneshavealsoblindedtheeyeof Mra,escapedfromtheEvilOne,theLordofIllusionand theSensoryWorld.Crossingthestreamofexistencethey havereachedtheIslandtheonlyonethatlies beyondageinganddeath:Nirvna.

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THEUNREASONABLECHILD A
FTERTHEBUDDHAHADendedhisdiscourse, Kmantaremainedsittingforalongtime,silentand motionless,apreytoconflictingandscepticalthoughts. Finallyhesaid:Youhavetoldmemuchofhowthe monkshouldmakeanendofsufferinginhislifetime, butnothingwhateverofwhatbecomesofhimwhenhis bodydisintegratesindeathandreturnstoitselements, exceptthatfromthattimeonneitherpeoplenorgods,nor evenNatureHerself,seeshimagain.Butofaneternallife ofsupremehappinessandheavenlyblissofthatIhave heardnothing.HastheMasterrevealednothing concerningit? * * * Evenso,brother,thusitis:theTathgatahas revealednothingconcerningit. ThatisasmuchastosaythattheLordBuddha knowsnomoreofthismostimportantofallquestions thanImyself,repliedKmantadiscontentedly. Doyouthinkittobeso...?InthatsameSimsap woodintheneighbourhoodofKosamb,whereyouand yourVsitthsworeeternalfidelityandpledgedyourselves tomeetagainintheParadiseoftheWest,theretheTath gataatonetimetookuphisabode.Ashewalkedthrough thewoodhepickedupabundleofSimsapleavesinhis
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handandsaidtothemonkswithhimWhatdoyou think,bhikkhus,whicharemorenumerous,theseSimsap leaveswhichIhaveinmyhand,oralltheotherleavesin theforest?ImmediatelytheyansweredTheleaves whichyouhaveinyourhandareveryfew,VenerableSir, whereastheleavesintheSimsapforestarefarmore numerous. Inthesameway,bhikkhus,saidtheTathgata, thatwhichIhavediscernedandyetnotrevealedtoyouis fargreaterinsumthanthatwhichIhaverevealedtoyou. AndwhyhaveInotrevealedeverything?Becauseitisnot helpfulspiritually,itisnotinkeepingwiththepathof simplicityandrenunciation,itdoesnotleadtotheturning awayfromallworldlythings,nortothelettinggoof passions,nortothefinaldisowningofallthatissubjectto change,nortoperfectknowledgeandenlightenmentit doesnotaidtherealisationofNirvna. IftheMasterspokethusintheSimsapgroveat Kosamb,answeredKmanta,thenthematterispro bablyevenmoreseriousstill.Forinthatcase,hehas certainlybeensilentonthepointinordernottodiscourage or,asmightwellhappen,eventerrifyhisdisciples;as hecertainlywould,ifheshouldrevealtothemhisversion oftheFinalTruthnamely,annihilation.Thisseemsto metoresultasanecessaryconsequencefromwhatyou havesoplainlystated.For,afteralltheobjectsofthefive sensesandofthoughthavebeendeniedandrejectedas fleeting,aswithoutanyrealexistenceandasfullofsuff ering,thereremainnopowersbymeansofwhichwecould graspanythingwhatsoever. SoIunderstand,VenerableSir,fromthedoctrine youhavejustexpoundedtome,thatthosewhohave freedthemselvesfromalldelusionfallvictimtoannihil ationwhenthebodydies,thattheyvanishandhaveno existencebeyonddeath.
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 Didyounotsaytome,askedtheBuddha,that withinamonthyouwouldsitatthefeetoftheMasterin theGroveofJetavananearSvatthi? Iassuredlyhopetodoso,VenerableSir;whydo youaskme? WhenyousitatthefeetoftheTathgata,whatdo youthink,myfriendisthephysicalformwhichyou willseethen,whichyouwillbeabletotouchwithyour handalongwiththemindthatthenrevealsitself,with itssensations,perceptionsandideasdoyouseethatas beingtheTathgata,thePerfectOne,doyoulookuponit assuch? Idonot,VenerableSir. Perhapsthen,youwouldseetheTathgataas beinginthebodyandminddoyoulookuponitlike that? Idonot,VenerableSir. Thenmayitbe,myfriend,thatyouseethe Tathgataasapartfromthebodyandthemind? Idonotlookuponitinthatlight,VenerableSir. Doyouthink,then,thattheTathgataisthe ownerofthatbodyandthatmind?Isthatyourview,my friend? ThatisnotthewayIseeit,VenerableSir. DoyouseetheTathgatathen,ashavingnobody andnomind? Heisapartfromtheminsofarashisbeingisnot fullycomprehendedwithinthoseelements. Whatelementsorpowershaveyouthen,my friend,apartfromthoseofthebodywithallitsqualitiesof whichweareawarethroughthesenses,andapartfrom thoseofthemindwithallitssensations,perceptionsand ideaswhatpowershaveyoubeyondthese,bymeans ofwhichyoucanfullyapprehendwhatyouhavenotyet apprehendedinthebeingoftheTathgata?
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 Suchfurtherpowers,VenerableSir,Imustacknow ledgeIdonotpossess. Thenevenhere,friendKmanta,intheworldof senses,theTathgataisnotintruthandinhisveryes sence,apprehendiblebyyou.Isitthenrighttosaythat theTathgataoranyoneofthosewhohavefreed themselvesfromalldelusionisdoomedtoannihilation whenhislifeends,thathedoesnotexistbeyonddeath, solelybecauseyouarenotinpossessionofanypowersby whichyoucan,intruth,apprehendhiminhisveryes sencethere? Questionedinsuchfashion,Kmantasatspeech lessforsometime,hisbodybent,hisheadbowed. EvenifIhavenorighttomakethatassertion,he saidfinally,itstillseemstometobeimpliedplainly enoughinthesilenceoftheTathgata.Forhecertainly wouldnothavemaintainedsuchasilenceifhehadhad anythingjoyoustocommunicate,whichwouldofcourse bethecaseifheknewthatfortheonewhohadconque redsufferingthereremainedafterdeathnotonlynot annihilation,buteternalandblessdlife.Itiscertainthat suchacommunicationcouldonlyserveasaspurtohis disciplesandbeahelptothemintheirspiritualefforts. Doyouthinkso,myfriend?Howwoulditbeif theTathgatahadnotpointedtotheendofallsufferingas thefinalGoalevenashealsobeganwithsufferingin thebeginningbuthadextolledaneternalandblessd lifeoutbeyonditandbeyondthislifeofours.Manyofhis discipleswouldassuredlyhavebeendelightedwiththe idea,wouldhaveclungtoiteagerly,wouldhavelonged foritsfulfilmentbutwiththepassionatelongingwhich disturbsalltruecheerfulnessandserenity.Sowouldthey notalsothenhavebeeninvolvedunperceivedinthe meshesofthepowerfulnetofcravingforexistence?And whileclingingtoaBeyond,forwhichbynecessitythey
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hadtoborrowallthecolouringfromthislife,wouldthey nothaveonlyclungevenmoretothepresentthemore theypursuedthatBeyond? Whateverkindsofexistencethereare,inanyway, anywhere,allareimpermanent,painhauntedandsubject tochange.So,onewhoseesthisasitisabandonscraving forexistencewithoutrelishingnonexistence.Andhow doessuchaoneseethisReality?Theyseewhateverhas comeintobeingassimplyhavingcomeintobeing.By seeingitthustheyhaveentereduponthewaytodispass ionforit,tothefadingandcessationofcravingforit.That ishowonewithvisionsees. For,likeawatchdogthat,boundtoapostand tryingtofreeitself,rushesinacirclearoundaboutit evensothoseworthydiscipleswho,eventhoughthey dearlylongtotranscendthisbodyandtheworld,theystill remainboundtoitwhethertheyloveitortheyhateit, rushinginendlesscirclesaroundit. ThoughIamcertainlycompelledtoacknowledge thisdanger,Kmantaanswered,Istillholdthatthe otherdanger,theuncertaintyevokedbysilence,isbyfar themoredangerous,inasmuchasitcripplestheenergies fromtheverybeginning.Forhowcanthedisciplebe expectedtoexerthimselfwithallhismighttoovercome allsuffering,withdecisionandcourage,ifhedoesnt knowwhatistofollow:eternalblissornonexistence? Myfriend,whatwouldyouthinkinsuchacaseas this?Letussaythatahouseisburning,andthattheser vantrunstowakenhismaster,sayingGetup,sir!Fly! Thehouseisonfire!Alreadytheraftersareburningand theroofisabouttofallin.Wouldthemasterbelikelyto answerGo,mygoodfellow,andseewhetherthereis rainandstormoutside,orwhetheritisafinemoonlit night.Inthelattercasewewilltakeourselvesoutside? How,VenerableSir,couldthemastergivesuchan
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answer?FortheservanthadcalledtohiminterrorFly, sir!Thehouseisonfire!Alreadytheraftersareburning andtheroofthreatenstofallin. Indeedtheservanthadcalledtohimthus.Butif, inspiteofthat,themasteransweredGo,mygood fellow,andseewhetherthereisrainandstormoutside, wouldyounotconcludefromitthatthemasterhadnot heardcorrectlywhathisfaithfulservanthadsaidthat themortaldangerwhichhungoverhisheadhadbyno meansbecomecleartohim? Iwouldcertainlybeforcedtothatconclusion, VenerableSir,otherwiseitwouldbeunthinkablethatthe mancouldgivesuchafoolishanswer. Evenso,friendyoushouldthereforealsoactas ifyourheadwereencompassedbyflames,asifyour housewereonfire.Andwhathouse?Theworld!Andset onfirebywhatflame?Bytheflameofdesire,bytheflame ofhate,bytheflameofdelusion.Thewholeworldis beingconsumedbyflames,thewholeworldisenveloped insmoke,thewholeworldrockstoitsfoundations! Addressedthus,Kmantatrembledasdoesa youngbuffalowhenithearsforthefirsttimetheroarof thetigerinaneighbouringthicket.Withbentbody,head sunkonhisbreast,hisfacesuffusedwithburningcolour, hesatforsometimewithoututteringaword. Theninagruffalthoughsomewhattremulous voice,heanswered: ItstilldoesnotpleasemethattheMasterhas revealednothingconcerningthismatter.Thatis,ifhewas abletogiveanyinformationwhichwouldhavebeenfull ofpromiseandevenifhehasbeensilentbecausewhat heknewwascomfortlessandterrifying,orbecausehe knewabsolutelynothing,Iamstillnobetterpleased.For thethoughtsandtheeffortsofhumanbeingsaredirected towardshappinessandpleasure,atendencywhichhasits
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foundationinNatureHerselfandcannotbeotherwise. AndinkeepingwiththisisthefollowingwhichIhave heardfromthelipsofbrahminpriests. Letusimaginethecaseofayouth,capable,eager forknowledge,thequickest,strongest,mostpowerfulof allyouths,andthattohimbelongedtheworldwithallits treasures.Thatwouldbeahumanjoy.Butahundred humanjoysarebutasonejoyoftheheavenlydevat;and ahundredjoysoftheheavenlydevatarebutasonejoy ofthegods;andahundredjoysofthegodsarebutasone joyofIndra;andahundredjoysofIndraarebutasone joyofPrajpati;andahundredjoysofPrajpatiarebutas onejoyofBrahm.Thisisthesupremejoy,thisisthepath tothesupremejoy. Yes,friend;butperhapsIcanuseanotheranalogy toillustratethesituationIamdescribing:imaginethere wasaninexperiencedchild,incapableofsensiblereasoning. Thischildfeelsinhistoothaburning,boring,stabbing pain,andrunstoaneminentandlearnedphysician andpoursouthistroublestohimIbegyou,honoured sir,togivemebyyourskill,afeelingofblissfulrapturein placeofthispainatpresentinmytooth.Andthephysician answersMydearchild,thesoleaimofmyskillis theremovalofpain.Butthespoiltchildbeginstowail Oh!Ihaveenduredaburning,stabbing,boringpainin mytoothforsolong;isitnotreasonablethatIshouldnow enjoyafeelingofrapture,ofdeliciouspleasureinstead? Theredoexist,asIhaveheard,learnedandexperienced physicianswhoseskillgoesthisfar,andIbelievedthat youwereoneofthose. Andthenthisfoolishchildrunstoaquack,a miracleworkerfromthelandofGandhra,whocauses thefollowingannouncementtobemadebyatowncrier totheaccompanimentofdrumsandconchesHealthis thegreatestofallgifts,healthisthegoalofallpeople.
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Blooming,luxurianthealth,acomfortableandblissful feelinginallonesmembers,ineveryveinandfibreofthe body,suchasthegodsenjoy,eventhesickliestcanobtain bymyhelp,ataverysmallcost.Tothismiracleworker thechildrunsandpoursouthistroublesIbegyou, honouredsir,byyourskill,givemeafeelingofcomfortor blissfulraptureinplaceofthispaininmytooth. AndthemagiciananswersMydearchild,in doingjustthisverythingliesmyskill.Afterhehaspock etedthemoneyofferedbythechild,hetouchesthetooth withhisfingerandproducesamagicaleffect,bymeansof whichafeelingofblissfulpleasuredrivesoutthepain. Andthefoolishchildrunshomeoverjoyedandsupreme lyhappy. Afterashorttime,however,thefeelingofpleasure graduallysubsidesandthepainreturns.Andwhy? Becausethecauseofthepainwasnotremoved. Then,letusalsosupposethatanother,reasonable personfeelsaburning,stabbing,boringpaininhertooth. Andshegoestoalearnedandexperiencedphysicianand tellshimofhertrouble,sayingHonouredsir,Ibegyou byyourskilltofreemefromthispain.Andthephysician answersIfyou,madam,demandnomorefromme,I maysafelytrustmyskillthatfar.HowcouldIaskfor more,repliesthewoman.Andthephysicianexaminesthe toothandfindsthecauseofthepaininaninflammationat itsrootGohomeandhavealeechputonthisspot. Whentheleechhassuckeditselffullandfallsoff,thenlay theseherbsonthewound.Bysodoing,thepusandthe impurebloodwillberemovedandthepainwillcease. Thisreasonablepersonthengoeshomeanddoesasthe physicianbidsher.Andthepaingoesanddoesnotreturn. Andwhynot?Becausethecauseofthepainhasbeen removed. NowwhentheMasterceasedspeaking,Kmanta
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satreducedtosilenceandsorelydisturbed,hisbodybent, hisheadsunkonhisbreast,hisfacesuffusedwithcolour andwithoutaword,whileanguishedsweatdroppedfrom hisforeheadandtrickleddownfromhisarmpits.Fordid henotfeelhimselfcomparedbythisvenerableteacherto afoolishchildandmadeequalwithone?Andashewas unabletofindananswer,inspiteofhisutmostefforts,he wasneartoweeping. Finally,whenabletocommandhisvoice,heasked inasubduedtone:VenerableSir,haveyouheardallthis before,fromthemouthoftheMaster,theperfectBuddha himself? Now,itoccasionallyhappensthatBuddhassmile, andatthisquestionawryandgentlesmiledidindeedplay momentarilyaroundtheMasterslips. No,brother,hereplied,IcannottrulysaythatI have,forsomeofwhathesaidhadcometohimjustthen. WhenthepilgrimKmantaheardthisanswer,he joyfullyraisedhisbentbodyand,withglisteningeyeand reanimatedvoiceheburstforth: WasntIsureofit!Oh,Iknewforcertainthatthis couldntbethedoctrineoftheMasterhimself,butrather yourowntortuousinterpretationofitaninterpretation basedaltogetheronmisunderstanding.Isitnotsaidthat thedoctrineoftheBuddhaisblissinthebeginning,bliss inthemiddle,andblissintheend?Sohowcouldonesay thatofateachingwhichdoesnotpromiseeternaland blessdlife,fullofthemostsupremejoy?Inafewweeks, ifIstepoutbravely,Ishallmyselfsitatthefeetofthe MasterandreceivetheteachingofLiberationfromhis ownlips,asachilddrawssweetnourishmentfromits mothersbreast.Andyoualsoshouldmakeeffortstoget theretooand,oncetrulytaught,maybeyouwillalter yourmistakenanddestructiveviewofthings!Butlook, thosestripsofmoonlighthavenowstretchedthemselves
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outandhavealmostdisappeared,itmustbefarintothe nightletuslayourselvesdowntosleep. Asyouwill,brother,answeredtheMasterkindly. And,drawinghisrobemorecloselyaroundhim,helaid himselfdownonhismatinthepostureofthelion,supporting himselfonhisrightarm,hisleftfootrestingonthe right. Andhavinginmindthehourofawakening,he instantlyfellasleep.

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HENTHEMASTERawokeinthegreydawn

hesawKmantabusyrollinguphismat,hanginghis gourdoverhisshoulderandlookingroundforhisstaff, whichhehadntatoncebeenabletoseeinthecorner inwhichhedplacedit,owingtoitshavingfallendown. Whilethusengaged,therewasinhiseverymovement theappearanceofamaninagreathurry. * * * TheMastersatupandgavehimafriendlygreeting: Areyougoingalready,brother? Ohyes,yes!calledoutKmanta,fullofexcite ment,justthink,itshardlytobebelievedabsolutely laughableandyetsomarvelloussuchraregoodfortune! AfewminutesagoIawokeandfeltmythroatquite parchedafterallthetalkofyesterday.Withoutmoreado,I jumpedupandwenttothewelljustacrosstheway, beneaththetamarinds.Amaidenwasstandingthere drawingwater.AndwhatdoyousupposeIlearnedfrom her?TheMasterisntinSvatthiatall.Butcanyouimagine whereheis?Yesterday,accompaniedbythreehundred monks,hearrivedhereinRjagaha!Andatthisvery momentheisintheMangoGroveonthefarsideoftown. Inanhour,maybeless,IshallhaveseenhimI,who believedthatIshouldhavetojourneyforanotherfour
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weeks!WhatdoIsayinanhour?Itisonlyagoodhalf hourtothere,themaidensaid,ifyoudontgothroughthe mainstreetsbutrunthroughthelanesandsquarestothe westgate...Icanscarcelybelieveit.Thegroundburns beneathmyfeetfarewell,brother!Youhavemeantwell byme,andIshallnotfailtobringyoualsototheMaster, butnowIreallycannotdelayamomentlonger! AndthepilgrimKmantadashedoutofthehall andranawayalongthestreetasfastashislegswould carryhim.ButwhenhereachedthecitygateofRjagaha itwasnotyetopenandhewasobligedtowaitforashort timetimewhichseemedtohimaneternityandwhich raisedhisimpatiencetothehighestpitch. Heemployedtheminutes,however,ingetting fromanoldwomancarryingabasketofvegetablestothe town,andwho,likehimself,wasobligedtohaltatthe gate,exactinformationwithregardtotheshortestway astohowhewastogothroughsuchandsuchalane,past alittletempletotherightandtotheleftpastawell,and thennottolosesightofacertaintowersothathemight perhapsrecoverinthetownthetimehehadloststanding outsideitswalls. Assoon,then,asthegatewasopenedhedashed recklesslyawayinthedirectionindicated.Inhisurgency heknockeddownafewchildren,thenhebrushedwith suchviolencepastawomanwhowasrinsingdishesatthe kerbstonethatoneoftheserolledrattlingawayfromher andbroke,thenhebumpedintoawatercarrier.Butthe abusewhichfollowedhimfellondeafears,soutterlywas hepossessedbytheonethoughtthatsoon,sowonderfully soon,heshouldseetheBuddha. Whatrarefortune!hesaidtohimself,howmany generationspassandhavenoBuddhawhosojournson theearthintheirtime;andofthegenerationthathasa Buddhaforitscontemporary,howfeweverbeholdhim.
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Butthishappinesswillcertainlybeminenow.Ihave alwaysfearedthatonthelonganddangerousroadwild beastsorrobbersmightdeprivemeofthisjoy,butnowit cannotbetakenfromme. Filledwithsuchthoughts,heturnedintoanarrow littlelane.Inhisfoolishonwardrushhefailedtoobserve thatfromtheotherendofitacow,madwithfearfrom somecauseorother,wasdashingtowardshim,andhe failedalsotonoticethatwhileseveralpeopleinfrontof himfledintoahouse,othersconcealedthemselvesbehind aprojectingbitofwallnordidheheartheshoutwith whichawomanstandingonabalconytriedtowarnhim buthedashedon,withhiseyesfixedonthepinnacled tower,whichwastopreventhistakingsomewrong turning. Onlywhenitwastoolatetogetoutofthewaydid heseewithhorrorthesteamingnostrils,thebloodshot eyesandthepolishedhornwhich,thenextinstant,drove deepintohisside. Withaloudscreamhefelldownbythewall.The cowdashedonwardandthendisappearedintoanother street. * * * Peopleinstantlyhurriedup,inpartfromcuriosity, inparttohelp.Thewomanwhohadwarnedhimbrought waterwithwhichtocleansethewound.Theytoreuphis robetomakeabandageand,ifpossible,tostaunchthe bloodwhichgushedforthasiffromafountain. Kmantahadhardlylostconsciousnessforan instant.Itwascleartohimatoncethatthismeantdeath. Butneitherthatknowledgenortheagonieshewasendu ringweresuchtorturetohimasthefearthathemightnot nowseetheBuddha.Inadeeplyagitatedtoneofvoicehe
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beggedthebystanderstocarryhimtotheMangoGrove: TotheMaster. Ihavejourneyedsofar,friends,Iwassonearmy goal.Havepityuponme,dontdelaytocarrymethere. Dontthinkofthepaintome,havenofearthatIshallsink underitIshallnotdieuntilyouhavelaidmedownat thefeetoftheBlessdOne;thenIshalldiehappy,and happilyriseagain. Someofthemrantofetchpolesandastretcher.A womanbroughtastrengtheningdraughtofwhich Kmantatookafewmouthfuls.Themenweredividedas towhichwaywastheshortesttothehalloftheSanghain theMangoGrove,foreverystepwouldmakeadifference. Itwascleartoallthattheseekerslifewasebbingfast. HerecomesomedisciplesoftheBlessdOne, criedabystander,pointingalongthelittlelane,theywill bestbeabletotellus. And,infact,severalbhikkhusoftheOrderofthe Buddhawereapproaching,cladinochrerobes.Mostof themwereyoungmenbutattheirheadwalkedtwo venerablefiguresagreyhairedmanwhoseearnest,if somewhatsevereface,withitspiercingeyeandpowerful chin,involuntarilyattractedattentiontoitself,anda middleagedmanwhosefeatureswereilluminedbysuch aheartwinninggentlenessthathealmosthadtheappear anceofayouth.Yetanexperiencedobservermight,inhis bearingandsomewhatanimatedmovements,asalsoinhis flashingglances,havedetectedtheinalienablecharacter isticsofthewarriorcaste,whilethedeliberatecalmofthe oldermannolessrevealedthebornbrahmin.Inloftiness ofstatureandprincelycarriagetheywere,however,alike. Whenthesemonkshaltedbythegroupwhichhad collectedroundthewoundedman,manyvolubletongues atoncerelatedtothemwhathadhappened,andinformed themthattheywerejustabouttocarrythewounded
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pilgrimonastretcherwhichwasthenbeingfetched totheMangoGrove,totheBuddha,inordertofulfilthe mansoverwhelmingdesire:Couldoneoftheyounger monksperhapsreturnwiththemtoshowthemtheshortest waytothespotwheretheMasterwasatthatmoment tobefound? TheMaster,answeredtheoldmanwiththe severeface,isnotintheMangoGrove,andweourselves dontknowwhereheis. Attheansweradespairinggroanburstforthfrom Kmantaswoundedbreast. Buthecertainlycannotbefarfromhere,added theyounger.TheMastersentthecompanyofmonkson aheadyesterdayandpursuedhisjourneyalone.He arrivedlate,Iexpect,andsoughtquarterssomewhere, probablyinthesuburbs.Wearenowonthewaytolook forhim. Oh,seekdiligentlyfindhim,criedKmanta. EvenifweknewwheretheMasterwas,itwould notbepossibletocarrythiswoundedmanthere,saidthe sternmonk.Fortheshakingofthestretcherwouldsoon renderhisconditionsomuchworsethat,evenifhe survivedit,hewouldarriveonthepointofdeath,witha mindincapableofapprehendingtheMastersteaching.Let him,however,takecareofhimselfnow,betreatedbyan experiencedsurgeonandbecarefullytended,andthereis alwaysthehopethathemayrecoverenoughstrengthso astobeabletolistentoandcomprehendtheMasters words. Kmanta,however,pointedimpatientlytothe stretcher:Notimedyingtakemewithyousee himtouchdiehappywithyouhurry! Shrugginghisshouldersthebhikkhuturnedtothe youngerdisciples: ThispoormanholdstheSupremelyPerfectOne
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tobesomekindofimageatwhosetouchonesimperfec tionsaredissolved. HehasgainedfaithintheTathgata,Sriputra, evenifhelacksthedeeperunderstanding,saidtheother, andhebentoverthewoundedmantoascertainwhat strengthhestillhad;perhapswemightriskitafterall.I amsorryforthepoorfellowandIbelievewecoulddo nothingbetterforhimthantomaketheattempt. Agratefullookfromthepilgrimrewardedhimfor hisadvocacy. Asyouwill,nanda,answeredSriputrakindly. Atthismomenttherecamestridingpast,fromthe directioninwhichKmantahadalsocome,apotterwho carriedonhisheadabasketwithallkindsofbakedclay wares.WhenheperceivedKmantauponthestretcher wheretheyhadjustlaidhimwithgreatcarethoughnot withoutcausinghimviolentpainhestopped,stricken withhorror,andsosuddenlythatthedishesandbowls, piledoneaboveanother,camecrashingdownandwere brokenintopieces. HolyBrahm!Whathashappenedhere?Thatis theyoungwandererwhohonouredmyhallbyspending thenightthere,inthecompanyofamonkwhoworea robelikethatofthesereverendmen. Wasthatmonkanagedmanandofloftystature? askedSriputra. Hewas,VenerableSirandheseemedtometo benotunlikeyourself. Thenthemonksknewthattheydidnotneedto seekanylongerthattheMasterwasinthehouseofthe potter.ForThedisciplewhoresemblestheMasterwas thedescriptionbywhichSriputrawasgenerallyknown. Isitpossible?saidnanda,glancingupfromthe woundedman,who,owingtothepainoccasionedbyhis beinglifted,hadbecomeallbutunconscious,andhadnot
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noticedthearrivalofthepotter.Isitpossiblethatthis poormanshould,thewholenightthrough,havehadthe happinessforwhichhesolongs,withoutintheleast suspectingit? Thatisthewayoffools,saidSriputra.Butlet usgo.Nowhecan,ofcourse,bebroughtalong. Onemoment,callednanda,hehasbeen overcomebythepain. IndeedKmantasblankstareshowedthathe scarcelynoticedwhatwashappeningaroundhim.It begantogrowdarkbeforehiseyes,butthelongstripof morningskywhichshowedbetweenthehighwalls neverthelesspiercedhisconsciousness,andmaywell haveappearedtohimliketheMilkyWaycrossingthe midnightsky.Hislipsmoved. TheGang,hemurmured. Hismindwanders,saidnanda. ThosestandingnexttoKmanta,whohadheard whathesaid,interpreteditdifferently. HenowwishestobetakentotheGanginorder thatthesacredwatersmaywashawayhissins.ButMother Gangisfarfromherewhocouldpossiblycarryhim thither? FirsttotheBuddha,thentheGang,murmured Sriputra,withthewrypityawisepersonbestowsupon thefoolwho,beyondthereachofhelp,fallsoutofone superstitionintoanother. Suddenly,however,Kmantaseyesbecomewon derfullyanimated,ahappysmiletransfiguredhisface;he soughttoraisehimself.nandasupportedhim. TheHeavenlyGang,hewhispered,withweak buthappyvoice,andpointedwithhisrighthandtothe stripofskyabovehishead.TheHeavenlyGang!We sworebyitswavesVsitth
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 Hisbodyquivered,bloodgushedfromhismouth, andhepassedawayinnandasarms. * * * ScarcelyhalfanhourlaterSriputraandnanda, accompaniedbythemonks,enteredthepottershall, greetedtheMasterrespectfullyandsatdownbeforehim. Well,Sriputra,askedtheMaster,afterhaving giventhemafriendlygreeting,didthecompanyofyoung monksunderyourleadershipreachtheendoftheirlong journeywellandwithoutaccident?Didyouhaveanylack offoodormedicineontheway?Areyourdiscipleshappy andstudious? Iamgladtobeabletosay,Master,thatwelacked fornothingandthattheyoungmonks,fullofconfidence andzeal,havebutonedesire,namely,toseetheMaster facetoface.Ihavebroughtthesenobleyouths,who knowtheessentialsandhavefaithintheDharma,inorder topresentthemwithoutdelaytotheBlessdOne. Andatthesewordsthreeyoungmonksaroseand greetedtheMasterwithpalmspressedtogether,inthe shapeofalotusbud: Greetings,VenerableFather. Welcome,saidtheMaster,andwithagentle glanceandasmallmovementofhishand,invitedthemto beseatedagain. Anddidyou,Master,arriveafteryesterdays journeywithouttoomuchfatigueorotherilleffects?And haveyouspentapassablenightinthishall? Evenso,Sriputra,Iarrivedatduskwithoutill effectsfrommyjourneyandspentthenightinthecom panyofayoungstranger,awanderingseeker. Thatwanderer,beganSriputra,hasbeen robbedofhislifeinthestreetsofRjagahabyacow
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 andneverdreamingwithwhomhehadpassed thenighthere,addednanda.Hisonedesirewastobe broughttothefeetoftheBlessdOne. Soonafterwards,tobesure,hedemandedthathe shouldbecarriedtotheGang,remarkedSriputra. Notso,BrotherSriputra,nandacorrectedhim; forhespokeoftheHeavenlyGang.Withradiantcounte nanceherecalledavowand,indoingso,utteredthe nameofawomanVsitth,Ibelieveandsohedied. Withthenameofsomewomanonhislipshe wenthence,saidSriputra.Iwonderwherehehas enteredagainintoexistence? Foolishasanunreasonablechildwasthepilgrim Kmanta,saidtheBuddha.Thisyoungseekerwent aboutinmynameandwishedtoprofesshimselfafollow eroftheoftheBuddhaDharma,yetwhenIexpounded theTeachingtohim,enteringintoeverydetail,hetook offenceatit.Thelongingsandaspirationsofhisheart werecentredonblissandheavenlyjoys.Thepilgrim Kmanta,bhikkhus,hasenteredagainintoexistencein SukhavatTheParadiseoftheWesttheretoenjoy thepleasuresofheavenforthousandsuponthousands ofyears.

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INTHEPARADISEOFTHEWEST A
TTHETIMEWHENtheMasterutteredthese

wordsinthehallofthepotteratRjagaha,Kmanta awokeintheParadiseoftheWest. * * * Wrappedinaredmantle,whoserichdrapings floweddownabouthim,delicateandglisteningasthe petalsofaflower,hefoundhimselfsittingwithcrossed legsonahuge,similarlycolouredlotusblossomwhich floatedinthemiddleofalargelake.Onthewideexpanse ofwatersuchlotusflowersweretobeseeneverywhere, red,blueandwhite;someasyetweremerebuds,others, althoughfairlydeveloped,werestillclosed. Atthesametime,however,countlessnumbers wereopenlikehisown,andonalmosteveryonea humanformwasenthronedtheirrichlydrapedrobes seemedtogrowupoutofthepetalsoftheflower. Ontheslopingbanksofthelake,inthegreenestof grass,therelaughedsuchawealthofflowersasmadeit seemthatallthejewelsofearthhadtakentheformof blossoms,andhadbeenrebornthere.Theirluminousplay ofcolourtheyhadretained,butthehardcoatofmailthey hadwornduringtheirearthlyexistencetheyhadexchang edforthesoftandpliant,livingvestureofplants.The fragrancetheyexhaled,whichwasmorepowerfulthan
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themostsplendidessenceeverenclosedincrystal,in keepingwiththischange,stillpossessedthewhole heartsomefreshnessofthenaturalperfumeofflowers. Fromthisenchantingbankhisenrapturedglance sweptawaybetweenmassesofsplendidtrees,some loftilypiercingthesky,otherswithbroadersummitsand deepershade,manycladinrichemeraldfoliage.Numbers ofthemwereresplendentwithjewelledblossoms,stand ingnowsingly,nowingroups,someformingdeepforest glades.Farupwardhegazedontowherecraggy heightsofthemostalluringdescriptiondisplayedtheir gracesofcrystal,marble,andalabaster,herenaked,there coveredwithdenseshrubberyorveiledinanairydrapery offlorets.Butatonespotthegrovesandrocksdisap pearedentirelytomakeroomforabeautifulriver,which poureditswaterssilentlyintothelake,likeastreamof starrylight. Overthewholeregiontheskyformedanarch,the deepblueofwhichgrewdeeperasitnearedthehorizon, andunderthisdomehungwhite,massycloudletson whichreclinedlovelygandharvas,celestialmusicians, whodrewfromtheirinstrumentsthemagicstrainsof rapturousmelodiesthatfilledthewholeofspace. Butinthatskytherewasnosuntobeseenand, indeed,therewasnoneedforanysun.Forfromthe cloudletsandthegandharvas,fromtherocksandflowers, fromthewatersandfromthelotusblossoms,fromthe garmentsoftheBlessdand,inevengreaterdegree,from theirfaces,amarvellouslightshoneforth.And,justasthis lightwasofradiantclaritywithout,however,dazzling intheleastsothesoft,perfumeladenwarmthwas freshenedbytheconstantbreathofthewaters,andthe inhalingofthisairalonewasapleasurewhichnothingon earthcouldequal. WhenKmantahadgrownaccustomedtothe
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sightofallthesesplendours,sothattheynolongerover poweredhimbutbegantoseemlikehisnaturalsurround ings,hedirectedhisattentiontothoseotherbeingswho, likehimself,satroundaboutonfloatinglotusthrones.He soonperceivedthatthosecladinredweremale,thosein whitewerefemale,whileofthefigureswrappedinblue robessomebelongedtoone,sometotheothersex.But allwithoutexceptionwereinthefullestbloomofyouth, andseemedtobeofamostfriendlydisposition. Aneighbourinabluecloakinspiredhimwith particularconfidence,sothatthedesiretobeginaconver sationawokewithinhim. Iwonderwhetheritispermissibletoquestionthis radiantone?hethought.Iwouldsomuchliketoknow whereIam. Tohisgreatastonishmentthereplycameatonce, withoutasound,andwithouteventhefaintestmovement ofthebluecladfigureslips. YouareinSukhavat,theabodeofbliss. UnconsciouslyKmantawentonwithhisunspo kenquestioning. Youwerehere,sacredone,whenIopenedmy eyes,formyglancefellatonceuponyou.Didyouawake atthesametimeasI,orhaveyoubeenherelong? Ihavebeenherefromtimeimmemorial,an sweredtheneighbourinblue,andIwouldbelievethatI hadbeenhereforalleternity,ifIhadntsooftenseena lotusopenandanewbeingappearandalsobecause ofthemysteriousperfumeoftheCoralTree. Whatistherespecialaboutthatperfume? Thatyouwillsoondiscoverforyourself.The CoralTreeisthegreatestwonderofthisParadise. Themusicoftheheavenlygandharvaswhich seemedquitenaturallytoaccompanythissoundless conversation,adaptingitselfwithitsmelodiesandstrains
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toeverysucceedingsentenceasiftodeepenitsmeaning andtomakeclearwhatthewordscouldnotconveyat thesewordswoveastrangelymysticalsoundpicture.And itappearedtothelisteningKmantaasifinhismindend lessdepthsrevealedthemselves,inwhoseshadowsdim memoriesstirredwithoutbeingabletoawaken. Thegreatestwonder?saidhe,afterapause.I imaginedthatofallwonderfulthingsherethemostwon derfulwasthatsplendidstreamwhichemptiesitselfinto ourlake. TheHeavenlyGang,noddedtheblue. TheHeavenlyGang,repeatedKmantadream ilyandagaintherecameoverhim,onlyinaddeddegree, thatfeelingofsomethingwhichheoughttoknowandyet wasnotabletoknow;whichthemysteriousmusic seemedtoseek,intheprofoundestdepthsofhisown being,asifforthesourcesofthatstream.

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THEROUNDELAYOFTHEBLESSD W
ITHAGASPOFastonishmentKmantanow noticedthatawhitefigure,thronednotfarfromhim onherlotusflower,suddenlyseemedtogrowupward. Themantle,withitspiledupmassoffoldsandcorners, unrolleditselfuntilitfloweddowninstraightlines fromhershoulderstothegoldenborder.Andeven thisnolongertouchedthepetalsoftheflowerthe figuresweptawayuntrammelledoverthepond,upthe bankanddisappearedbetweenthetreesandshrubbery. * * * Howgloriousthatmustbe,thoughtKmanta. Butthatis,Iimagine,averydifficultaccomplishment, althoughitlooksasifitwerenothing.IwonderwhetherI shalleverbeabletolearnit. Youareablenow;allyouhavetodoisdesireit, answeredhisneighbourinblue,towhomthelastquestion wasaddressed. InstantlyKmantahadthefeelingthatsomething wasliftinghisbodyupward.Hewasalreadyfloatingaway acrossthepondtowardsthebankandsoonhewasinthe midstofthegreenery.Whithersoeverhisglancewas directed,therehisflightfollowed,assoonasthewishwas formed,andasquicklyorslowlyashedesired.Henow sawotherlotuspoolsequallysplendidastheonehehad
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justleft.Hewanderedonthroughcharminggroveswhere birdsofbrightcolourssprangfrombranchtobranch,their melodioussongsblendingwiththesoftrustlingofthe treetops.Hefloatedoverflowerstrewnvalleyswhere gracefulantelopestrottedandplayedwithoutfearinghim intheleast,andfinallyhelethimselfdownonthegentle slopeofahill.Betweenthetrunksoftreesandflowering shrubshesawthecornerofalakewherethewater sparkledroundlargelotusblossoms,severalofwhose flowerthronesboreblissfulfigures,whileseveralothers, evenoftheperfectlyopenedones,wereempty. Itwasplainlyamomentofcommunalfestivity.As onawarmsummereveningfirefliescirclehitherand thitherunderthetreesandroundabouttheshrubberyin noiseless,luminousmovement,soheretheseradiant formsswayedsinglyandinpairs,inlargegroupsof chains,throughthegrovesandaroundtherocks.Atthe sametimeitwaspossibletoseefromtheirglancesand gesturesthattheywereconversinganimatedlywithone another,andonecouldeasilydivinetheinvisiblethreads oftheexchangeswhichwerebeingcarriedonbetween thenoiselesspassersby. InastateofsweetanddreamyshynessKmanta enjoyedthischarmingspectacle,untilgraduallythere grewinhimadesiretoconversewiththesehappyones. Immediatelyhewassurroundedbyawholecom panywhogreetedhimkindlyasthenewlyarrived,the justawakenedone. Kmantawonderedmuch,andinquiredhowit wasthatthenewsofhiscominghadalreadybeenspread abroadalloverSukhavat. Oh!whenalotusopensitselfalltheotherlotus flowersinthelakesofParadisearemoved,andevery beingisconsciousthatanotherhassomewhereamongus awakenedintobliss.
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 ButhowcouldyouknowthatIhappenedtobe thenewcomer? Thefiguresfloatingaroundhimsmiledcharmingly. Youarenotyetfullyawake.Youlookatusas thoughyouareseeingdreamfiguresandareafraidthat wemightsuddenlydisappear,andthatruderealitywill onceagainsurroundyou. Kmantashookhishead. Idontquiteunderstand.Whataredreamfigures? Youforget,saidonewhiterobedfigure,thathe hasnotyetbeentotheCoralTree. No,Ihavenotyetbeenthere.ButIhavealready heardofit.Myneighbouronthelakementionedit;the treeissaidtobesuchawondrousone.Whatisthere aboutit? Buttheyallsmiledmysteriously,lookingatone anotherandshakingtheirheads. Iwouldlikesomuchtogothereatonce.Willno oneshowmetheway? Youwillfindthewayyourselfwhenthetime comes. Kmantadrewhishandoverhisforehead. Thereisyetanotherwonderfulthinghereof whichhespoke...yes,theHeavenlyGang...byitour lakeisfed.Isthatsowithyoursalso? Thewhiterobedfigurepointedtotheclearlittle riverthatwoundroundaboutthefootofthehillandso, byeasyturnings,onwardtothepool. ThatisourSource.Countlesssucharteriesinter sectthesefields,andthatwhichyouhaveseenisasimilar one,evenifsomewhatlarger.ButtheHeavenlyGang itselfsurroundsthewholeofSukhavat. Haveyoualsoseenit? Thewhiterobedoneshookherhead. Isitnotpossibletogothere,then?
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 Oh,itispossible,theyallanswered,butnoneof ushavebeenthere.Besides,whyshouldwego?Itcannot bemorebeautifulanywherethanhere.Severalofthe others,tobesure,havebeenthere,buttheyhavenever flownthereagain. Whynot? Hiswhiterobedvisitorpointedtowardsthepond: Doyouseetheredfigure,almostattheother bank?Hewasthereonce,thoughitislong,longago.Shall weaskhimwhetherhehasflownagainsincethentothe shoresoftheGang? Neveragain,atoncecametheanswerfromhim oftheredrobe. Andwhynot? Flythereyourselfandbringbacktheanswer. Shallwe?TogetherwithyouImightdoit. Ishouldliketogobutnotnow. Forthfromaneighbouringgrovetherefloateda trainofhappyfigures.Theywoundachainaboutthe meadowshrubberyand,whiletheyextendedthechain, thefigureattheend,alightblueone,seizedthehandof thewhiterobe.Shestretchedoutherotherhandinvitingly toKmanta. Hethankedhersmilingly,butgentlyshookhis head. Iwouldprefertobeaspectatorstill. Yes,betterrestandawaken.Forthepresent, farewell.And,gentlyledawaybythelightblue,she floatedthenceintheairyroundelay. Theothersalso,withkindandcheerfulgreetings, movedawaysothathemighthavequietudeinwhichto collecthimself.

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THECORALTREE K

MANTAFOLLOWEDTHEMlongwithhiseyes

andwondered.Andthenhewonderedathiswonder. * * * Howdoesithappenthateverythinghereseemsso strangetome?IfIbelongtothisplace,whydoesntevery thingappearperfectlynatural?ButeverynewthingIseeis apuzzleandfillsmewithastonishment.Forexample,this fragrancethatnowfloatspastmesosuddenly?How absolutelydifferentitisfromallotherflowerscentshere muchfullerandmorepowerful,attractinganddisquiet ingatthesametime.Wherecanitcomefrom?Butwhere doImyselfcomefrom?ItseemstomeasthoughIwas, onlyashorttimeago,amerenothing.OrdidIhavean existence?Onlynothere?Ifso,where?AndhowhaveI comehere? Whileherevolvedthesequestionsinhismind,his bodyhadrisenupfromthemeadow,withouthisperceiv ingit,andhewasalreadyfloatingonwardthoughnot inadirectiontakenbyanyoftheothers.Hemadehisway upwardstowardsadepressioninthecrestofthehill.As hepassedoverithewasgreetedbyayetmorepowerful breathofthatnewandstrangeperfume. Kmantaflewonward.Beyondthehillthe
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neighbourhoodlostsomethingofitscharm.Theshowof flowerswasscantier,theshrubberydarker,thegroves moredense,therocksmoreforbiddingandhigher.Herds ofgazellesgrazedthere,butonlyinafewsolitaryinstances wasoneoftheBlessdtobeseen. Thevalleybecamenarrowerandendedinacleft, andheretheperfumegrewyetstronger.Evermorerapid becamehisflight;evermorenaked,steepandhighdid therockywallsclosearoundhimuntilanopeningwasno longertobeseen. Thentheravinemadeacoupleofsharpturnsand openedsuddenly. RoundaboutKmantaextendedadeep,pitlike valleyshutinbytowering,deepgreenmalachiterocks whichseemedtoreachtheheavens.Inthemidstofthe valleystoodthewondertree.Trunkandbrancheswereof smooth,redcoral;slightlymoreyellowwastheredofthe crispfoliageamidwhichblossomsofadeepcrimson glowedandburned. Overthepinnaclesoftherocksandthesummitof thetreerosethedeepblueskyinwhichnotasinglecloud wastobeseen.Nordidthemusicofthegandharvas penetrateinanyappreciabledegreetothisspotwhat stilltrembledintheairseemedtobebutamemoryof melodiesheardinthelongpast. Therewerebutthreecolourstobeseeninthe valley:theceruleanblueoftheheavens,themalachite greenoftherocks,thecoralredofthetree.Andonlyone perfumethatmysteriousfragrance,sounlikeallothers, ofthecrimsonflowerswhichhadledKmantathere. Almostimmediatelythewonderfulnatureofthat perfumebegantoshowitself. AsKmantainhaledithere,inthedenseformin whichitfilledthewholebasin,hisconsciousnessbecame suddenlybrightened.Itoverflowedandbrokethroughthe
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barrierswhichhadbeenraisedabouthimfromthetimeof hisawakeninginthelakeuntilthepresent. Hispastlifelayopenbeforehim. Hesawthehallofthepotterwherehehadsatin conversationwiththatfoolishBuddhistmonk;hesawthe littlelaneinRjagahathroughwhichhehadhurriedand thecowtearingtowardshimthenthehorrifiedfaces roundaboutandthegoldencladmonksthemselves.And hesawtheforestsandthecountryroadsofhisspiritual wanderings,hispalaceandhistwowives,thecourtesans ofUjjen,therobbers,thegroveofKrishnaandtheTerrace oftheSorrowlesswithVsitth,hisfathershouse,and thechildrensroom... Andbehindthathesawanotherlife,andyet another,andstillanother,andeverothers,asoneseesa lineoftreesonacountryroaduntilthetreesbecome pointsandthepointsblendintoonestripofshadow. Atthis,hisbrainbegantoreel. * * * Atoncehefoundhimselfinthecleftagain,likea leafthatisdrivenbythewind.Foronthefirsttime,no onecanbeartheperfumeoftheCoralTreeforlong,and theinstinctofselfpreservationbearseveryoneawayfrom thereatthefirstsignofdizziness. Ashe,byandby,movedmorequietlythroughthe openvalley,KmantaponderedNowIunderstand whythewhiterobedonesaidsheimaginedIhadnotyet beentotheCoralTree.ForIcertainlycouldnotimagine thenwhattheyhadmeantbydreampictures;butnowI know,forinthatotherlifeIhaveseensuch.AndIalso knownowwhyIamhere.IwantedtovisittheBuddhain theMangoGrovenearRjagaha.Ofcoursethatintention wasfrustratedbymysuddenandviolentdeath,butmy
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goodintentionshavebeenlookedonfavourablyandsoI havereachedthisplaceofblissasthoughIhadindeedsat athisfeetandhaddiedinhisblessdTeaching.Somy pilgrimagehasnotbeeninvain.Atthisrealisationagreat gladsighissuedforthfromhisheart,andheflewon. VerysoonKmantareachedthelakeagain,where helethimselfdownuponhisredlotusflowerlikeabird thatreturnstoitsnest.

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THEBUDOFTHELOTUSOPENS I

TSUDDENLYSEEMEDTOKmantaasthoughsome

thinglivingweremovinginthedepthsofthelake.In thecrystaldeepshebecamedimlyawareofarising shadow.Thewatersbubbledandseethed,andalarge lotusbud,redtipped,shotlikeafishabovethesurface onwhichitthenlayswimmingandrocking.Thewaters themselvesroseandsankineverextendingringsand, foralongtimeafterwards,trembledandglitteredinto fragmentsandradiatinglight,asifthelakewerefilledwith liquiddiamonds;thereflectionofthewaterycoruscations flickereduplikeminiatureflamesoverthelotusleaves, therobesandthefacesandformsoftheBlessd. * * * Kmantasownbeingtrembledandradiatedallits hiddencolours,andoverhisheartalsothereseemedto dance,asifinhappyplay,areflectionofjoyousemotion. Whatwasthat?hisglanceaskedofhisblue neighbour. Deepdown,amongfardistantworldsonthe gloomyearth,ahumanbeinghasthisinstantcentredtheir heartsdesireuponenteringagainintoexistenceherein Sukhavat.Nowletusalsoseewhetherthebudwill developwellandfinallyblossom.Formanyfixtheirdesire onthispureabodeofblissandyetarenotabletoliveup
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toitsfulfilmentbut,onthecontrary,theyentanglethem selvesagaininamazeofunholypassions,succumbtothe cravingsofsensualityandremainboundtothecoarseness oflifeonearth.Thenthebudwithersawayandatlast disappearsentirely.Thistime,asyousee,itisamale. Suchaone,inthechequeredlifeofearth,failsmoreeasily onthepathtoParadise;andforthisreasonyouwillalso noticethat,eveniftheredandwhiteareaboutequalin number,amongstthebluethefemalesarebyfarthemore numerous. AtthiscommunicationtheheartofKmanta quiveredstrangely,asifallatoncejoyblendedwithpain andsorrow,bearingapromiseoffuturehappiness,had setitvibrating;andhisgazeresteduponaclosedlotus flowernearby,asthoughseekingthesolutiontosome riddle.Itwasaswhiteasthebreastofaswanandrocked gracefullyquiteneartohiminthestillgentlymoving water. Canyourememberseeingthebudofmylotus risefromthedepths?Heaskedofhisexperienced neighbour. Surely,foritcameuptogetherwiththatwhite floweryouarenowgazingupon.AndIhavealways watchedthepairofyou,attimeswithsomeanxiety.For fairlysoonafteritsbirthyourbudbeganperceptiblyto shrivelup,andithadalmostsunkbeneaththesurfaceof thewaterwhenallatonceitraiseditselfagain,became fullerandbrighter,andthendevelopedmagnificentlyuntil itopened.Thewhiteone,however,grewslowlybut graduallyandevenlytowardsthedaywhenitshould open,whensuddenlyitwasattackedasifbysomesick ness.Itrecovered,however,veryquicklyandbecamethe magnificentfloweryounowseebeforeyou. AtthesewordstherearoseinKmantasucha feelingofjoythatitreallyseemedtohimasifhehad
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hithertobeenbutasadguestinasadplacetosucha degreedideverythingnowappeartoglow,tosmell sweet,andtobreathemusic. Andasthoughhisgaze,whichhadrested unwaveringlyonthewhitelotus,hadbeenamagicians wandfortheraisingofhiddentreasures,theapexofthe flowerbegantomove,thepetalsbenttheiredgesoutward todroopgracefullydownoneveryside,andlo!intheir midstsatthefairVsitthwithwidelyopeneyes,whose sweetlysmilingglancemethisown. SimultaneouslyKmantaandVsitthstretchedout theirarmstooneanother,andhandinhandtheyfloated awayoverthepondtowardsthebank. Kmantaobserved,ofcourse,thatVsitthhadnot asyetrecognisedhim,buthadonlyturnedtohimuncon sciouslyasthesunflowertowardsthesun.Howcouldshe haverecognisedhimseeingthatnoone,immediately onawakening,rememberedanythingoftheirpreviouslife evenifatthesightofhimdimpresentimentsmight havestirredinthedepthsofherheart,ashadhappenedin hisowncasewhenhisneighbourspokeoftheHeavenly Gang. Heshowedherthegleamingriver,whichemptied itselfnoiselesslyintothelake: InthesamefashionthesilverwatersoftheHeav enlyGangfeedallthelakesinthefieldsoftheBlessd. TheHeavenlyGang...?sherepeatedquestion ingly,anddrewherhandacrossherforehead. Come,letusgototheCoralTree. Butthegrovesandtheshrubberyaresobeautiful overthere,andtheBlessdareplayingsuchdelightful games,saidVsitth,pointinginanotherdirection. Later!FirstletusgototheCoralTree;youwillbe refreshedandrevivedbyitswonderfulperfume. Vsitthfollowedhimwillinglylikeachildthat
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onehascomfortedwiththepromiseofanewtoybecause ofnothavingbeenallowedtotakepartinthejoyous gamesofherfriends.Astheperfumebegantofloattowards themherfeaturesgrewmoreandmoreanimated. Whereareyouleadingme?sheasked,asthey turnedintothenarrowgorgeamongtherocks.Never beforehaveIbeensofilledwithexpectation;anditseems tomethatinthepast,Ihaveoftenbeenfilledwithexpectations, althoughyoursmileremindsmethatIhaveonly justawakenedtoconsciousness.Butsurelyyouhave mistakentheway,wecangonofartherinthisdirection. Ohwecangofarther,muchfarther,smiled Kmanta,andperhapsyouwillnowbecomeawarethat thatfeelingofwhichyouspokehasnotdeceivedyou, dearestVsitth. * * * Evenashespokethereopenedbeforethemthe basinofthevalleyamidthemalachiterocks,withthered CoralTreeandthedeepbluesky.Thentheperfumeofall perfumesenvelopedher. Vsitthlaidherhandsonherbreastasiftocheck heralltoodeepbreathing.Inanintenseinterminglingof sympathyandexpectationKmantadiscerned,inthe rapidplayoflightandshadowonherfeatures,howthe stormoflifememorieswassweepingoverher.Suddenly sheraisedherarmsandflungherselfonhisbreast: Kmanta!Mybelovd! Andheboreherthence,speedingbackthrough thegorgewitheagerhaste. Intheopenvalleywithitsdarkshrubberyand thickgroves,wherethegazelleswereatplaybutno humanformdisturbedthesolitude,hedescendedwith her,findingshelterunderatree.
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 Oh,mypoorKmanta,saidVsitth,whatyou musthavesuffered!Andwhatmustyouhavethoughtof mewhenyoulearnedthatIhadmarriedStgira! ThenKmantatoldherhowhehadnotlearned thatfromhearsaybuthadhimself,inthemainstreetof Kosamb,seenthebridalprocession,andhowthespeechless miserygravenonherfacehaddirectlyconvincedhim shehadonlyyieldedtothepressureofherparents. Butnopoweronearthwouldhavecompelled me,myonlylove,ifIhadnotbeenforcedtobelievethatI wasinpossessionofsureproofthatyouwerenolonger alive. AndVsitthbegantotellhimoftheeventsofthat bygonetime.

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THECHAINWITHTHETIGEREYE W

HENYOU,MYFRIEND,weregonefromKosamb,

Idraggedmyselfmiserablythroughthedaysand nights,asawomandoeswhoisdevouredbyafever oflonging,andisatthesametimeapreytoathousand fearsonbehalfofherbelovd.Ididnotevenknow whetheryoustillbreathedtheairofthisworldwith me,forIhadoftenheardofthedangersofsuchjourneys. AndnowIwasforcedtoreproachmyselfmostbitterly because,withmyfoolishobstinacy,Iwastoblamefor yournothavingmadethereturnjourneyinperfectsafety undertheprotectionoftheembassy.Yet,withallthis,I wasnotreallyabletorepentofmythoughtlessness, becauseIowedtoitallthosepreciousmemorieswhich werenowmywholetreasure. * * * EvenMedinscheeringandcomfortingwords wereseldomabletodissipateforanylengthoftimethe cloudofmelancholywhichhungoverme.Mybestand truestfriendwastheAsokaunderwhichwestoodonthat gloriousmoonlitnight,thetreethatyou,mysweetheart, haveassuredlynotforgotten,andtowhichIaddressedon thatoccasionthewordsofDamayant.Countlesstimesdid Itrytoobtain,bylisteningtotherustlingofitsleaves,an answertomyanxiousquestions,toseeinthefallingofa
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leafortheplayoflightandshadowonthegroundan omenofsomekind.Ifitthenhappenedthatthesign givenbysuchaselfinventedoracleboreafavourable interpretation,Iwasabletofeelhappyforawholedayor evenlonger,andtolookhopefullyintothefuture.Butjust forthatveryreasonmylongingincreased,andwiththe longingmyfearsreturnedasnaturallyasbaddreams resultfromafeveredtemperature. Inthisconditionitwasalmostabenefitthat,aftera shorttime,mylovewasnotpermittedtoliveinsolitary inactivitydedicatedtosufferingalone,butthatitwas forcedintoacombativeattitudeandobligedtogatherup allitsstrengtheveniftherebyitbroughtmetothe vergeofcompleteestrangementfrommyownfamily. Itwasinthiswaythatitcameabout:Stgira,the sonoftheMinister,pursuedmeevermoreassiduously nowwithtokensofhislove,andIcouldnolongershow myselfinapublicpleasuregardenwithmycompanions withouthisbeingthereandmakingmetheobjectofhis obtrusiveattentions. UnfortunatelythefactthatIdidntrespondtothese hadnottheslightestdeterrenteffectuponhimeven thoughIshowedhimevenmoreplainlythanwaspolite howhatefultheyweretome.Soon,however,myparents begantopleadhiscause,firstwithallkindsofhintsand thenwithlessandlessreserve,andwhenhefinallycame forwardtopresshissuitopenly,theydemandedthatI shouldgivehimmyhand.Iassuredthem,withbitter tears,thatIcouldneverloveStgira.That,however, madelittleimpressionuponthem.ButIwassimilarlyas littleaffectedbytheirrepresentations,theirprayersand theirreproaches,andremainedinsensiblealiketoboth thepleadingofmymotherandtothethreatsofmyfather. Driventobay,IfinallytoldthemstraightoutthatIhad promisedmyselftoyouofwhomtheyhadalready
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heardfromStgiraandthatnopoweronearthcould eitherforcemetobreakmyword,whichhadbeensac redlygiventoyou,ortobelongtoanother.AndIadded that,iftheworstshouldcometotheworst,Iwouldkill myselfbypersistentlyrefusingallnourishment. * * * AsmyparentsnowsawthatIwasquitecapableof carryingoutthisthreattheyfinallygavethematterup, althoughmuchputoutandveryangry,andStgiraalso nowseemedtoyieldtohisfateandtobetakingpainsto comforthimselfforhisdefeatinthecourtsofloveby becomingtheheroofvictoriousdeedsonasternerfield ofbattle. Aboutthistimepeoplehadmanyterribletalesto telloftherobberAngulimlawho,withhisband,hadlaid wastewholedistricts,burntvillagesandmadetheroadsso unsafethateventuallyalmostnooneventuredtotravelto Kosamb.Ibecameaprey,asaconsequence,tohorrible fearsforInaturallydreadedthatyoumightatlastbe comingtomeandbeunfortunateenoughtofallintohis handsontheway. ThingsstoodthuswhennewsarrivedthatStgira hadreceivedthesupremecommandofalargebodyof troopswithwhichtosweepthewholeneighbourhoodof KosambandifpossibletocaptureAngulimlahimself,as wellastheothermembersoftheband.Stgirahad,so thestoryran,sworntoaccomplishthisortofallfightingin theattempt. LittleasIwasotherwisedisposedtofeelkindly towardsthesonoftheMinister,Icouldnotonthisocca sionrefrainfromwishinghimthebestofsuccessand, whenhemovedout,myearnestwishesforhisprosperity followedhiscolours.
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 AboutaweeklaterIwasinthegardenwith Medin,whenweheardloudcriesfromthestreet.Medin rushedthereatoncetolearnwhathadhappened,pres entlysheannouncedthatStgirawasreturningtothecity intriumph,havingeithercutdowntherobbersortaken themprisoner. ItseemedthatStgirahadobtainedinformationas tothewhereaboutsofthesecrethideoutofthebandby capturingthebelovdofoneofAngulimlascroniesand, throughboththreateningherlifeandpromisingrich rewardsfortheircomplicity,hehadforcedthemanto betrayhisrobberhonour. Stgirahadthusbeenabletostealuponthegang withhistroops,afteroneoftheirfestiveorgies,andhad slaughteredmostofthemwheretheysleptAngulimla himselfhadfallenintohishandsalive. SheinvitedmetogooutwithherandSomadatta intothestreet,towitnesstheentryofthesoldierswiththe captiverobbers,butIdidnotwishStgiratohavethe satisfactionofseeingmeamongthespectatorsofhis triumph.SoIstayedbehindalone,morethanhappyatthe thoughttheroadswerenowagainopentomybelovd forsolittledomortalsunderstandoftheworkingsof karmathattheysometimes,asIdidthen,treatasaspe ciallyfortunatedayjustthatoneonwhichthecurrentof theirlivestakesaturnfortheworse. * * * Onthefollowingmorningmyfatherenteredmy room.Hehandedmeacrystalchainbearingatigereye amulet,andaskedmeifI,byanypossibility,recognisedit. IfeltasthoughIshoulddrop,butIsummonedup allmystrengthandansweredthatthechainresembled onewhichyouhadalwayswornroundyourneck.
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 Itisntlikeit,saidmyfatherwithbrutalcalmness, itisit.WhenAngulimlawasmadeprisonerhewas wearingthechainandStgiraatoncerecognisedit.For, asherelatedtome,hehadoncewrestledwithKmanta intheparkforyourballand,inthecourseofthestruggle, hadseizedKmantaschaininordertoholdhimback. ThechainpartedandremainedinStgirashandssothat hewasabletoexamineitverycarefully.Hewasconvinced thathecouldntbedeceived.AndthenAngulimla,when closelyquestioned,confessedthattwoyearsagohehad attackedKmantascaravanonitsreturntoUjjen,inthe regionoftheVedisa,hadcutdownhispeopleandhad takenKmantaprisoner,alongwithaservant.Theser vanthesenttoUjjenforransom.Asthiswasnotforthcoming forsomereason,hehadputKmantatodeath, accordingtothecustomoftherobbers. AtthesefrightfulwordsIshouldcertainlyhavelost consciousness,hadnotapossibilitypresenteditselftomy despairingmindofhopingagainsthope. Stgiraisalowandcraftysnake,Ianswered, withapparentcalm,whowouldnothesitatetocheatus; andhehassethisheart,orratherhispride,upongaining meforhiswife.Ifhe,atthetimeyouspeakof,examined thechainsoattentively,whatwastohinderhimfrom havingonemadelikeit?Iimaginethatthisideaoccurred tohimwhenhefirstheardofAngulimla.Ifhehadnot takenAngulimlahimselfprisoner,hecouldalwayssay thatthechainhadbeenfoundinpossessionoftherob bers,andthattheyhadconfessedtohavingkilled Kmanta. Thatishardlypossible,mydaughter,saidmy father,shakinghishead,andforareasonwhichyou,itis true,cannotsee,butwhichI,asagoldsmith,canfortu natelyreveal.Ifyouwillexaminethesmallgoldlinks whichconnectthecrystalswithoneanother,youwill
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noticethatthemetalisredderthanthatofourjewellery here,becauseweuseinouralloysmoresilverthancopper. Theworkmanshipalsoisofthesomewhatcoarser typeseeninthemountaindistricts. Onmylipstherehungthereply:Soclevera goldsmithashimselfwould,nodoubt,succeedasperfectly inthematterofthepropermixtureofthegoldasin turningoutthecharacteristicworkmanship.ForIsaw everyoneandeverythingconspiringagainstourlove,and didnottrustevenmynearestrelatives.However,Iended thematterbysayingthatIwouldnotallowmyselftobe convincedbythismerechainthatmyKmantawasnot stillalive. Myfatherleftmeingreatangerandthen,insolitude, Iwasabletogivemyselfwhollyuptomydespair.

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~27~

THERITEOFTRUTH A
TTHATTIMEIalwaysspentthefirsthoursof thenightontheTerraceoftheSorrowless,either aloneorwithMedin.Ontheeveningofthedayof whichIhavejustspoken,Iwastherebymyselfand, consideringthestateofmindinwhichIthenwas,solitude wasmybestcompanion.Thefullmoonshoneasonthose memorablenightsofthepast,andIstoodbeforethegreat Asokawithitswealthofblossoms,tobegfromit,the Heartsease,acomfortingomenformytroubledheart. AftersometimeIsaidtomyselfIf,betweenmeand thetrunk,asaffronyellowflowershouldfallbeforeI havecountedtoahundred,thenmybelovdKmantais stillalive. * * * WhenIhadcountedtofiftyaflowerfell,butan orangecolouredone.WhenIreachedeightyIbeganto countmoreandmoreslowly.Justthenacreakingdoor openedinthecornerbetweentheterraceandthewallof thehouse,whereastairleddownintothecourtyarda flightofstepsreallyintendedonlyforworkmenand gardeners. Myfathercameforward,andbehindhimStgira. Acoupleofsoldiersarmedtotheteethfollowed,andafter themcameamanwhotoweredafullheadabovethe
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others.Finally,yetothersoldiersbroughtuptherearof thisstrange,nottosayinexplicable,procession.Twoof thelatterremainedtoguardthedoor,whilstalltheothers camedirectlytowardsme.AtthesametimeInoticedthat thegiantintheirmidstwalkedwithgreatdifficulty,and thatateverystepthereresoundedadismalclankingand rattling. Thatveryinstantasaffronyellowblossomfloated downandremainedlyingjustatmyfeet.Ihadceased countinghowever,fromsheerastonishmentand,asa consequence,couldnotbesurewhetherithadfallen beforeorafterthehundredhadbeenreached. Thegroupnowadvancedfromtheshadowofthe wallintothemoonlightandthenIsawwithhorrorthatthe giantfigurewasloadedwithchains.Hishandswere fetteredathisback,abouthisanklesclankedheavyiron ringswhichwerelinkedtoeitherendofahugerodand wereconnectedbydoublechainsofironwithasimilar ringaroundhisneck.Toit,inturn,twootherchainswere fastenedandthesewereheldbytwoofthesoldiers.Asis usualinthecaseofaprisonerwhoisbeingconductedto thescaffold,aroundhisneckandonhishairybreastthere hungawreathoftheredKanaverablossoms;andthe reddishyellowbrickdustwithwhichhisheadwaspow deredcausedthehairhangingdownoverhisforehead, andthebeardwhichreachedalmosttohiseyes,toappear yetmoreferocious.Fromthismaskhiseyesflashedoutat meandthenfelltotheground,wanderingfurtivelyhither andthitheronthefloorlikethoseofanevilbeast. AstowhostoodbeforemeIshouldnothave neededtoinquire,eveniftheKanaverablossomshad concealedthesymbolofhisterriblenamethenecklace ofhumanfingers. Now,Angulimla,Stgirabrokethesilence, repeatinthepresenceofthisnoblemaidenwhatyou
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haveconfessedontherackregardingthemurderofthe youngmerchantKmantaofUjjen. Kmantawasnotmurdered,answeredthe robbergruffly,buttakenprisonerandmadeawaywith, accordingtoourcustoms. Andhenowrelatedtomeinafewwordswhatmy fatherhadalreadytoldmeofthematter. Istood,meanwhile,withmybacktotheAsoka tree,andsupportedmyselfbyclutchingthetrunkwith bothhands,buryingmyfingernailsconvulsivelyinthe barkinordertokeepmyselffromfalling. WhenAngulimlahadfinishedspeaking,every thingseemedtobegoingroundinawhirl.Buteventhen Ididnotgiveup. Youareaninfamousrobberandmurderer,I said,whatvaluecanyourwordhaveforme?Whyshould younotsaywhatiscommandedtoyoubytheoneinto whosepoweryourvillainieshavebroughtyou? And,asifbyaninspirationwhichastonishedeven myself,andcausedaglimmerofhopetoflashupwithin me,Iadded: Youdonotdaretolookmeintheeyesevenonce you,theterrorofallhumanbeings,andme,aweak girl!Youdonotdarebecauseattheinstigationofthis manyouaretellingacowardlylie. Angulimladidnotlookup,buthelaughed harshlyandansweredinavoicethatsoundedlikethe growlingofafetteredbeastofprey: Whatgoodendwouldbeservedbylookingyou intheeyes?Ileavethattoyoungdandies.Theeyesofan infamousrobberyouwouldbelieveaslittleashiswords. Andhisoathwould,Isuppose,signifyjustaslittle. Hecameastepnearer. Wellthen,maiden,bewitnessnowtotheRiteof Truth.
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 Onceagainthelightningofhisglancestruckmeas itsweptupwardandfixeditselfuponthemooninsucha waythat,inthemidstofthetangleofhisdiscolouredhair andbeard,onlythewhitesofhiseyeswerestillvisible. Hisbreastheaved,sothattheredflowersmovedasina dance,andwithavoicelikethatofthunderrollingamong theclouds,hecalledaloud: Youwhotamethetiger,snakecrownedGoddess ofNight!Youwhodancebymoonlightonthepinnaclesof themountains,yournecklaceofskullsswayingand crashing,gnashingyourteeth,swingingyourbloodfilled skullcup!MotherKl!Mistressoftherobbers!Youwho haveledmethroughathousanddangers,hearme!Truly asIhaveneverwithheldasacrificefromyou;trulyasI haveeverloyallyobservedyourlaws;trulyasIdiddeal withthisKmantaaccordingtoourstatutethestatute whichcommandsusSenderswhentheransomdoesnot arrivebytheappointedhour,tosawtheprisonerthrough themiddleandcasthisremainsonthepublicroad justastrulystandbymenowinmydirestneed,rendmy chains,andfreemefromthehandsofmyenemies. Ashesaidthishemadeamightyeffortthe chainsrattledandshattered,armsandlegswerefree,the twosoldierswhoheldhimlayproneontheearth,athird hestruckdownwiththeironlinkswhichhungathiswrists andbeforeanyoneofusclearlyunderstoodwhatwas happening,Angulimlahadswunghimselfoverthe parapet.WithafierceshoutStgiragavechase. ThatwasthelastIsaworheard. AfterwardsIlearnedthatAngulimlahadfallen, brokenafootandhadbeencapturedbytheguard;thathe hadlaterdiedinprisonundertorture,andthathishead hadbeenplacedovertheeastgateofthetownwhere MedinandSomadattahadseenit. WithAngulimlasRiteofTruthmylastdoubtand
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mylasthopeleftme.ForIknewwellthateventhefear someGoddessKlcouldnothaveworkedamiracleto rescuehimifhehadnothadthestrengthwhichtruthlent tohisside. AstowhatshouldnowbecomeofmeItroubled myselflittle,foronthiseartheverythinggoodwashence forthlost.OnlyintheParadiseoftheWestcouldwetwo meetagain.YouhadgonebeforemeandIwould,asI ardentlyhoped,soonfollow.Onlytherecouldhappiness blossomallelsewasamatterofindifference. AsStgiranowcontinuedtopresshissuit,andmy mother,alwayswailingandweeping,keptonmaking representationstomethatshewoulddieofabrokenheart ifthroughmesheshouldsufferthedisgraceofhavinga daughterremainunmarriedinthehouseofherparents: Shemightjustaswellhavegivenbirthtotheugliest maideninKosamb!Littlebylittlemyresistanceweakened. Overandabovethis,Inolongerhadsomuch bitternesstobringagainstStgiraasbefore:Icouldnot avoidrecognisingthesteadfastnessandfidelityofhis attachment,andIalsofeltthatIowedhimgratitudefor havingavengedthedeathofmybelovd. Thus,afteralmostanotheryearhadpassed,Isadly becamethebrideofStgira.

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~28~

ONTHESHORESOFTHEHEAVENLYGANG

HENKMANTAPERCEIVEDthatevenhere

intheabodeofblissthesememoriesovershadowed, withdarkandforbiddingwings,thestilldelicate, newlyawakenedspiritofhisbelovd,hetookher bythehandandledherawayguidingtheirflightto thesoftgreenhillonwhoseslopehehadrecentlylain andwatchedthegamesofthefloatingdancers. * * * Heretheysoughtarestingplace.Alreadygroves andshrubberies,meadowsandhillslopeswerefilledwith countlessfloatingfigures,red,blueandwhite.Groupafter groupsurroundedthemtogreetthenewlyawakenedone. Andthetwomingledjoyfullyamongsttheranksofthe players. Theyhadbeenglidinghitherandthitherforalong time,whereverthechainofdancersledthemthrough thegroves,roundabouttherocks,overthemeadowsand lotuspoolswhentheyweresuddenlymetbythe whiterobedcompanionwhohadformerlycalledupon KmantatotakethejourneytotheGangwithher. Astheyheldouttheirhandstooneanotherinthe dance,sheasked,withasunnysmile: Well,haveyoubeentotheshoresoftheGangyet?
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Younowhaveacompanion,Isee. Notyet,answeredKmanta. Whatisthat?askedVsitth. AndKmantatoldher. Letusgothere,saidVsitth.Oh,howoften haveI,downinthesadvalleysofearth,lookeduptothe distantreflectionoftheheavenlystreamandthoughtof theblessdplainsthatareenfoldedandwateredbyit,and askedmyselfifweshouldreallyonedaybeunitedinthis placeofbliss.NowIfeelmyselfirresistiblydrawnthere,to lingerwithyouonitsshores. Theywithdrewfromthechainofdancersand turnedtheirflightinadirectionwhichledthemfarfrom theirownlake.Aftersometimetheysawnomorelotus pools,northeresplendentflowersbearinghappybeings. Thewealthofblossomsdecreasedperceptiblyandmore andmorerarelydidtheymeetthefiguresoftheBlessd. Herdsofgazellesandantelopesheregavelifetothe plainsandswansglidedalongonthelakes,drawingtrains ofglisteningwavesbehindthemoverthedarkwaters.The hills,whichinthebeginninghadgrowneversteeperand morerocky,disappearedentirely. Theyfloatedoveraflat,desertlikeplaincovered withtigergrassandthornyshrubs,andbeforethemlay stretchedtheendlesscurvesofaforestofpalms. Theyreachedtheforest.Moreandmoredeeply didtheshadowscloseinaroundthem.Theringedtrunks gleamedlikebronze.Highabovethemthetreetops resoundedwithaclangasofmetal. Infront,glisteningpointsandstreaksoflight begantodance.Andsuddenlytherestreamedtowards themsuchablazeoflightthattheywereobligedtohold theirhandsovertheireyes.Itseemedasthoughthere stoodagiganticcolonnadeofburnishedsilverpillarsin theforest,flashingbackthelightoftherisingsun.
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 Whentheyventuredagaintoremovetheirhands fromtheirfaces,theywerejustfloatingoutbetweenthe lastoftheforestpalms. BeforethemlaytheHeavenlyGang,itssilvery expansereachingouttothefarhorizon;attheirfeetwave letsofliquidstarlightlappedthepearlgreysandofthe shore,asifwithtonguesofflamebothcoolandargentine. Asaruletheskybeginstogrowgraduallyclearer downtowardsthehorizon,butheretheorderwasre versed;theazurebluepassedintoindigo,andfinally deepenedtoanallbutabsolutelyblackborder,which restedheavilyuponthesilverwaters. * * * OftheperfumeoftheblossomsofParadisethere wasnothingleft.And,whereasinthemalachitevalleythat memoryladenperfumeofperfumeslaydensearoundthe CoralTree,herethereblewalongtheStreamoftheUni verse,acoolandfreshbreathwhichtookforitsperfume theabsenceofallperfumeperfectpurity.AndVsitth seemedtoquaffitgreedilyasarefreshingdraught,whileit tookKmantasbreathaway. Herealso,onedidnotcatchthefaintestnoteofthe musicofthegandharvas.Butfromthestreamitselfthere seemedtoriseupmightysoundslikethedeepbooming ofthunder. Listen,whisperedVsitth,andraisedherhand. Strange,saidKmanta,onceonmyjourneyings Ihadfoundlodgingsinahutwhichstoodattheentrance toamountainravine,andpastthehutthereflowedalittle rivuletwithclearwaterinwhichIwashedmyfeetafter mylongdayswalk.Duringthenightaviolentrainfell and,asIlayawakeinmyhut,Iheardtherivulet,whichin theeveninghadrippledsoftlyby,rushandragewith
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everincreasingvehemence.Atthesametimemyattention wascaughtbyabanging,thunderingsoundwhichIcould notexplaintomyselfatall.Thenextmorning,however,I sawthattheclearbrookhadbecomearagingmountain torrent,withwatersbrownandfoaminginwhichhuge stonesrolledandboundedastheydashedonward.Andit wasthesethathadcausedtheuproar.Whydoyousup posethatjusthere,whenlisteningtothesesounds,this memoryoutofthetimeofmypilgrimageshouldrise withinme? Itcomesfromthis,answeredVsitth,the soundsareanalogous;thoughinthatmountainstreamyou weremerelyhearingthecollisionofstones,hereinthe streamoftheHeavenlyGang,worldsarerolledand propelledalong.Itisthesefromwhichthebooming soundslikethunderarise. Worlds!exclaimedKmanta,horrified. Vsitthsmiled,andfloatedonwardasshedidso; butKmanta,fullofterror,caughtherandheldherback byherrobe. Takecareofyourself,Vsitth!Whoknowswhat powers,whatfearfulforcesholdswayoverthisStreamof theUniverse,forcesintowhosepoweryoumightfallby forsakingtheshore.Itremblealreadyatthethoughtof seeingyousuddenlytornfromme. Wouldyounotdaretofollowme,then? Certainly,Iwouldfollowyou.Butwhoknows whetherIcouldreachyou,whetherweshouldnotbetorn fromoneanother?Andevenifweremainedtogether, whatmiseryitwouldbetobeborneawaytotheIllimit able,farfromthisabodeofbliss. TotheIllimitable...!repeatedVsitthdreamily, andherglancesweptoverthesurfaceoftheHeavenly Gang,farouttowherethesilverfloodtouchedtheblack borderofthesky,hergazeseemingtodesiretopenetrate
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everfarther.Isitpossible,then,sheasked,asifshe werelostinthought,foreternalhappinesstoexistwhere thereislimitation? Vsitth!exclaimedKmanta,becomingtruly alarmed.IwishIhadneverledyouhere!Come,love, come! And,evenmoreanxiouslythanfromtheCoral Tree,hedrewherawayfromthere. Shefollowedhimwillingly,butturnedherheadat thefirstpalmsasshedidso,castingalastglanceback wardattheheavenlystream. * * * Andagaintheywerethronedonthelotusseatsin thecrystallake,againtheyfloatedbetweentreesbearing blossomsofjewels,againtheymingledwiththeranksof theBlessd,joinedinthedances,andenjoyedtheraptures ofheaven,happyintheiruncloudedlove. Onceinthedancetheymettheirfriendofthe whiterobe,whogreetedthemwith: Soyounowreallyhavebeentotheshoresofthe HeavenlyGang. Howcouldyoupossibleknowthatwehavebeen there? Iseeit;forallwhohavebeentherewearashadow ontheirbrows.ForthatreasonIdontwishtogo.And youwillalsonotgoasecondtime,nooneeverdoes.

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AMIDTHESWEETNESSOFTHE
CORALBLOSSOMS

SAMATTEROFFACT,theydidnotagainvisit

theinhospitableshoresoftheHeavenlyGang.Often, however,theyturnedtheirflighttowardthevalley ofthemalachiterocks.Reposingunderthemighty crownoftheCoralTree,theybreathedthatperfumeof perfumeswhichstreamedfromthecrimsonblossomsand, inthedepthsoftheirmemory,therewasopenedupto themthevistaoftheirformerliveslifeprecedinglifein somestrangelyappointedorder,backintothefardistant past. * * * Andtheysawthemselvesinothertimes,when humanbeingsweremightierthannow,inthosememorable heroicdayswhenhetorehimselffromherarmsand rodehiswarelephanttoHastinapuratoaidhisfriends,the Pndavaprinces,intheirquarrelwiththeKaurvas;when, fightingatthesideofArjunaandKrishna,ontheplainof Kurukshetra,onthetenthdayofthegiganticbattlehe yieldeduphisspirit.Andwhenshehadreceivedthenews ofhisdeathandhisshroudedbodyhadbeenreturnedto her,shehadascendedthefuneralpyreinfrontofthe palace,followedbyallofherwomen,andhadignitedthe greatblazewithherownhand.
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 Andyetagaintheysawthemselvesinstrange regions,amidsceneryofanotherkind. ItwasnolongerthevalleyoftheGangand Yamun,withitsmagnificentpalacefilledcitieswhere warriorsinshiningarmour,proudbrahmins,richmer chantsanddiligentworkerslentanimationtothestreets. Thistheatrewhichhadsooftenframedthestageoftheir commonlifewithitsluxurianttropicalmagnificence,as thoughtherewerenootherworld,nowdisappeared entirelytomakeroomforadrearierandharsherland. Herethesunofsummerburns,itistrue,justashot asbytheGang,driesupthewatercoursesandparches thegrass,butinwinterthefrostrobsthewoodsoftheir foliageandrimecoversthefields.Notownsreartheir towersinthisregion;onlywidelyscatteredvillageswith largesheepfoldslieinthemidstofitsrichpastures,and theprotectingelevationnearbyisturnedintoasmall fortressbymeansoframpartsandroughwall.Awarlike, pastoralpeoplehavetheirhomehere.Thewoodsarefull ofwolves;andmilesawaythetremblingwayfarerhears theroarofthelionThebeastthatroams,frightful, savage;whoselairisinthemountainsashedescribes it;forheisasongmaker. Afterlongwanderings,heapproachesavillage,an unknownbutwelcomeguest;forthatheiseverywhere. Overhisshoulderhangshissolevisiblepossessiona smallharpbutinhisheadhecarriesthewholeprecious heritageofhisfathers:ancientmystichymnstoAgni andIndra,toVarunaandMitra,yes,eventounknown gods;songsofwaranddrinkingchorusesformen,love songsforthemaidens;fortunebringingmagicsayingsto protectthecattle,thegiversofmilk.Andhehaspower andknowledgewithwhichtoincreasethisstorefromhis ownresources.Where,indeed,wouldsuchaguestnotbe welcome?
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 Itisthehourwhenthecattlearebeingdriven home.Attheheadofaherdtherewalks,withsupreme graceineverymovementofheryoungbody,amaidenof loftystature;byhersidegoesherpetcow,whosebellthe othersfollow,andfromtimetotimethefavouritelicksher mistressshand.Theyoungwanderergivesthemaidenan eveninggreeting;shereplieswithkindlywords.Smiling, theylookatoneanotherandthelookisthesameas thatwhichwasborninthepleasureparkofKosamb, whichflewbackandforthbetweentheballplayeronthe stageandthehandsomestranger. ButtheLandoftheFiveStreams,afterithasre peatedlygiventhemshelterandahome,disappearsinits turnasdidthevalleyoftheGang.Otherregionscome intoview,otherpeoplesandcustomssurroundthem everythingpoorer,rougher,wilder. Thesteppeoverwhichtheprocessionpasses horsemen,wagons,andpeopleonfootinendlesslines iswhitewithsnow.Theairisfullofwhirlingflakes.Black mountainslookdarklydown.Fromunderthetentlike roofofaheavyoxwagon,amaidenleansforwardwith suchhasteofmovementthatthesheepskinslipsaside, andherwealthofgoldenhairflowsdownovercheeks, throatandbreast.Anxietyburnsinhereyesasshegazes outinthedirectioninwhichalleyesareturned,whereall fingerspointtowhere,likeadarkcloudwhirledupby thewind,ahordeofmountedhorsemencomessweeping towardsthem.Butshesmilesconfidently,asherglance meetsthatoftheyouthwhoridesonablackoxbesidethe wagon;anditisthesamelookasbefore,evenifoutof blueeyes.Theglancesetstheheartoftheyouthonfire heswingshisbattleaxe,andwithloudcryjoinstheother warriorswhorushtomeetthefoesetsitonfire,and stillwarmsitwhenitispiercedbythecoldironofa Scythianarrow.
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 Buttheysawgreaterchangesyet;ledbythe fragrantodouroftheCoralTree,theyundertookeven longerjourneys. Theyfoundthemselvesasstagandhindinavast forest.Theirlovewaswordlessnow,butnotsightless. Andagainitwasthesamelook;deepinthedarkest depthsoftheirgreateyes,asifprescient,therelightened, evenifthroughdimbluemists,thesamesparkthathad laterfounditswaysoradiantlyfromhumaneyetohuman eye. Theygrazedtogetherandwadedsidebysidein theclear,coolforestbrook;bodybybodytheyrestedin thetallsoftgrass.Theyhadtheirjoysincommonand togethertheytrembledforfear,whenabranchsuddenly becamealiveandthejawsofthepythonopenedwideor when,inthestillnessofthenight,ascarcelyaudible creepingmovementwascaughtbytheirquickears,while flaringnostrilsdiscernedthepungentodourofabeastof prey,andtheyfledwithmightybounds,justasarustling crackmadeitselfheardintheneighbouringthicketand theangryroarofatigerthathadfallenshortofitsprey rolledthroughthewood,whichnowsuddenlywakened tolifeallaround. * * * Fartheryet,andapairofgoldeneagleswerebuilding theireyriehighupinasavagemountainfastness, hangingovertheblueabyssesoftheHimalayas,circling rounditssnowypinnacles. Astwodolphinstheyploughedtheboundless expanseofoldOceanssaltyflood. Yes,oncetheyevengrewastwopalmsonan islandinthemidstoftheseas,theirrootsintertwinedin thecoolsandoftheshoreandtheirtopsrustlingtogether
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inthecoolseabreeze. Thusdidtheytwo,companionsinsomanywan derings,lingerintheshadeoftheCoralTreeand,dayby day,enjoythesweetsofmemoryexhaledbyitsfragrant blossoms. Forevenasaroyalcouplehavemanytalesrelated tothembythecourtstorytellerinpursuitofamusement andknowledgenowthelifestoryofaking,nowa simplevillagetale;atonetimeaheroicpoem,atanothera legendofancientdays;ormaybeafableofsomeanimal, orafairytaleandallthewhiletheyknowthat,how everoftenitpleasesthemtolisten,thereisnofearthat thisprinceofstorytellerswilleverbeatalossforwords, becausethetreasuryofhisknowledgeandhisowninven tiveabilityarebothinexhaustiblesothesetwowere abletosaytothemselves:Howeveroftenandhowever longwemaylingerhere,evenifitwereforaneternity, thereisnodangerthattheseblossomswilleverbeunable towakenfurthermemories;forthefartherwegodown intotheabyssesoftime,thefartherdoestimerecede beforeus. Andtheymarvelledmuch. Weareasoldastheworld,saidVsitth.

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TOBEBORNISTODIE

SSUREDLY:WEAREasoldastheworld,said

Kmanta.Butuptothistimewehavewandered on,neverresting,andtheLordofDeathwhenhehas comehasalwaysprojectedusintoanewlife.Now, however,wehavereachedaplacewherethereisnomore passingaway,whereeternaljoyisoursweetpossession. * * * Atthetimewhenhespokethus,theywerejust returningfromtheCoralTreetotheirlake.Hewasabout tolethimselfdownonhislotusflowerwhenitsuddenly struckhimthatitsredcolourseemedtohavelostsomething ofitsfreshnessandgloss.Yes,ashenowremained floatingoveritintheairandlookedattentivelydown,he sawwithdismaythatthepetalsofthecoronahadbecome brownattheedges,asiftheyhadbeenburnt,andthat theirtipswerelosingtheirvitalityandcurlingup. Vsitthswhitelotusdidnotlookanybetter;she alsohadremainedfloatingoverhers,evidentlyarrestedby thesamephenomenon. Heturnedhiseyesuponhisblueneighbourwhose lotusshowedjustthesamechange,andKmantanoticed thathisfacedidnotbeamasjoyouslyasithadonthatday whenhe,Kmanta,firstgreetedhim;hisfeatureswere notsoanimatedasformerly,hisbearingnotsoopen.Yes,
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eveninhiseyesKmantareadthesamedismaythathad movedhimselfandVsitth. Anditwasthesame,asamatteroffact,every wherehelooked.Achangehadcomeoveralltheflowers andtheBlessdofSukhavat. Againhedirectedasearchingglancetowardshis ownlotus.Oneofthepetalsinthecoronaseemedto comealiveslowlyitbentitselfforward,butthenitfell looseuponthesurfaceofthewater. Butitdidnotfallalone. Atthesameinstantacrownpetalwasloosened fromeverylotusflowerthewholeexpanseofwater glitteredandtrembledand,asitroseandfell,itgently rockedthedainty,colouredfleetuponitsbosom.Through thegrovesonthebankwentabreathoffrost;anda showerofblossoms,likesparklingjewels,felltothe ground. Asighwaswrungfromeverybreast,andalowbut cuttingdisharmonytraversedthemusicoftheheavenly gandharvas. Vsitth,mylove!exclaimedKmanta,seizing herhandindeepagitation.Doyousee?Doyouhear? Whatisthis?Whatcanitmean? Vsitth,however,lookedathim,calmlysmiling. ThiswasinHismind,whenHesaid: Tobebornistodie; Alldestroying,Oblivionsbreathholdssway; AsinthegardensofEarth, FlowersofParadisefade,andpassaway, Whoistheauthorofthatterrible,hopedestroying utterance? WhobutHe,theBlessdOne,perfectinconduct andunderstanding;whohasmadecleartheTruthoutof compassionforall,fortheenlightenmentofusall,forthe happinessofall;whohasrevealedthenatureoftheworld
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withallitsbeings:thelowlyandthenoble,withitstroops ofgods,humansanddemons;theGuidewhoshowsthe wayoutofthisworldofchange;theMaster,thePerfect One,theBuddha. TheBuddhaissupposedtohavesaidthat?Ohno, Vsitth,thatIdonotbelieve.Howoftenarethewordsof suchgreatteachersmisunderstoodandinaccurately repeated,asImyselfbestknow!Foronce,inRjagaha,I spentthenightinthehallofapotterinthecompanyofa foolishmonkwhoinsistedonexpoundingwhathecalled theTeachingoftheBuddhatome.Whatheadvanced, however,waspoorstuffaselffabricatedandstupid doctrinealthoughIcould,itistrue,perceivethat genuinesayingsoftheMasterlayattherootofit.They werespoilt,however,intheattempttocorrectthemand weremisinterpretedbythatcontrary,nihilisticoldman.I amsurethatsimilarfoolshavealsoreportedthissaying falselytoyou. Notso,myfriend.ForIhearditfromthelipsof theMasterhimself. What,belovd?YouhaveyourselfseentheMaster, facetoface? Icertainlyhave.Ihavesatathisfeet. Oh,happyVsitth!Foryouarehappynowinthe memoryofitthatIcansee.IsupposethatIwouldalso beashappyandasconfidentasyou,hadnotmydark karmathefruitofunwholesomedeedsofthepast whichhadgrownripeatthatsorrowfulinstantrobbed meatthatlastmomentofthejoyofseeingthesublime Buddha.ForaviolentdeathsweptmeawayasIwas journeyingtohim,intheveryplaceinwhichhewas residingtoo,inRjagahaitself,onthemorningaftermy talkwiththatfoolofanascetic.Justthinkofit:mykarma overtookmeonlyaboutaquarterofanhoursdistance fromthemangogrovewheretheMasterhadtakenuphis
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abode.Butnowthisisgiventomeforcomfortinstead thatmyVsitthsucceededinobtainingwhatwasdenied tome.Tellmeeverythingaboutyourcomingtohim,to theMaster!Iamsureitwillraisemeupandstrengthen me.Andperhapsthatsayingofhis,thatseemedsoterrible andsodestructiveofallhope,willgrowclearandwill loseitssting,yes,perhapsevencontainsomehidden groundforcomfort. Gladly,myfriend,repliedVsitth. Theyletthemselvesdownontheirlotusflowers, andVsitthwentonwiththestoryofherlife.

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THEAPPARITIONONTHETERRACE W

HENSTGIRAHADREACHEDthegoalhehad

sethimselfthatis,possessingmeashiswifethe ardourofhisloverapidlycooled;andallthemore quicklysinceitmetwithnoresponseonmyside.Ihad promisedtobeatruewifetohim,andheknewwellthat Iwouldkeepmyword,butmorethanthatdidnotlie withinmypower,evenifIhadwishedit. * * * AsIborehimonlyadaughterwhodiedinher secondyear,noonewonderedandIleastofallthat hetookasecondwife.Sheborehimthewishedforson. Asaconsequenceshereceivedthefirstplaceinthehouse andwasable,incleverfashion,toattachtoherselfthe lovethatIhadsowillinglyresigned.Overandabovethis, mattersofbusinessmoreandmoreclaimedtheattention ofmyhusbandfor,afterthedeathofhisfather,hehad succeededthelatterastheMinisterofState. Inthisway,severalyearsslippedquietlybyandI wasleft,forthemostpart,tomyself,whichwasjustwhatI desired.Igavemyselfuptomygriefs,bothforthelossof youandformylittlegirl;Ialmostfeltthatshe,finding herselfinalovelessfamilyandwithamothergivento suchmelancholy,hadsimplymadeupherinfantmindto depart.SoIcommunedonlywithmemoriesandlivedin
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thehopeofahappymeetinghereaboveahopein whichIhavenotbeendisappointed. * * * Stgiraspalacelayclosetothesameravinefrom whichyousooftenclimbeduptotheTerraceofthe Sorrowlessbutatamuchsteeperplace,andithada terracesimilartotheoneatmyfathershouse.HereIwas accustomedtospendallthefineeveningsinthehot seasonoftenpassingeventhewholenightthere, reposingonacouch.Therockyfrontoftheravine,which wasalsosurmountedbyahighwall,wassosteepand slipperythatIfeltcertainnohumanbeingcouldscaleit. Once,onamildandgloriousmoonlitnight,Ilay onmybedunabletosleep.Iwasthinkingofyou,and particularlyofthatfirsteveningtogether:themoment whenIsatwithMedinonthemarblebenchontheTerrace awaitingyourarrival,stoodvividlybeforemyminds eye.AndIthoughtofhow,evenbeforewehadhopedfor it,yourformsuddenlyappearedoverthetopofthewall forinyourpassionateardouryouhadeasilyoutdis tancedSomadatta. Lostinthesesweetdreams,Ihadunconsciouslylet mygazerestupontheparapet,whensuddenlyafigure roseupaboveit. Iwassoconvincedthatnohumanbeingcould everscalethispartofthewall,thatIdidnotdoubtinthe leastthatyourspirit,conjuredupbymylonging,had cometocomfortme,andtobringmenewsoftheblessd placewhereyounowawaitedme.ForthisreasonIwasin nowayfrightenedbutgotupandextendedmyarmsto embracemyvisitor. When,however,hestoodontheTerraceand approachedmewithrapidsteps,Isawthathisfigurewas
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muchtallerthanyoursindeed,evengiganticandI perceivedthatIhadthespiritofAngulimlabeforeme. ButatthatIbecamesogreatlyterrifiedthatIwasobliged toclingtotheheadofmycouchinordernottofalldown. Whomdidyouexpect?askedthefearsomeappari tion,comingclosetome. Aspirit,butnotyours,Ianswered. Kmantasspirit? Inodded. Whenyoumadeyourmovementofwelcome,he wenton,Ifearedthatyouhadaloverwhovisitedyou hereatnights.Ifthatwereso,youwouldnotbeableto helpme.AndIneedyourhelpasmuchas,atpresent,you needmine. AtthesestrangewordsIventuredtolookup,and nowitseemedtomethatintruthIdidnothaveaspirit beforeme,butabeingoffleshandblood.Themoon, however,wasbehindhimand,dazzledbyitsbeamsas wellasconfusedbymyterror,Ionlysawtheoutlinesofa figurewhichmightwellhavebelongedtoademon. * * * IamnotthespiritofAngulimla,hesaid,guessing mythoughts,IamAngulimlahimself,alivinghuman beingasyouare. Ibegantotrembleviolently,notfromfearbut becauseIwasstandingfacetofacewiththemanwhohad cruellymurderedmybelovd. Donotbeafraid,graciouslady,hewenton, youhavenothingtofearfromme;onthecontrary,you aretheonlypersonImyselfhaveeverbeenafraidof,and whomIdarednotlookintheeye,because,asyousotruly said,Iwasdeceivingyou. Youdeceivedme!?Iexclaimed,andIscarcely
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knowevennowwhetherjoyroseupinmyheart,awakened bythehopethatmylovedonewasstillalive,or whetheryetgreaterdespairseizedmeasIthoughtthatI hadallowedmyselftobedeludedintoseparatingmyself frommybelovd. Idid,hesaid,andforthatreasonwearethrown upononeanother.Forwebothhavesomethingto avenge,andonthesamemanStgira!Hespatthe name. Withthebearingofaprince,thisrobbermadea movementofhishand,biddingmebeseated,asthough hehadmuchtosaytome.Ihadbeenholdingmyselferect withdifficultyandnowsankdownuponthebenchwith outpowerofvolition.Igazedathim,breathlesslyeagerto hearhisnextwordswhichshouldenlightenmeastothe fateofmybelovd. Kmantawithhiscaravan,hewenton,fellinto myhandsinthewoodedregionoftheVedisas.Hede fendedhimselfbravelybutwascapturedunwoundedand, astheransomarrivedingoodtime,hewassenthome withoutmolestation.HearrivedsafelyinUjjen. Atthisnewsadeepsighescapedmybreast.For themomentIfeltonlyjoyintheknowledgethatmy belovdwasyetamongsttheliving;foolishasthefeeling was,forlivinghewasevenfurtherremovedfrommethan hewouldhavebeenbydeath. * * * WhenIfellintoStgiraspower,Angulimla continued,heatoncerecognisedthecrystalchainwith thetigereyeamuletonmyneckasthesameonethathad belongedtoKmanta.Onthefollowingeveninghecame tomyprisonaloneandpromised,tomyunbounded astonishment,togivememyfreedomifIwouldswearin
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thepresenceofamaidenthatIhadkilledKmanta. Youroathalonewouldnotconvinceher,tobe sure,Stgirahadsaid,butshemustbelieveinaRiteof Truth. HeexplainedtomethatIwas,atthefirsthourof thenight,tobeconductedtoaterracewherethemaiden wouldbefound.Hewouldseethatthefetterswerefiled throughsothatIcouldwithoutdifficultyburstthem,after whichitwouldbeaneasymatterformetoswingmyself overthebreastworkoftheparapet,climbdownintothe ravineandescape;sincethegullyfinallyendedina narrowwatercoursethroughwhichasmallbrookran underthecitywallandemptieditselfintotheGang.With asolemnoathhesworethathewoulddonothingto hindermyescapefromKosamb. ItistrueIdidnottrusthimovermuch,butIsaw nootherwayofescape.ToperformtheRiteofTruth andinsodoingtoutteranabsolutefalsehoodnothing whatsoevercouldhaveinducedmetodothat,Iacknowl edge,forIshouldtherebyhavecalleddownuponmyself themostfearfuljudgementoftheangryandinsulted Goddess.ButIsawatoncehowIcouldsoexpressmy oathasnottotellanuntruth,yetatthesametime,every onehearingwouldbelieveIhadkilledKmanta.AndI trustedthatMotherKl,whofindspleasureincraftiness ofallkinds,wouldstandbymewithallherpoweron accountofthismasterpieceandwouldleadmesafely throughthesnareswhichthetreacheryofStgiramight layforme. Asamatteroffact,everythingnowoccurredin thewaythatwehadarranged,andyouyourselfsawhowI bursttheironchainsasunder.But,tothisday,Idont knowwhetherStgirakeptfaithwithmeandhadthe chainsfiledthrough,ashehadpromised,orwhetherthe DarkMotherhelpedmebyamiracle.Iammoreinclined,
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however,tobelievetheformer,forscarcelyhadIswuma fewstrokesoutintotheGangwhenIwasfallenuponby aboatloadofarmedmen.Sohehadevidentlyreliedupon thatambush.YetherecouldbeseenwhatKlshelpis worthfor,althoughthepiecesofchainhangingonmy wristsweremyonlyweapons,Isucceededinkillingevery manofthem,andontheboat,whichhadcapsizedduring thefight,Ifortunatelyreachedthesafetyofthenorth bank,thoughtobesurenotwithoutbearingawayso manyandsuchdeepwoundsthatawholeyearpassed beforeIhadrecoveredfromthem.DuringthattimeIoften sworethatStgirawouldpayforwhathehaddone.And nowthetimeforthatpaymenthascome. Inmyheartthereragedastormofindignationat theshamefuldeceptionwhichhadbeenpractisedupon me.Icouldntblametherobberforsavinghislifeashe didand,ashehadntsoiledhishandswiththebloodof mybelovd,Iforgotforthemomenthowmuchother innocentbloodadheredtothem,andIfeltneitherfearnor disgustinthepresenceofthismanwho,whateverelsehe mighthavedone,hadbroughtmethemessagethatmy Kmantayetdweltinthisworld,evenasIdid.Butabitter hatredroseupwithinmeagainsthimwhosefaultitwas thatyouandIwereobligedtowanderapartuntiltheend ofourearthjourney;and,whenIheardAngulimlathreat enhislife,Iexperiencedadeepandinvoluntarypleasure which,Iimagine,wastobereadintheexpressionofmy face.For,inanexcitedandpassionatetoneofvoice, Angulimlacontinued: Iperceive,noblelady,thatyourloftyspiritthirsts forrevenge,andsoonyoushallhaveyourdesire.Foritis withthatendinviewthatIhavecomehere.Formany weeksIhavelaininwaitforStgira,justoutsideof Kosamb,andatlastIhavelearnedfromasuresource that,inthecourseofthenextfewdays,hewillleavethe
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townforthevalleyslyingtotheeastwherealegaldis pute,atpresentimpendingbetweentwovillages,hasto besettled.Myoriginalplan,formedbeforeIknewofthis, wastoforcehimtomakeasallyagainstmeinorderto takemeprisoneragain;butthisjourneyofhishasgreatly simplifiedmatters.TobesureIhavemadenosecretofmy presence,inaccordancewithmyoriginalintention,but haveletmydeedsspeakformeandthereportofmy reappearancehasforalongtimebeenfreelycirculated. Althoughmostpeoplebelievethatsomeimpostor hasarisenwhogiveshimselfouttobeAngulimla,still fearhasalreadyseizedonpeopletosuchanextentthat onlylargeandwellarmedbandsnowventureoutintothe woodedregiontotheeast,whereIhavemyheadquarters. Toallappearanceyouhaveheardnothingofthis,prob ablyforthereasonthat,asawomandespoiledofherlifes happiness,youdwellinsolitudewithyourgrief. Ihavecertainlyheardofadaringbandofrobbers, butasyetwithoutmentionofyourname;thatwaswhyat firstIbelievedIsawyourghost. ButStgirahasheardmenamed,therobber wenton,dependonthat.And,ashehasgoodreasonto believethatitisthetrueAngulimla,andhasyetbetter reasontofearhim,itmaybetakenforgrantedthathewill notonlytravelunderapowerfulescortbutwillalsotake otherprecautionsandmakeuseofmanydeviceswith intenttoconcealhisrealplans.However,althoughthe bandwhichIcommandisnotverylarge,nokindof precautionwillhelphim,ifIonlyknowforcertainatwhat hourhemovesoutandwhatroadhetakes.Andthisitis thatIhopetolearnfromyou. AlthoughIhadupuntilnowlistenedtowhathe hadtosaydumbwithamazementandasiflaidundera spell,withoutthinkinghowmuchIwasalreadycompro misingmyselfbydoingsoatthissuggestion,Iroseup
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indignantlyandaskedwhatgavehimtherighttobelieve thatIhadsunklowenoughtotakeathiefandrobberas anally. Inthecaseofanally,repliedAngulimlaquietly, thechiefthingisthattheyaretobedependedupon,and youfeelofthatIamconvincedthatIamabsolutely toberelieduponinthismatter.OntheotherhandIneed yourhelp,foronlyinthatwaycanIlearnwithcertainty whatIwishtoknow.TrueIhaveasourceofinformation whichisusuallyreliable,andfromwhichasamatterof factIknowofStgirasjourney,yetifourmancausesa falsereporttobecirculated,eventhissourcecanbecome untrustworthy.Butyouneedme,becauseinacaselike yoursaproudandloftybeingfindssatisfactiononlyinthe deathofthetraitor.Ifyouwereaman,thenyouwould killhimyourself;asyouareawoman,myarmisneces sarytoyou. Iwasabouttodismisshimangrily,butwitha dignifiedmovementofhishandhegavemetounderstand thathehadnotsaidallthathehadtosayso,against mywill,Ipausedandbecamesilent. Thusfar,noblelady,Ihavespokenofrevenge. Butthereissomethingotherandweightiertocome.For you,tosecurefuturehappiness;forme,toatoneforthe past.Justly,itissaidofmethatIamcruel,withoutcom passionformanorbeast.Yes,Ihavedoneathousand deedsforeachofwhichonemustreceivetheconse quences,astheprieststeach,forahundredorevena thousandyearsinthelowesthell.ItistrueIhadawise andlearnedfriend,Vjashravaswhomthecommon peoplenowevenrevereasasaint,andonwhosegraveI haveofferedrichsacrificesandthatheoftendemon stratedtousthattherewerenosuchhellpunishmentsbut that,onthecontrary,therobberwasthemostBrahman filledofalllivingbeingsandthecrownofcreation.Yethe
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wassomehowneverabletoconvincemeofthetruthof hisposition. Bethatasitmay,howeverwhetherthereare hellpunishmentsornotthismuchiscertain,thatofall mydeedsonlyoneliesheavilyuponmyconscience,and thatisthatwithmydeceitfulRiteofTruthIcheatedyou. EventhenIdidnotdaretolookyouinthefaceasyou rightlydiscernedandthememoryofthathoursitsever likeathorninmyflesh.Well,thewrongIdidyouthenI wouldnowliketomakegood,sofarasthatisstillpos sible,andsodoawaywiththehurtfulconsequencesof myact.Bymyslydealingyouwereseparatedfrom Kmanta,whomyoubelievedtobedead,andwere chainedinsteadtothisfalseStgira.ThesefettersInow wishtotakefromyousothatyoumaybefreetounite yourselfwithyourbelovd,andIwillgotoUjjenmyself andbringhimtoyousafeandsound.Nowdoyourpart andIwilldomine.Itisnotdifficultforabeautiful womantodrawasecretfromherhusband.Tomorrow,as soonasitisdark,Ishallcomehereagaintogettheneces saryinformationfromyou. Heboweddeeplyand,inmybewildermentand dismay,beforeitwaspossibleformetoutterasingle word,hevanishedfromtheTerraceassuddenlyashehad appeared.

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STGIRA T

HEWHOLENIGHTTHROUGHIremainedonthe

Terrace,theunresistingpreyofpassionshithertoun knowntome,butwhichwerenowunchainedand whichmadesportwithmyheartasthewhirlwind flurriestheleaf. * * * MyKmantawasstillalive!Inhisdistanthomeland hemusthaveheardofmymarriage,forotherwisehe wouldhavecomelongago.Howfaithlessorhow pitilesslyweakImustappearinhiseyes!Andforthis degradationofmineStgirawasalonetoblame.My hatredforhimgrewmoredeadlywitheverypassing minuteanddeeplydidIfeelthetruthofAngulimlas wordsthat,ifIhadbeenaman,Iwouldassuredlyhave killedhim. ThentheprospectthatAngulimlahadsounexpectedly openeduptomepresenteditself:that,ifIwere free,Icouldmarrymybelovd.Atthethoughtmywhole beingbecamesowildlyexcitedthatIfeltasifmyblood wouldrendmybreastandburstmytemples.Incapableof holdingmyselfuprightIwasnotevenabletotottertothe bench,butsankdownuponthemarbletilesandmy sensesleftme. Eventuallythecoolnessofthemorningdew
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broughtmebacktomyunhappyexistence,togetherwith itsterriblequestions:WasittruethatIwishedtoband myselftogetherwitharobberandthousandfoldmurderer, inordertogetthemanoutofthewaywhohadonceled mearoundthenuptialfire? * * * Asyet,however,Ihadnottheleastknowledgeof whenmyhusbandwastoleave.AndhowwasItoascer tainthetimeofhisdeparture,ortheexactrouteheinten dedtotake,ifhehadmadeasecretofthese? Itisnotdifficultforabeautifulwomantodrawa secretfromherhusbandthesewordsoftherobberstill ranginmyearsandmadeplaintomethelownessofsuch acourseofaction.NeverwouldIbeabletomakeupmy mindtoinveiglemyselfintohisconfidencebytenderness, inorderthentobetrayhimtohisarchenemy.Butjust becauseIfeltthissoclearly,sodiditalsobecomeclearto methatitwasreallyonlytheideaofthetreacherousand hypocriticalwormingoutofhissecretthatIdeeply loathed.HadIalreadybeeninpossessionofithadI knownwheretogoinordertofindatabletonwhichitall stoodwrittenIshouldcertainlyhavefurnished Angulimlawiththefatalinformation. WhenthisbecameplaintomeItrembledwith horror,asthoughIwerealreadyguiltyofStgirasdeath. Ithankedfatethattherewasnopossibilityofgettingthis information,forevenifIhadbeenabletolearnatwhat hourtheyweretostart,stillonlyStgirahimselfandat themostperhapsoneconfidant,wouldknowwhatroads andpathshadbeendecidedupon. Isawtherisingsungildthetowersandcupolasof Kosamb,asIhadseenthisravishingspectaclesomany timesfromtheTerraceoftheSorrowlessbutwithwhat
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quitedifferentfeelingsthanwhenIspenttheblessdnight hourstherewithyou!Unhappyasneverbefore,weary andmiserableasthoughIhadinthisonenightagedby decades,Itookmyselfbacktomyquarters. InordertoreachmyroomsIwasobligedtogo throughalonggallery,openingoffwhichwereseveral chamberswithlatticedwindows.AsIpassedoneoftheseI heardvoices.Oneofthem,thatofmyhusband,wasjust thenraised: Good!Westarttonightanhouraftermidnight. Ihadstoppedinvoluntarily.SoIknewthehour! Buttheroad?Aflushofshamesuffusedmyfaceforhaving playedtheeavesdropper.Fly,fly!avoicemadeitself heardwithinme,thereisstilltime!ButIstoodasif rootedtothespot. * * * Stgira,however,saidnothingfurther.Hemay haveheardmyfootstepsandtheirstoppingatthedoor, forthelatterwassuddenlytornopen.Myhusbandstood beforeme. Iheardyourvoiceinpassing,Isaidwithquick resolution,andthoughtofaskingwhetherIshouldbring yousomerefreshmentsasyouhavebusinesssoearly. ThenIfearedtodisturbyouandwasabouttopasson. Stgiralookedatmewithoutsuspicionandevenwith greatfriendliness. Thankyou,hesaid,Ineednorefreshments,but youinnowaydisturbme.Onthecontrary,Iwasaboutto sendforyouandonlyfearedthatyouhadnotyetrisen. Youcan,justatthismoment,beofthegreatestserviceto me. Heinvitedmetoenterhisroom,whichIdidina stateofgreatastonishment,verycurioustoknowwhatthe
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servicemightbewhichhedesiredfrommejustatthis moment,whenadeadlypurposeagainsthimfilledmy wholebeing. Aman,whomIrecognisedasthemasterof Stgirashorsesandhismosttrustedfollower,wassitting onalowbench.HeroseasIenteredandbowed.Stgira invitedmetositdownbesidehimself,signedtotheofficer tobeseatedagain,andturnedtome. Thematteristhis,dearVsitth.Iamobliged,as soonaspossible,toundertakeajourneyinordertosettle avillagequarrelintheprovincetotheeast.Now,for severalweeks,robbershavebeenactiveinthewooded regioneastofKosamband,asamatteroffact,verynear tothetown.Indeed,afoolishtalehasevenarisenthat theirleaderisnoneotherthanAngulimlapeople havingtheunheardofaffronterytoassertthatAngulimla had,onthelastoccasion,escapedfromprisonandthatI had,inplaceofhishead,stuckupanotherverylikeit overthegate.Ofcoursewecanaffordtolaughatallsuch fantasticstories.But,nevertheless,thisrobberdoesnot seemtostandmuchbehindthefamousAngulimlain pointofaudacityand,ifhereallygiveshimselfouttobe thelatterinordertogainalargefollowingbytheuseof hisrenownedname,hisintentionassuredlyistoperform someparticularlybrilliantanddeadlyfeat.Forthatreason acertainamountofprudenceis,underallcircumstances, advisable. Asmalltable,inlaidwithpreciousstones,stood besidehimandonitasilkhandkerchief. Hetookthehandkerchiefupandmoppedhis forehead,observing,ashedidso,thatthedaywasvery hotinspiteoftheearlyhour.Iperceived,ofcourse,thatit wasfearofAngulimlawhichhadcausedtheperspiration toflowfromhiseverypore. Insteadofawakeningmycompassion,however,
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thesightonlyfilledmewithcontemptforhim.Isawthat hewasnoheroafactthathadnowbeenmadedoubly clearbyhisdeceptionofmeandthecowardlysubterfuge hehademployedintakingAngulimlaprisoner. Now,however,myhusbandwenton,Icannot wellarriveinthesevillageswithawholearmy;indeed,I shouldnotliketotakemorethanthirtymountedmenwith meonthisjourney.Soallthemoreareprudenceand diplomaticstratagemessential.Ihavejustbeendiscussing thiswithmyfaithfulPandukaandhehasmadeagood suggestion,ofwhichIwillalsoinformyou,inorderthat youneednotbeintoogreatastateofanxietyonmy accountduringthesedays. Imurmuredsomethingthatwasintendedtosignify gratitudeforthisconsideration. Pandukawill,therefore,hewenton,makeall necessarypreparationsand,withagreatdealofostenta tion,pretendasthoughIintendedtomakeanexpedition earlytomorrowtotheeastwithafairlylargebodyof troopstocapturetherobbers.Ifthese,then,havetheir accompliceshereintownwhokeeptheminformedof whatgoeson,theyarecertaintobedeceivedbyit.Inthe meantimeIshallstartwithmythirtyridersanhourafter midnightand,goingoutofthesoutherngate,shalltake mywayinawidesweepthroughthehillylandtothe southeast.Yet,evenso,Ishouldliketoavoidthemain roadsuntilIhaveleftKosambseveralmilesbehind.Now, justinthisneighbourhoodliesyourfatherssummer residence,andthereyouknoweveryroadandpathfrom yourchildhood;youwillbeablethen,Iimagine,tohelp megreatlyinthismatter. Iwasatoncereadytodoso,andwhileIdescribed everythingtohimindetail,Ihadadrawingboardbrought anddrewuponitanexactmapoftheneighbourhoodof ourcountryhouse,withcrossesattheplaceswhichhe
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mustespeciallynote.ButchieflydidIrecommendtohima certainpathwhichledthrougharavine.Thisravine narrowedgraduallyuntil,finally,forashortdistance,even twomencouldnotridethroughitabreast.Ontheother hand,however,thepathwassolittleknownthat,evenif therobbersshouldsuspecthimofmakingsuchadetour, notoneofthemwouldeverthinkoflookingforhim there. Inthisravine,however,Ihadasaninnocentchild playedwithmybrothers,aswellaswithMedinandour tenantschildren. StgiranoticedthatthehandwithwhichIdrew ontheboardtrembled,andaskedmeifIwerefeverish.I answeredthatitwasonlyalittletirednessafterasleep lessnight.Buthetookmyhandandfoundtohisappre hensionthatitwascoldanddampand,whenIwishedto withdrawitwiththeremarkthatitsignifiednothing,he continuedtoholditinhisownwhileheexhortedmeto beprudentandtotakecareofmyself.Inhislookand voiceIobserved,withunspeakableresentmentandeven withhorror,somethingoftheadmiringtendernessof thosedayswhenhehadsuedformyhandinvain.I hastenedtosaythatIreallydidnotfeelverywell,and intendedtotakemyselfatoncetobed. ButStgirafollowedmeoutintothegalleryand there,wherewewerealone,hebegantoexcusehim self:Hehad,itwastrue,neglectedmeforalongtime forthemotherofhisson,butafterhisreturnthingswould bedifferent;itwouldnolongerbenecessaryformeto spendthenightsaloneontheTerrace. Heshowedatendernessthatseemedtohave arisenfromthegraveofalongforgottenyouthfullove alovewhichIwasforcedtorecognisehad,withacertain stubbornfidelity,onceexistedonlyforme;butalthough thiscouldnotfailtoinclinemyheartsomewhatinhis
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favoursothatforamomentIwaveredinmypurpose hispartingwords,whichwereutteredwithahoneyed smileandsuchaloathsomefamiliarity,wereofsucha naturetodestroythisinclinationagainfortheyreminded meofrightsofintimacywhichhadbeenfilchedfromme byhisvileandcowardlytreachery.

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ANGULIMLA A

FRIGHTFULCALMNOWcameovermeasIre

turnedtomyroom.Therewasnothingmoretobeconsi dered,nodoubttobecombated,nomorequestionsto beanswered.Allwasdecided;hiskarmahadordainedit so.Byhisdoubletreacheryhislifewasplainlyforfeit tomeandtoAngulimla. * * * SogreatwasthiscalmthatIfellasleeptheinstantI laidmyselfdownonmycouch,asthoughmywholebeing wereanxiouslyendeavouringtobridgeovertheempty hoursofwaiting. WhenitbecamedarkIwenttotheterrace;the moonhadnotyetrisen.Ihadnotlongtowait;Anguli mlaspowerfulfigureswungitselfovertheparapetand camestraighttothebenchonwhichIsathalfaverted fromhim.Ididnotmoveand,withoutraisingmyeyes fromthepatternofthecolouredmarbletiles,Ispoke: Whatyouwishtolearn,Iknow.Everything.The hourwhenheleaves,thestrengthofhisescort,thedirec tionhetakesandtheroadsandpathsoverwhichhegoes. Undertheinfluenceofhisownbadkarmahehimself forcedhisconfidenceuponme,otherwiseIwouldhave knownnothingofit,forIcouldneverhavedrawnitfrom himbyfeignedtenderness.
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 Ihadconsideredthesewordswell,forsofoolish areweinourpridethatevennow,whenIwasmaking myselfthetoolofacriminal,itwastomeanunendurable thoughtthatIshouldappearlowerinhiseyesthanIreally was. Nolessstudiedweremynextwords: Ofallthis,however,youwillnothearonesyllable unlessyoufirstpromisethatyouwillonlykillbutin nowaytorturehim;andthatyouwillkillonlyhimand notevenoneofhisescort,unlessitbenecessaryinself defence.Iwill,however,indicateaspottoyouwhereyou candealhimhisdeathblowwhenheisabsolutelyalone andsowithoutanykindoffray.This,therefore,youmust promisemewithasolemnoath.Otherwiseyoucankill me,butnotonewordmoreshallyouhear. TrulyasIhavebeen,tothisday,afaithfulservant ofMotherKl,repliedAngulimla,sotrulywillIkill noneofhisescortandsotrulyshallhesuffernotorture. Good,Isaid,Iwilltrustyou.Nowthen,listen, andnoteeverydetailexactly.Ifyouhaveaccomplicesin thetownyouwillhavelearntalreadythatpreparationsare beingmadeforadvancingagainsttherobberstomorrow. Thatis,however,allemptyshowtodeceiveyou.Inreality Stgira,escortedbythirtyhorsemen,ridesfromthetown bythesouthgateanhouraftermidnight,leavesthe Simsapwoodlyingtohisleft,andsweepsoutinamore southerlydirectioninorderthentomoveeastwardover bywaysthroughthehillcountry. * * * AndInowgavehimanabsolutelyexactdescrip tionoftheneighbourhood,includingthenarrowravine throughwhichStgirawouldhavetopass,andwherehe couldeasilyandsurelybekilled.
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 Anoppressivesilencefollowedmywords,during whichIheardnothingsavemyownhardbreathing.Ifelt thatIhadnotyetstrengthtoriseandleavetheterraceasI hadplannedtodo. FinallyAngulimlaspoke,andthegentle,evensad noteinhisvoicesurprisedmetosuchadegreethatIwas almostterrifiedandstartedinvoluntarily. Andsoitwouldhavehappened,saidhe.And you,thetender,gentlewifewhohasassuredlynever intentionallyinjuredeventhesmallestofcreatures,would nowhavebeeninalliancewiththevilestofhumanbe ings,awretchwhosehandsdripblood.Yes,themurderof yourhusbandwouldhaveburdenedyourconscienceand wouldnowbespinningitsblackkarmicthreadsonthe downwardpath,onintotheinfernalworldthatis,soit wouldhavebeen,ifyouhadnowbeenspeakingtothe robberAngulimla. IdidntknowwhetherIcouldbelievemyears.To whomelsehadIspokenthen?Itwascertainlythevoiceof Angulimla,evenifwiththatwonderfulchangeoftone; andasIturnedabruptlyround,nowthoroughlydismayed andconfused,andlookedintentlyathim,itwasbeyond alldoubttherobberchieftainwhostoodbeforeme,even if,inhiswholebearinganothercharacterseemedtobe expressedthanthatwhichonthepreviousdayhadheld meinitsfearfulthrall. Buthavenofear,noblelady,headded,allthis hasnotyethappened.Nothinghashappened,notany morethanifyouhadaddressedyourspeechtothistree. Thesewordswereaspuzzlingtomeasthosethat hadprecededthem.ButIdidunderstandthat,forsome reason,hehadgivenuphisplanofvengeanceon Stgira. AfterIhadworkedmyselfupthroughfrightful innerstrugglestosuchanunnaturalpitchofcrime,this
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suddenincomprehensiblemeltingaway,thisghostlike lossofaction,wasadisappointmentwhichIcouldnot bear.Theunusualstraintowhichmywholenaturehad beensubjectedfoundventinastreamofabusewhichI hurledinAngulimlasface. Icalledhimadishonourablevillain,afaithless emptybraggart,acowardlycheatandmuchmorethe worstnamesIcouldthinkofforIhopedthatwhen irritatedinthiswaytheman,notoriousthroughoutJam budvpaforhisviolenttemper,wouldstretchmelifeless onthegroundwithoneblowofhisironfist. ButwhenIstopped,morebecausebreathfailed methanwordsdid,Angulimlaansweredwithasoftness oftonethatquiteputmetoshame: AllthisandmorehaveIdeservedfromyou;yet withitIdonotbelievethatyouwouldhavebeenableto soirritateeventheoldAngulimlathathewouldhave killedyouforIcanseethattoaccomplishthisisyour intention.Butevenifanotherhadnowsaidthisand worse,Iwouldnotonlyhaveborneitquietlybutwould indeedhavebeengratefultothemforgivingmethe opportunityofundergoingausefultest.Hasnotthe MasterhimselftaughtmeLiketheEarth,youshould exerciseevennessoftemper.Evenasonecastsuponthe Earthboththatwhichiscleanandthatwhichisunclean, andtheEarthisneitherpleasednorhorrified,humiliated ordisgustedatthatsoalsoliketheEarth,exercise evennessoftempersothatpleasantandunpleasant experienceswillnotinvadeyourmindandremain.For youspeak,Vsitth,notwiththerobber,butwiththe upsaka,thediscipleAngulimla. Whatkindofdisciple!?WhatMaster?Iasked, withcontemptuousimpatience,althoughthestrange speechofthisincomprehensiblemandidnotfailtoexercise apeculiar,almostfascinatingeffectuponme.
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 HewhomtheycalltheTathgata,theKnowerof theWorlds,theFullyEnlightenedOne,theBuddha,he answered.HeistheMaster.Haveyounotheardofhim beforenow? Ishookmyhead. Icountmyselfhappy,heexclaimed,inthatIam thefirstfromwhoselipsyouhearthenameoftheBlessd One.IfAngulimlaonce,asrobber,didyoumuchharm, asadisciplehehasnowdoneyoufarmoregood. WhoisthisBuddha?Iaskedagaininthesame tone,withoutwishingtoletitbeseenhowmuchmysympathy hadbeenawakened.Whathashetodowiththis strangebehaviourofyours,andwhatblessingishearing hisnamesupposedtobringme!? EventohearthenameofhimwhomtheycallThe WelcomeOne,saidAngulimla,islikethefirstshimmer oflighttoonewhositsindarkness.ButIwillrelateeverything toyouhowhemetmeandhowhechangedthe currentofmylifeforitiscertainthatitshappeningon thisverydayhasprincipallybeenonaccountofhisconcern foryourwelfare. Inspiteofthefiercenesswhichemanatedfromhis wholebeing,evenonthefirstofthesetwoeveningsa certaingraceofbearinginhimhadsurprisedme;how muchmorestriking,however,wastheunsoughtdignity withwhichhenowsatdownbesideme,likeonewho feelshimselfamonghisequals.

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THEHELLOFSPEARS A

FEWHOURSaftersunrisetoday,hebegan,I

stoodattheedgeoftheforest,gazingoutat thetowersofKosamb,mymindfullofvengeanceon Stgiraandrevolvingthequestionastowhetheryou wouldbringmethedesiredinformation.Ithenbecame awareofasolitarytravellerontheroadwhichleadsfrom theeasterngateofthecitytotheforest;hewalkedwitha gentleandeasymotion,andwascladinanochrerobe. Onbothsidesoftheroad,herdsmenandfarmworkers werebusywiththeirdailytoil.AndIobservedhowthose whowerenearesttheroadshoutedsomethingtothelone traveller,whilethosewhowerefartheroffalsopausedin themiddleoftheirwork,lookedafterhim,andpointed withtheirfingers.Thewomenandmenwhowerenear appearedtowarnhimmoreeagerlythefartherheadvan ced,yes,eventoseektostophim;whilesomeranafter him,seizedhisrobeandthenwithhurriedandhorror strickengesturespointedtothewood.IalmostbelievedI couldhearthemcallingtohim:Nofarther!Dontgointo theforest!ThatswherethefearfulrobberAngulimlahas hislair. * * * Butthetravellercameonwardundisturbed,inthe directionofthewood.AndnowIsawfromhisrobesand
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hiscloselycroppedhairthathewasamonk,awanderer, oneofthosewhobelongtotheorderoftheSonofthe Skyans,andanoldmanofcommandingstature. Ithoughttomyself:Thisistrulystrange!Onthis roadinthepast,groupsoften,twenty,thirtyorevenforty havesetoutinwellarmedcompanies,andtheyhaveone andallfallenintomypower;andthiswandererhere comesonalonelikeaconqueror. Anditnettledmethathesoopenlydefiedmy power.Imadeupmymindtokillhim,andespecially sinceIthoughttomyselfthathemightpossiblyhavebeen sentintotheforestasaspybyStgira.Forthesewander erssoIthoughtareallhypocriticalandcorrupt,and arereadytobeusedinallkindsofways,feedinguponthe superstitionofthepeopleandthesafetytheyenjoyasits outcome;forthushadIbeentaughttoregardthembymy learnedfriendVjashravas. Instantlymakingupmymind,Iseizedmyspear, hungmybowandquiverovermyshoulder,madeforthe roadand,stepforstep,followedthemonkwhohadby nowenteredtheforest. Finally,whenIhadreachedafavourablespot wherenotreesseparatedus,Itookdownmybowfrom myshoulderandshotanarrowsothatitwouldpiercethe leftsideofhisbackandpassthroughhisheart;butitflew away,overhishead. Bysomemistakeabadarrowmusthavegotin amongsttheothers,IsaidtomyselfasItookthequiver inmyhandandpickedoutabeautifullyfeatheredand faultlessone,whichIaimedsothatitwouldtransfixhis neck.Butthearrowstuckintothetrunkofatreetohis left.Thenextflewpasthimtotherightandthesamething happenedwithallmyarrowsuntilmyquiverwasempty. Inconceivable!Amazing!Ithoughttomyself. HaveInotoftenamusedmyselfbyplacingaprisoner
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withhisbackagainstafenceandshootingmyarrowsat himinsuchawaythat,afterhehadsteppedaside,the wholeoutlineofhisbodywasindicatedexactlybythe arrowsstickinginthefenceandthattoo,atagreater distance?AmInotaccustomedtobringingdownfromthe skytheeagleinfullflightwithmyarrows?Whateveristhe matterwithmyhandtoday? Meanwhilethemonkhadwalkedaconsiderable distanceandIbegantorunafterhiminordertokillhim withmyspear.ButwhenIhadcometowithinadistance ofaboutfiftypacesfromhimIcouldntgainanotherstep, althoughIranwithallmymightandheseemedtobe walkingquiteleisurelyforward. ThenIsaidtomyself:Intruth,thisisthemost incrediblethingofall.HaveInotoutrunfrightened elephantsandfleeingdeer?Andnow,runningwithallmy might,Icannotovertakethisoldmonkwhoisjuststrolling along.Whatisthematterwithmyfeettoday? AndIstoppedandcalledouttohim:Stop,monk! Stop! Buthepacedquietlyonandcalledback:Ihave stopped,Angulimla.Youshouldstoptoo. AtthisIwasagainmuchastonished,andthought: Plainlythismonkhasbaffledmyarcheryandmyrunning bysomeRiteofTruth.Buthowcanhethenutteramani festuntruthandassertthatheisstandingstillwhileheis infactwalking,anddemandthatIshouldstandstill althoughheseesperfectlywellthatIamalreadystanding asstationaryasthistree.Somighttheflyinggoosesayto theoakIamstandingstill,oak.Youshouldstandstill too.Surelytheremustbesomethingbehindallthis.Maybe itwouldbeofmorevaluetounderstandthemeaningof thesewordsthantotakethelifeofsuchaholyman. AndIcalledtohim:Walking,youimagineyourself tobestandingstill,monk;andme,whilststandingstill,you
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falselyclaimtobewalking.Explainwhatyoumeanby this,greatmonk:howisitthatyouhavestoppedandI havenot. Andheansweredme: Angulimla,Ihavestoppedforever:Iabstainfrom doingharmtolivingthings;Iamatrestandwanderin Samsranomore.Butyou,youwhostillrageagainstall livingthings,mustwanderceaselesslyfromoneplaceof sufferingtoanother. Iansweredagain: Thatwewanderforever,Ihaveofcourseheard butthataboutstandingstill,aboutwanderingnomore, Idonotunderstand.VenerableSir,pleaseexplaintome whatyouhavejustexpressedinthesefewwords.See,I haveputmyspearfrommeandsolemnlysweartogrant youpeace. Forthesecondtime,Angulimla,hesaid,you haveswornfalsely. Forthesecondtime? ThefirsttimeithappenedwasatthatfalseRiteof Truth. Thatheshouldhaveknownofthatsecretmatter wasnotthesmallestofthesemarvelstome;but,without pausingoverthat,Imadehastetodefendmycraftydeed. Mywords,VenerableSir,werecertainlysomewhat ambiguousonthatoccasionbutIsworenothing falseonlythesensewasmisleading.That,however, whichIsweartoyounowistrueliterallyandinfact. Notso,heanswered,foryoucangrantmeno peace.Itwouldbegood,however,foryouifyouallowed yourselftoexperiencepeaceinstead. Ashespokethus,heturnedroundandmotioned tomewithafriendlygesturetoapproach. Willingly,VenerableSir,Ihumblysaid. Listen,then,andpaycloseattention.
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 Hesatdownintheshadeofalargetreeandbade meseatmyselfbeforehim.Hebegantoteachmeof wholesomeandunwholesomedeeds,andoftheirconse quences,allthetimeexplainingeverythingasfullytome aswhenonespeakstoachild.Ihadnotlistenedtowords sobrimmingwithdeepwisdomsinceIhadsatinthe forestbynightatthefeetofVjashravas,ofwhomIhave alreadyspokentoyouandwhosename,Iimagine,you havealsoheardfromothers. Butwhenthisholymannowrevealedtomethat noarbitraryheavenlypowerbutourownheartsalone, withthethoughtsanddeedsemanatingfromthem,cause ustobebornnowhere,nowthere,atonetimeonearth, atanotherinheavenandthenagaininhellIcouldnot helpthinkingaboutVjashravasandofthewayinwhich hehadprovedtousbyreasonsofcommonsense,andby referencetothesacredwritings,thattherecouldbeno suchhellpunishments.Andthatallthepassagesinthe sacredwritingshavingreferencetosuch,hadbeeninter polatedbyweakandcowardlypeopleinorderthatby suchthreatstheymightterrifythestrongandcourageous, andprotectthemselvesfromtheviolenceofthelatter. Vjashravaswasneverquiteabletoconvince me,Ithought,Iwonderwhetherthismonkwillbeable todosoherestandsopinionagainstopinion,scholar againstscholar.Forevenifthismonkshouldbeoneofthe greatdisciplesoftheSonoftheSkyans,yetVjashravas wasalsohighlythoughtofbyhisownfollowersandnow, afterhisdeath,isevenworshippedbythecommon peopleasasaint.Who,then,istodecideastowhichof thesetwoisintheright? YouarenolongerattendingtowhatIsay, Angulimla,saidthemonk,youarethinkingof Vjashravasandhiserroneousdoctrines. Muchastonished,Iacknowledgedthetruthof
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whathesaid. Soyou,VenerableSir,alsoknewmyfriend Vjashravas? Peopleshowedmehisgraveoutsidethecitygate, andIsawfoolishtravellersofferingupprayersthere underthedelusionthathewasasaint. Soheisnosaint,then? Well,ifheseemsonetoyou,letusvisithimand seehowitfaresnowwithhissainthood. Hesaidthisasthoughitwereamatterofgoing fromonehousetoanother. Thoroughlytakenaback,Istaredathim.Visithim? Vjashravas?Howisthatpossible? Givemeyourhand,hesaid,andIshallenter intothatstateofmeditativeabsorptionbytheaidofwhich thepaththatleadstothegodsandthatwhichleadstothe demonsbecomesvisibletoasteadfastheart.Thenwe shallfollowinhistrackandwhatIsee,youshallalsosee. Igavehimmyhand.Forsometimehesatthere perfectlystill,hiseyescastdown,thevisiondirected inwardIwasconsciousofnothing.Suddenly,however, Ifeltasaswimmerwouldfeelwhenthedemonwho dwellsinthewatersseizeshisarmanddrawshimdown, sothattheblueheavensandthetreesonthebankdisap pearandthewavesmeetoverhishead,anddarknessthat growseverdeeperclosesroundhimoneveryside. Fromtimetotime,however,tonguesofflame flareduparoundmeandamightyroaringthunderedin myears.Finally,Ifoundmyselfinwhatseemedtobea vastcave,whereitwasquitedarksaveforthefitfulillumi nationfurnishedbythefleetinggleamofcountlesslight ningflashes.WhenIhadgrownsomewhataccustomedto thedarkness,Idiscoveredthattheseflasheswerethe reflectionsofsteelspearheads,whichdartedhitherand thitherasthoughlanceswerebeingwieldedbyinvisible
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armsasiftherewasabattlebetweenghostlyarmies.I heardscreamsalsonotfierceandcourageous,how ever,asthoseofwarriorsdrunkwiththejoyofthefray, butscreamsofpainandgroansofthewounded,whom, however,Ididnotsee.Fortheseterrifyingsoundscame fromthebackground,wherethequiveringofthelance headsformedonetremblingandwhirlingmist.Thefore groundwasempty. Inthisemptyspacetherenowappearedthree figures,vomited,asitwere,fromtheblackmouthofaden whichopeneduponitfromtheright.Themaninthe middlewasVjashravas;hisnakedbodytrembledfrom headtofootasthoughhefrozeterriblyorwasshakenby fever.Hiscompanionsbothhadhumanbodieswhich weresupporteduponbirdslegsarmedwithpowerful claws,andweresurmounted,intheonecase,byafishs head,intheother,byadogs.Inhishands,eachborea longspear.Thefigurewiththefishsheadspokefirst: This,HonouredSir,istheHellofSpears,where you,accordingtothesentenceoftheJudgeofHell,have toendurepunishmentfortenthousandyearsinbeing ceaselesslypiercedbythesequiveringspears.Afterwards youshallbebornagainsomewhere,accordingtothe dictatesofyourkarma. Thenhewiththedogsheadspoke:Asoften, HonouredSir,astwospearscrossinyourheart,youcan reckonthatathousandyearsofyourhellishtorturehave passed. Scarcelyhadhesaidthiswhenbothoftheinfernal watchmenswungtheirlancesandskeweredVjashravas. And,asifatagivensignal,allthespearsroundaboutalso flashedtowardshim,theirpointsenteringfromeveryside, justasravenshurlthemselvesuponanabandonedcarcass andburytheirbeaksinitsflesh. Overcomebythehorrorofthesight,andbythe
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pitifulscreamsthatVjashravasutteredinhisagony,my sensesforsookme. WhenIcametomyselfagain,Ilayinthewood underthehugetree,prostrateatthefeetoftheMaster. Haveyouseen,Angulimla? Ihaveseen,Master. AndIdidnotdareeventoaddHelpme!For howcouldIseektobehelped? Ifafterthedissolutionofyourbody,asaresultof yourdeeds,youcometotheroadthatleadsdowntothe underworld,andifKingYama,theJudgeoftheDead, thenpassesthesamesentenceuponyou,andtheguards ofhellleadyouintotheHellofSpearstothesamepun ishment,woulditbemorethanyoudeserve? No,Master,itwouldnotbemorethanIdeserve. Butacourseoflifewhichyouyourselfrealise justlyleadstotheseunspeakabletorturesisthistruly, Angulimla,acourseoflifethatisworthpursuing? Master,thiscourseoflifeIhereandnowre nounce;Iwillforswearallmydemonicpracticesforone wordofyourTeaching. Once,longagesago,Angulimla,theJudgeofthe Deadofthattimepondereddeeply,andthiswasthe outcomeofhisthoughtsTruly,onewhohascommit tedoffencesinthisworldispunishedwithavastoceanof misery!Oh,thatImightbecomehumanandthata Tathgata,afullyenlightenedBuddhamightappearinthe world,andthatImightbeabletobewithhim;andthat he,theBlessdOne,mightexpoundtheDharmatome andthatImightunderstandit! Now,thatwhichthatJudgewishedsoardentlyfor himself,thathascomeabout,Angulimla.Youhave becomeaman.ButevenasinthislandofJambudvpa, Angulimla,therearetobefoundonlyafewsmiling groves,fewsplendidforests,fairheightsandcharming
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lotuspools;andincomparisonwiththesetheraging rivers,untroddenjungles,desolaterockymountainsand barrendesertsarebyfarmorenumerous; Evensoonlyafewlivingbeingsarriveinthe humanstate,incomparisonwiththefargreaternumber thatarebornindifferentrealmsofexistence; Evensoonlyafewgenerationsareonthe earthatthesametimeasaBuddha,incomparisonwith thefargreaternumberinwhosetimenoBuddhaarises; Evensoonlyafewindividualsofthosefew generationsaresofortunateastoseetheTathgata,in comparisonwiththatfargreaternumberwhodonotsee him; Butyou,Angulimla,youhavebecomeaman; andthishashappenedatatimewhenaBuddhahas appearedintheworld;andyouhaveseenhimandare abletobewithhim,withtheTathgatahimself. WhenIheardthesewords,Iplacedmypalms togetherandexclaimed: BlessdOne!SoyouyourselfaretheFullyEnlightened Buddha! Soyou,thenoblestofbeings,havehadcompassion fortheworst!Andwillyouallowmetostaywith you? Iwill,answeredtheMaster.Andhearthisalso: Evenasthereareamongthefewwhoseethe MasteronlyafewwhohearhisTeaching,sotoothereare butfewwhocomprehendit.You,however,willbothhear theTeachingandwillcomprehendit.Come,disciple! ThePerfectOnehadenteredthewoodlikean elephanthunterwhoridesuponhistameelephant.Heleft thewoodagain,astheelephanthunterleavesthewood, followedbyawildelephantwhichhisskillhastamed. ThusIhavenowcometoyouVsitth,notasthe robberAngulimla,butasthediscipleAngulimla.See,I
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havecastfrommethespearandtheclub,theknifeand thewhip.Ihaveforswornkillingandtorturing,andtowards alllivingbeingsInowextendonlyaheartofpeace andlovingkindness.

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APUREOFFERING I

DONOTKNOWHOWLONGitwasbeforeIopened

mylips;butforaverylongtime,Ibelieve,Isatthere withoututteringaword,andleteverythingAngulimla hadsaidrise,pointbypoint,beforeme;andthe moreIreflectedthemoredidmywondergrow. ForalthoughIhadheardmanylegendsofolden timeswheremiracleswerewroughtbythegods,and particularlyofthewonderfuldeedsofKrishnawhenhe sojournedonthisearth,yettheyallappearedtrivialwhen IcomparedthemwithwhathadbefallenAngulimlain theforestthisveryday. * * * AndIaskedmyselfnowwhetherthatgreatman, whohadinafewhourstransformedthemostbrutalof murderersintothegentlebeingwhohadjustspokento methatMasterwhohadsoeasilyandsurelytamedthe mostsavagebeingtobefoundinthewholerealmof naturewhetherhemightnotalsobeabletoquietmy troubledandpassiontossedheart.Wouldhebeableto banish,bythelightofhiswords,thenightcloudwhich griefhadcausedtosettledownuponme?Orwasthis maybemoredifficultaproblemthesolutionofwhich wentbeyondthepowersofeventheholiestofsages? Ihalffearedthatthelattermightbethecasebutyet
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IaskedwherethatgreatmonkwhomhecalledhisMaster wastobefound,andwhetherIwouldbeabletovisithim. Itisgoodthatyoushouldaskthatquestionfirst, answeredAngulimla,andreally,whatshouldyouask butthis?Indeed,Ihavecometoyouforjustthisvery reason.Wewhointendedbeingassociatesinworksof darkness,letusnowbeassociatesingood.TheBlessd OneabidesatpresentinthesameSimsapwoodwhich youyourselfmentioned.Gotheretomorrowbutnotuntil evening.Themonksandnunswillthenhavefinished theirsilentmeditationandwillhaveassembledbeforethe oldKrishnatemple,andtheMasterwillspeaktothem thereandtoanyotherswhoarepresent.Atthathour manywomenandmengotherefromthetowninorderto seetheBlessdOneandtolistentohisilluminedteach ings;andwitheacheveningthecrowdgrowsgreater. Oftenthesemeetingslastuntillateintothenight. Ialreadyhadexactinformationofallthatbe cause,inthegreedandderangementofmyheart,Ihad forgedthemonstrousplanofsomedaysoonfallingupon theassemblywithmyfollowers.Thegiftsoffoodstuffs andcloth,broughtbymanyofthevisitorsasofferingsto theOrder,alreadyformedabootywhich,ifnotrich,was yetbynomeanstobedespised.Butparticularlyitwasmy intentiontocaptureseveralcitizensofdistinctionandto forceheavyransomsfromthem;andIcherished,atthe sametime,thehopethatIshouldbysuchadaringdeed, doneattheverygatesofthetown,toatlastenticeStgira outsidethewalls.For,whenIformedtheplan,hisim pendingjourneywasstillunknowntome. Donotneglectthen,noblelady,togotomorrow towardssundowntotheoldKrishnatemple;itwilllong beasourceofhappinesstoyou.Iwanttogetbackthere nowasquicklyaspossible.Itisnotcertain,ofcourse, whetherIshallbeintimetohearanything.Still,onsuch
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beautifulmoonlitnightsthemonksstaytogetherlong, deepinspiritualdiscussion,andwillinglypermitothersto listen. Hebowedhimselflowbeforemeandquickly wentaway.ThenextmorningIsentamessagetoMedin, whowas,withherhusbandSomadatta,justasreadyto bearmecompanytotheKrishnagrovenowasshehad beeninthosedaysofthepast,whenthematterinhand wasthebringingaboutofameetingbetweentwolovers. Asamatteroffactshehadalreadybeenbegging herhusbandtotakeherouttheresomeevening,forshe didntreadilyletanythingescapeherofwhichthepeople talked.ButSomadattahadbeenafraidofhishouse brahminscriticisms,andsoshewasmorethandelighted tohavetheexcuseofasummonsfromthewifeofthe Ministertowinoneoveragainstthatreligioustyrant. WedroveatoncetothemarketswhereSomadatta, whowasattendingtohisbusinessthere,helpedusin seekingoutsuchstuffsasweresuitablefortheclothingof thenunsandmonks.Ialsopurchasedalargequantityof medicines.Reachinghomeagainweplunderedthestore rooms.Vesselsfullofthefinestghee,boxesofhoneyand sugar,jarswithpreservesofeverykindweresetasidefor ourofferings.Myowncupboardsfurnishedthechoicestof alltheycontainedinthewayofperfumedwater,sandal woodpowderandincense;andthenwewenttothe garden,whosewealthofflowerswedidnotspareinthe excitementofournewfounddevotion. Whenthelongedforhourcameallthesethings wereloadedontoawagon,towhichouroxenwere alreadyharnessed.Weourselvestookourseatsunderthe awningofanothercarriageand,drawnbythetwosilver white,fullbloodedSindhhorseswhicheverymorningate threeyearoldricefrommyhand,wedroveoutofthecity gate.Thesunwasalreadynearingthecupolasandtowers
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ofthetownbehindus;anditsraysgildedthedustwhich wasstirredupalongthewaybythefeetofthemultitude that,likeourselves,hadcomeouttoseeandhearthe Buddha. Wesoonreachedtheentrancetotheforest.Here westoppedourcarriageandwepursuedourwayonfoot likealltheothers,followedbyourservantswhoborethe collectionofofferingswehadbroughtwithus. * * * Sincethatnightwhenwetwohadtakenleaveof oneanotherthere,Ihadnotbeenintothiswood.And whenInowentereditscoolshadeinthesamecompany asbefore,Iwasovercomebysopiercingabreathof memorythatIfrozeinmytracksandremainedstanding likeonestupefieditwasafragrancethatseemedto havebeenstoredupformethereuntil,withthelapseof years,itsconcentratedsweetnesshadbecomeapoison. Itseemedtomeasifmyfeelingsoflovehad placedthemselvesinmywayawakenedtotheirfull strengthandchargingmewithdesertionandtreachery. ForIhadnotcomethere,asIknew,togivethemfresh nourishmentbyinhalingthefragranceofmemorybutto seekpeaceformydisappointedandtorturedheart.And couldthatnotrightfullybecalledforgettinglove,wilfully renouncingit?Wasthatnottheviolationofmywordanda cowardlytreachery? Istoodthereinfearfuluncertaintyundecided whethertogoonortoturnbacktothegreatdisap pointmentofMedin,whoverilydancedwithimpatience asothersovertookusingreatnumbers. Thelookoftheinterioroftheforest,however softlyilluminedbythegoldenraysofthelateafternoon sun;thegentleadmonitoryrustleandwhisperofthe
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leaves;thepeoplewhoatonceonenteringgrewsilent andlookedaroundexpectantlyandalmosttimidly;here andthereatthefootofsomegreattree,amonkwrapped inthefoldsofhisgoldenrobe,hislegscrossedbeneath him,absorbedinmeditation;atintervals,oneoranother oftheserisingandwithoutevenalookround,moving quietlyawayinthedirectionofthecommonthoughasyet invisiblegoalallthisworeanairofquietmystical serenityandseemedtobearwitnesstothefactthathere eventsweretakingplaceofsounusualandsacreda characterthatnopoweronearthmightdareplaceitself inoppositiontothem,aye,thatLoveitself,ifitshould raiseahostilevoice,wouldthroughthatloseitsevery divineright. SoImovedresolutelyforward,andthewords addressedtoAngulimlabytheMasterconcerningthe manygenerationsofpeoplewholiveandpassaway withoutaBuddhasbeingintheworld,andofthevery fewevenamongthecontemporariesofaBuddhato whomitisgiventohearandtoseehimthesewords soundedinmyearsliketheringingofatemplebell,andI feltmyselflikeafavouredonewhogoestomeetan experienceforwhichmanycominggenerationswould envyher. Whenwereachedthegladeinwhichthetemple stoodagreatmanypeoplewerealreadyassembledthere, laypeopleaswellasnunsandmonks.Theystood brokenupintogroups,mostoftheminthevicinityofthe ruinwhichrosejustoppositetous.Neartothespotwhere weenteredtheclearingintheforestInoticedafairlylarge groupofmonks;therewasoneamongstthemwhomit wasimpossiblenottonotice,hewaspracticallyagiant andhetoweredafullheadabovethetallestofthosewho stoodbesidehim. Then,whenwewerelookingaboutustodiscover
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whereweshouldturnoursteps,therecameoutofthe forest,betweenusandthosemonks,anagedandsagely figurecladinthegoldenrobesoftheOrder.Histallframe hadsucharegalbearing,andsuchacheerfulpeace radiatedfromhisnoblefeatures,thatatoncethethought cametome:IwonderwhetherthisistheSkyanprince whompeoplecalltheBuddha. InhishandheboreafewSimsapleavesand, turningtothemonksofwhomIhavemademention,he said:Whatdoyouthink,bhikkhus,whicharemore numerous,theseSimsapleaveswhichIholdinmyhand oralltheotherleavesintheforest? Andthemonksanswered:Theleaveswhichyou holdinyourhandareveryfew,Lord,whereastheleaves intheSimsapwoodarefarmorenumerous. Sotoo,bhikkhus,saidhe,whoInowknewwas indeedtheBuddha,sotoothatwhichIhavediscerned andyetnotrevealedtoyouisfargreaterinsumthanthat whichIhaverevealedtoyou.AndwhyhaveInotre vealedallthingstoyou?Becauseitwouldinnowayprofit youspiritually,becauseitwouldnotassistyouintheholy life,itwouldnotleadtoyourturningawayfromworldly things,nortothedestructionofallcraving,nortothe changewhichistheendofallchange;itwouldnotlead youtopeaceandtotherealisationofNirvna. Sothatfoolisholdmanwasrightafterall!ex claimedKmanta. Whatoldman?askedVsitth. ThatmonkwithwhomIspentthenight,thelast nightofmyearthlylife,inthehallofthepotterinthat suburbofRjagaha.Hewouldinsistontryingtoexpound tometheTeachingoftheMasterand,asIreadilyper ceived,didnotespeciallysucceed.Buthemanifestly quotedmanygenuinesayings,includingwhatyouhave justtoldmeeventotheverywords.Heevengavethe
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nameoftheplacecorrectlyandmovedmedeeplyashe didso.HadIimaginedthatyouhadbeenpresentthere too,Iwouldhavebeenmuchmoreprofoundlyaffected. Hewasveryprobablyamongthosewhowere there,saidVsitth;inanycase,heseemstohavegiven youanaccuratereport. AndthentheMasteraddedfurther: Andwhat,friends,haveIdeclaredtoyou?Ihave declaredtoyouwhatSufferingis,whattheOriginof Sufferingis,whattheEndofallSufferingis,andwhatthe PaththatleadstotheEndofallSufferingisallthishave Ideclaredtoyou.Therefore,whatIhaverevealed,letthat remainrevealed;andwhatIhaveleftunrevealed,leave thatunrevealed. Asheutteredthesewordsheopenedhishandand lettheleavesfall.Andwhenoneofthesefluttereddown neartome,describinggyrationsintheair,Itookcourage, steppedquicklyforwardandcaughtitbeforeithad touchedtheearth,inthatwayreceivingit,asitwere,from theMastershand.ThispricelessmemorialIconcealed withinmybosom:asymboloftheshortbutallsufficing firstmessagecommunicatedtousbytheBuddhafromhis measurelesswealthofunderstanding,asymbolfrom whichIwasnottobeparteduntildeath. Thismovementofminedrewtheattentionofthe Mastertome.ThegiganticmonktowhomIhavealluded nowbowedbeforehimandmadeawhisperedcommuni cation,uponwhichtheMasteragainlookedatmeand thenmadeasigntohim. Thelatternowcametowardsus. Approach,noblelady,saidthemonkandI knewatoncefromthevoicethatitwasAngulimlas theMasterhimselfwillreceiveyourofferings. EventhoughAngulimlahadbynowshavedoff hishairandbeard,andwascladintherobesofthe
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Buddhasdisciples,itsomehowcameasnosurprisetome tofindhimthustransformed.Hismannerhadchangedso completelythattherobesofamonkseemedasnaturalto himnowasthegarlandofseveredfingershadbeentohis previousrobberstate. Weallwentforwardtowithinafewpacesofthe Buddhaandbowedlow,greetinghimreverently,our handswithpalmsplacedtogether.ButIwasunableto utteraword. Yourofferingsarerich,noblelady,saidthe Master,andmydiscipleshavefewneeds.Theyareheirs ofTruth,notheirsofmaterialthings.ButalltheBuddhas ofpastageshaverecommendedthepracticeofgivingand havegladlyacceptedtheofferingsofdevotedfollowers;in thiswaytheSanghaisprovidedwithlifesessentialsand opportunityisgiventothefaithfultocultivategenerosity. For,ifpeopleknewthefruitsofgivingasIknow themthen,iftheyhadbutahandfulofriceleft,they wouldnoteatofitwithoutgivingaportiontoonepoorer thanthemselves,andtheselfishthoughtswhichdarken theirspiritswoulddisappearfromthem.Letyouroffering, then,begratefullyacceptedbytheSanghaapureoffer ing.ForIcallapureofferingthatwithwhichthegiveris purifiedandthereceiveralso.Andhowdoesthattake place?Ittakesplace,Vsitth,whenthegiverispureinlife andnobleinheart,andthereceiverispureinlifeand nobleinheart;andwhenthatisthecasethegiverofthe offeringispurifiedandthereceiveralso.Thatis,Vsitth, thepurityofthesupremelypureofferingsuchasthe onethatyouhavejustnowbrought. ThentheMasterturnedtoAngulimla: Go,friend,andhavetheseofferingsplacedwith theotherstores.Butfirstshowournoblegueststoseatsin frontofthetemplestepsforIshallspeakfromthereto thosewhoarepresenttoday.
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 Angulimlabadetheservantswaitandcalledupon ustofollowhim.First,however,wehadallourflowers andalsoseveralbeautifulmatshandedtous.Then,con ductedbyourstalwartguide,wemadeourwaytothe templethroughtherapidlygrowingcrowd,whorespect fullypartedandmadewayforus. Herewespreadthematsuponthestepsand twinedgarlandsofflowersroundabouttheoldweather wornandcrumblingpillars.ThenMedinandIpickeda wholebasketfulofrosesandstrewedthepetalsuponthe feltedmatatthetopofthestepsfortheMastertoseat himselfupon. Meanwhiletheassembledcrowdhadgrouped themselvesinwidesemicircles,withlaypeopletotheleft, andthemonksandnunstotherightofthetemplethe wholeassemblyeithersittingonsmallgrassmatsoronthe carpetofSimsapleavesthatformedtheforestfloor.We nowtookourplacesonanoverturnedpillar,onlyafew pacesfromthesteps. Therewereprobablyaboutfivehundredpeople thereyetanallbutabsolutesilencereignedinthecircle nosoundwastobeheardsavetheringingofthe crickets,andthefitfulrustlingandlowwhisperingofthe forestleaves.

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HESETTINGSUNSHOTitssheafofgoldenrays

throughthespacesbetweenthetrunks,seemingto consecratethesilentandexpectantcompanyassembled inthedepthsoftheforestwithaheavenlybenediction. Betweenthetreetopsroseateeveningcloudslooked downinevergrowingluminosityasthough,floating outfromtheblueether,asecondassemblyweregath ering,recruitednowfromthehostsofheaven. * * * Thetemplebuilding,withitsblackandcrumbling walls,absorbedthisfarewellblazeofsunshineasabroken downoldmanquaffsarejuvenatingdraught.Beneaththe magicoftheredgoldlightsandthepurpleshadows,its massesbecamewonderfullyanimated.Thejaggededges oftheflutedpillarssparkled,thecornicesflashed,the snailscurledthemselvesup,thestonewavesfoamedwith frothofgold,thecarvenfoliagegrew.Alongthestairlike projectionsoftheloftysubstructure,roundaboutplinths andcapitals,onthebeamsandontheterracesofthe domelikeroofeverywhereaconfusedmedleyof strangeandmysticalformsseemedtobeinmotion. Godscameforthinhaloesofglory:manyheaded andmanyarmedfigureswithalltooluxuriantandoften greatlymutilatedlimbs,theonestretchingoutfourhead
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lessnecks,thenextwavingeightstumpsofarms.Breasts andhipsofthevoluptuouslylimbedgoddesseswere unveiledasthesecameswayingnearer,theirroundfaces tiltedundertheburdenoftowering,diamondbespangled headgear,asunnysmileontheirfull,sensuouslips.The snakelikeextremitiesofthedemonswrithedandtwisted, thewingsofthegriffinswerespreadforflight,grimmasks ofmonstersgrinnedhorribly,showingtheirwhettedteeth. Humanbodiesswarmedandreeledtogetherinatangled mass:inandthroughthemadthrong,toandfro,now over,nowunderelephantstrunks,theheadsofhorses andthehornsofbulls,stagsantlers,crocodilesjaws, monkeysmuzzles,andtigersthroats. * * * Thiswasnolongeranedificedecoratedwith statuary.Thesewerestatuescometolifewhich,breaking throughthespelllaiduponthembysomeenchanterof thebuilding,hadfreedthemselvesfromitssolidmassand wouldhardlytolerateitfurther,evenasasupport.A wholeworldseemedtohavewakenedupoutofitsstony sleepand,withitsthousandsoffigures,seemedtobe pressingforwardinordertolistentolistentotheman whowasseatedatthetopofthesteps,surroundedand overshadowedbythewholeswarmofthem,thelong hangingfoldsofhisrobebathedinagoldenglow.He,the trulylivingtheoneperfectlycalmbeingamidthis restlessanddelusorylifeofthelifeless. Itnowseemedasifthestillnessoftheassembly grewdeeper;yes,itevenseemedtomethatthevery leavesofthetreesceasedtowhisper. AndtheMasterbegantospeak. Hespokeofthetempleonthestepsofwhichhe sat,andwhereourancestorshadforhundredsofyears
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worshippedLordKrishna,inordertobeinspiredtoheroic actionandsufferinghereonearthbytheexampleofhis heroiclife;tobestrengthenedbyhisfavourandfinallyto passthroughthegatesofdeathtohisparadiseofpleasure, andtoenjoytherapturesofheaventhere.Butnowwe, theirdescendants,hadcometogethertohearfromthelips ofaTathgatawordsoftruth,inordertolearnhowtolead apureandperfectlifeand,finally,byacompletevictory overhatred,anddesireforthefleetingandperishable,to reachtheendofallsuffering,toreachNirvna.Inthisway he,theBuddha,theFullyAwakenedOne,completedthe workoftheDreamingGod;inthiswaywe,grownup, completedwhatourancestorshadbegunwiththenoble enthusiasmofchildhood. Thereyousee,hesaid,howagiftedartistof dayslongpasthasreproducedinstoneLordKrishnas combatwiththeelephant,andhepointedtoahugerelief whichlayalmostatmyfeet,onecornerpressedintothe turf,theothersupportedbyahalfburiedcapital.Thelast glowofthesettingsunlingeredcaressinglyonthemoss coveredrelicand,initsmildradiance,onecouldstill clearlyrecognisethegroupthatofayouthsettinghis footupontheheadofafallenelephant,oneofwhose tuskshebreaksoff. AndtheMasternowrelatedhowtheKingof Mathur,thehorribletyrantKamsa,afterhehadinvited Krishnatoacontestathiscourt,secretlyorderedhis mahouttodrivehiswildestwarelephantoutofthestables upontheunsuspectingyouth,andtodothattoobefore thecontestsinthearenawereduetobegin.Andhow Krishnaslewthemonsterand,totheterroroftheKing, enteredthearenabespatteredwithbloodandwiththe tuskhehadbrokenoffinhishand. SomewhowishedharmtotheTathgata,he added,continuinghisdiscourse,alsooncesetloosea
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savageelephant.Andatthesightofthemonsterbearing downuponme,compassionaroseinmyheart.Forblood streameddownthecreaturesbreastfromthemany woundsrippedbythelancesofhistormentors.Andthe compassiondeepenedasitwasseenthattherebeforeme wasnotmerelyawoundedbutalsoaconfusedcreature, whohadbecomepreytoapassionofblindrage.Acrea tureblessedbynaturewithcourage,intelligenceand enormousstrengthbutnowrousedtotheconditionof madnessbythecrueltyoffoolishmen,whohadincensed ittothepointwhereitwasactuallybeingbroughttotry anddestroyaBuddha:awild,dazedbeingandnot likely,exceptwithgreatdifficultyandafterendlesslylong wanderings,toattainapropitioushumanexistenceandto enterthepaththatleadstoenlightenment. Beingthusfilledfullofcompassion,therewasno roomforfear;andnothoughtofdangerarose.ForI reasonedthusIfIshouldsucceedincastingeventhe faintestrayoflightintothistempestuousdarkness,sucha sparkoflightwouldgraduallygrow;andwhenthiscrea ture,ledbyitsglimmer,arrivedatahumanexistence,then itwouldmoreeasilyfindonearththeDharmaofthe Tathgata,theveryoneithadoncetriedto kill,andthisteachingwouldhelpittoliberation. TheMasterthendescribedhow,fixinghismind withthisintention,hehadhaltedinthemiddleofthe road,raisedhishandwithaclaminggesture,looked lovinglyattheragingcreatureandutteredgentlewords, thesoundofwhichreacheditsburningheart.Thegiant beingstoppedhischarge,rockedhismountainofahead irresolutelybackandforthand,insteadofthethundering pealheardfromhimamomentbefore,gaveventtoone ortwotimidtrumpetcalls. Atthesametimehetossedhistrunkintotheair andswungitineverydirection,asifseekingsomething
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likeawoundedelephantintheforestdoeswhenithas lostthespoorofitshiddenenemyandhopestoscentit againand,inverytruth,hehadbeenmistakeninhis enemy. Finallyhecameslowlytowithinafewpacesofthe Masterand,bendinghisknees,loweredhimselftothe ground,ashewasaccustomedtodobeforehisowner, KingAjtasattu,whenthelatterwishedtomounthim. Marvellingatthesight,theassembledpopulacecameand laidgarlands,jewelsandornamentsonthegreatbeing, almostcoveringitsbody.Theelephantthentookthedust fromtheTathgatasfeet,sprinkleditonhisownhead andretreatedtotheelephantstables;theMasterhadthen returnedtotheBambooGrove. Inthisway,sotheBuddhaendedhisparallel, doestheTathgatatakeupKrishnasbattlewiththe elephant,spiritualise,refineandcompleteit. * * * WhileIlistenedtothistale,howcouldIdoother thanthinkofAngulimla,themostsavageofthesavage, whoonlyyesterdayhadwishedtodestroytheBuddha, andhadnotonlybeentamedbuthadalsoawakenedto theDharmabytheirresistiblemightoftheBuddhasvirtue andwisdom,sothatInowsawhimquietlysittingoppo sitemeintheranksofthemonkstransformed,evenin hisoutwardappearance,intoanotherbeing.Andsoit seemedthatthewordsoftheMasterweremostparticu larlyaddressedtome,astheonlypersonatallevents, outsidethecircleofthemonkswhoknewofthis matterandwhocouldunderstandthesignificanceofhis words. TheMasternowwentontospeakofKrishnaas theSixteenthousandonehundredfoldBridegroom,foras
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suchhadourancestorsworshippedhimhere.AndagainI hadafeelingasthoughsecretreferencewerebeingmade tome,forIrememberedthatonthenightofourlast meetingthewizenedprophetesshadcalledthedivine herobythisname;soIdidnothearitwithoutacertain flutteringinmyheart. Then,withthewrywitthatlaterwastobecomeso familiartome,theMasterrelatedhowKrishnahadtaken possessionofallthetreasureswhichhehadcarriedoff fromthecastleofthedemonking,Naraka: Andononeauspiciousday,itissaid,hemarried allthevirginsfromthere,andallatthesamemoment, appearingtoeachoneindividuallyasherhusband.Six teenthousand,onehundredwasthenumberofthe women,andinjustsomanyseparateformsdidtheGod incarnatehimselfsothateachmaidensthoughtwas:ItisI alonewhomtheHolyLordhathchosen. And,inlikefashion,theMastercontinued,when theTathgataexpoundstheDharma,andbeforehimthere sitsanassemblyofseveralhundredmonksandnunsand laydisciplesofbothsexes,thenmanyamongstthese listenersthinkFormealonehastheSamanaGotama declaredthisteaching. ForIdirectthepowerofmymindupontheindi vidualnatureofeachseekerafterpeace,andthewords thatarespokenareinresponsetothecombinednatures ofallthosepresent;thusthosewhoreceiveandunder standtheTeachingarecalmed,filledwithharmonyand madetobeatonewiththemselves,andmanymakethe mistakenassumptionthattheyalonehavebeenchosen. InthiswaytheTathgatatakesthesixteenthousand onehundredfoldmaritalstateofLordKrishna, spiritualisesit,refinesitandcompletesit. Ofcourse,itatonceappearedtomeasthoughthe Masterhadreadmythoughtsandhadgivenmeasecret
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reproof,inorderthatImightnotentertainthedelusion thatIoccupiedaprivilegedpositionandsobecomethe victimofanuglyvanity. * * * AndnowtheBuddhawentontospeakofhow, accordingtothebeliefsofourforefathers,LordKrishna althoughhehimselfwastheSupremeGod,theUpholder hadcausedaportionofhisowndivinebeingtodescend fromhighheavenandtobebornasamaninthe humanworld.Passingtohimself,theMastersaidthat when,afterardenteffort,hehadrealisedperfectenlightenment theblessdandabidingcertaintyofliberation hisfirstinclinationwastoremainintheenjoymentof thistranscendentserenityandnottotrytodeclarehis understandingtoothers. Ireasonedthus:ThisTruththatIhaverealisedis profoundandhardtosee,hardtodiscover;itisthemost peacefulandsuperiorgoalofall,notattainablebymere conceptualisation,subtle,forthewisetoexperience.But thispleasurelovinggenerationreliesonattachment, relishesattachment,delightsinattachment.Itishard forsuchagenerationtoseethisTruththatistosay,the lawsofcausalityandDependentOrigination.Andhardit willalsobeforthemtorealisetheimplicationsofthese lawsthatistosay,thefreeingofoneselffromallthe formsassumedbyexistence,thequenchingofallcraving, therelinquishmentofalldelusions,therealisationof Nirvna.IfItriedtoexplainthisabstruseinsight,others wouldnotunderstandandthatwouldbewearyingand troublesomeforme. Consideringthus,mynatureinclinedtowards inactionandnottotheteachingoftheDharma.ThenI lookedyetonceagainwithfarseeingeyesuponthe
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world.And,asinalotuspondoneseessomelotusflowers whichdevelopinthewatersandremainunderthesurface, otherswhichforcetheirwaytothesurfaceandfloatthere, and,finally,otherswhichriseabovethewatersandstand freefromallcontactwiththem;soalsointhisworldIsaw thatsomebeingswereofacoarsenature,somewereofa noblenature,andsomewereofthenoblestofall.AndI reasonedthusThereareafewbeingswithbutalittledust intheireyes,iftheydonotheartheDharmatherearesome whowilllosetheirwayonaccountofthat;perhapssomeof thesewillunderstandtheTruth.And,outofcompassionfor suchbeings,IdecidedtoexpoundtheDharmatotheworld. ThusdoestheTathgatatakeupKrishnascoming downfromheavenandbecomingman,giveitinward force,illumineandcompleteit. Ashesaidthis,therecametomeafeelingofun speakablejoyforIknewthattheBuddhanumberedme withthelotusflowersthathadrisentothesurfaceofthe water,andthatI,byhishelp,wouldonedayriseaboveit, andwouldstandfree,unsulliedbymaterialthings. * * * Further,theMastertoldusofthoseheroicdeedsof Krishna,bywhichhehadfreedtheworldfrommonsters andwickedrulers,andhadaddedtothehappinessofall livingbeings.Howhehadvanquishedthewaterserpent Koliy,slainthebullshapeddemonAristha,destroyedthe ravagingmonstersDhenukaandKish,andthedemon princeNraka,hadovercomeandkilledthevillainous kingsKamsaandPaundraka,andotherbloodytyrants whoweretheterrorofhelplesshumanbeings,andhad thusamelioratedinmanyawaythedistressfulfateof humanity. Buthe,theMaster,didnotcombatthefoesthat
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assailedpeoplefromoutside,butthemonstersthatwere withintheirownheartsgreed,hatred,delusion,loveof self,thecravingforpleasure,thethirstforthingsthatpass awayandhefreedhumanitynotfromthisorthatevil person,butfromtheexperienceofsufferingthetyranny oftheunawakenedheart. ThentheBlessdOnespokeofthesufferingwhich everywhereandalwaysfollowslifelikeitsshadow.AndI feltasthoughsomeonewithagentlehandhadliftedthe loadofpainmylovehadbroughtme,boreitawayand hadcastitintothegreatmaelstromofuniversalsuffering, where,inthegeneralwhirloftherisingandpassingofall things,itdisappearedcompletelyfromview. DeeplyinmyinnermostheartIfeltWhatrightdo Ihavetoexpectenduringhappinesswhenitissonormalfor beingstoexperiencesuffering? Ihadenjoyedmyhappiness:ithadbeenborn,it hadunfoldeditselfandithadpassedjustastheBuddha taughtthateverythinginthisworldcomesfromsome sourceand,afteritstimeisfulfilled,mustsoonerorlater passaway. Thisverytransitoryappearance,inwhichtheunrealityof everyindividualthingveileditself,was,hetoldus,thefinal unavoidablesourceofsufferingunavoidablesolongas thedesireforexistencewasnotuprooted,solongasit continuedtoflourishluxuriantlyandforevergaveriseto somethingnew.Andaseachindividualisapartofthe sufferingoftheworld,fromtheveryfactoftheirexistence, Ishouldnowfeelobligedorsoitseemedtome ifIhadbeensparedsomepain,tofeelmyselfdoubly blessdandtobefilledwithareadinesstobearmypart also. * * *
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 Iwasnolongerabletobewailmyownlot;onthe contrary,asIlistenedtotheMasterswordsthethought awokeinmeIfonlyalllivingbeingswerenolonger obligedtosuffer!Ifonlythisholymanmightsucceedin hisworkofteaching,andthatalllivingbeingsall purifiedfromdelusionandenlightened,mightreachthe utterendofsuffering. AndtheMasterspokealsoofthisendofsuffering andoftheworld,oftheovercomingofeveryformof existence,ofliberationintoaserenestateofbeing,voidof allcraving,ofthedispellingofalldelusion,andofNirvna strange,wonderfulwordstellingofthisonlyIslandin allthetroubledseaofbirth,onwhoserockyshoresthe breakersofdeathdashedinimpotentfoam,andoverto whichtheteachingoftheBlessdOnesailedlikeatrusty ship.Andhespokeofthatblessdplaceofpeacenotas onespeakswhorelatestouswhathehasheardfrom othersfrompriestsandBrahminsandalsonotasa songmakerwholetshisfancyroam,butlikeonewho communicateswhathehashimselfexperiencedandseen. ItistruethattherewasmuchhesaidwhichI,an untaughtwoman,didnotunderstand,butwhichalsoI wouldventurewouldnothaveeasilybeenunderstood byeventhemostlearnedofmen. ManythingsIwasnotabletoreconcile:for, althoughtheMastersaidthatneitherexistencenornon existencecouldbesaidtodescribetherealityofLife, lifelessnesswasnottheanswereitherinfactitwas evenfurtherfromtheTruthButIfeltinheartlikeone whohearsanewsongutterlyunlikeanyothershehas everheard,asongofwhichsheisabletocatchnomore thanafewwords,yetthemusicofwhichpenetratestoher heart,tellinghereverything.Andwhatmusic!Notesof suchcrystalpuritythatallothersoundswhencompared withitmustseemtothelistenerlikeemptynoise
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strainswhichbroughtgreetingsfromsofaraway,fromso farabovethespheres,thatanewandundreamtoflonging wasawakened,ofwhichIfeltthatitcouldneverbestilled byanythingworldlyorworldlike,andwhich,ifunsatis fied,wouldneverpassaway. * * * Meanwhilenighthadcomedown.Thepalelightof themoon,asitrosebehindthetemple,threwshadows fromitsoutlinesrightacrossthewholewidthoftheforest glade.Theformofthespeakerwasallbutindistinguish able.Thesemorethanhumanwordsappearedtocome forthfromthesanctuaryitself,whichhadswallowedagain intoitsmassofshadowsallthethousandwildand tangled,lifesimulatingforms,andnowtoweredupward insimplebutimposinglines,amonumentofallterrestrial andcelestiallife. Myhandsheldpalmtopalmatmyheart,Isatthere listeningandlookinguptotheheavens,wheregreatstars glitteredoverthedarktreetopsandtheHeavenlyGang layextendedlikeariveroflight.ThenIrememberedthe hourwhenweboth,atthatsamespot,solemnlyraisedour handstoitandmutuallysworebyitssilverfloodswhich feedtheselotuslakes,thatwewouldmeethereagainin theParadiseoftheWestinaheavenofpleasurelikethat ofKrishna,ofwhichtheMasterhadjustspokenasthe placewhichthefaithfuldevoteesoftheDreamingGod strovetoreach. AndasIthoughtofit,myheartgrewsad;forI couldtracenodesireinmyselfforsuchalifeinParadise, forashimmerofsomethinginfinitelyhigherhadshonein myeyes. Andwithoutdisappointment,withoutanythingof thepainfulemotiononefeelswhosedearesthopeshave
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beenshattered,IcaughtthewordsoftheMaster: Tobebornistodie; Alldestroying,Oblivionsbreathholdssway; AsinthegardensofEarth, FlowersinParadisefade,andpassaway.

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THEBLOSSOMSOFPARADISEWITHER Y
ES,MYFRIEND,addedVsitth,Iheardthose words,whichappearsodestructiveofallhopetoyou, withoutdisappointmentinthesamewaythatnow, withoutpainandindeedevenwithjoy,Iperceivehow roundaboutusherethetruthofthesewordsisestabli shedinwhatweseetakingplace. * * * DuringVsitthsnarration,theprocessofdecay hadgoneon,slowlybutrelentlessly,andtherecouldno longerbetheleastdoubtbutthatallthesebeingsand theirsurroundingssickenedandwerefadingawaytotheir fullandcompletedissolution. Thelotusflowershadalreadyshedmorethanhalf theircrownpetalsandthewatersonlysparkledsparingly forthfrombetweenthesegaycolouredlittlevessels, whichweresettremblingeveryotherinstantasafresh onefell.Ontheirflowerthrones,divestedofalladorn mentnow,sattheoncehappyinhabitantsoftheParadise oftheWestinpositionsmoreorlessindicativeofutter breakdown.Theheadofonehungdownuponherbreast, thatofanothersidewaysonhisshoulder,andashiveras offeverranthroughthemeverytimeanicyblastshook thealreadythinningtopsofthegroves,causingblossoms
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andleavestoraintoearth.Themusicofthegandharvas soundedwoefullysubduedandmoreandmorefrequently wasinterwovenwithpainfuldiscords;withitwere blendeddeepsighsandanxiousgroans.Allthathadbeen soluminousthefacesandrobesofthedevasand gandharvas,nolessthanthecloudsandflowersall graduallylostbrightnessandabluetwilighthazeap pearedtoweaveitsthreadsaboutthedistances.Thefresh fragranceoftheflowerstoo,whichhadformerlybeen suchavitalisingbreathtoeverything,hadgradually becomeasoporificodour,atoncedistressingtothebody andstupefyingtothesenses. Kmantaindicatedthethingsabouthimwitha tiredmovementofthehand:Howcouldyoupossibly feelpleasureatsuchasight,Vsitth? Forthisreason,myfriend,shereplied,itis possibletofeelpleasureinsuchasight:thatifallthiswere lastinganddidnotpassaway,therecouldbenothing higher.Butthereissomethinghigher;forthisdoespass, andbeyonditthereisthatwhichknowsneithergenesis nordecay.JustthisqualityiswhattheMastercallsjoyin thetransient;andforthatreasonhesays:Ifyouhave discernedtheephemeralnatureofallcreatedthings,then trulyyouknowthatwhichisUncreated. * * * Attheseconfidentwords,Kmantasfeaturesgrew animated,asaflowerthatiswitheringforwantofwater revivesbeneaththefallingrain. Blessingsonyou,Vsitth!Foryouhavegivenme myliberation.Yes,Ifeelit.Wehaveerredonlyinone particularourlongingsdidnotaimhighenough.We desiredforourselvesthislifeinaparadiseofflowersand assuredlyflowersmustwither,inaccordancewiththeir
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nature.Thestars,however,areeternal;accordingto changelesslawstheykeeptheircourses.Andlookthere, Vsitth;whileallelseshowsthepaletracesofdecay,that littleriveratributaryoftheHeavenlyGangthat flowsintoourlake,itswaterisjustasstarlikeinitspurity andjustasplentifulasever,andallbecauseitcomesfrom theworldofstars.Onewhoshouldsucceedinentering intoexistenceagainamongthegodsofthestars,wouldbe raisedabovethesphereofmortality. Whyshouldwenotbeabletosucceedinthat? askedVsitth.ForIhavecertainlyheardofsamanaswho fixedheartandminduponreturningtoexistenceinthe kingdomoftheHundredthousandfoldBrahm.Andeven nowitcannotbetoolate,iftheancientwordsofthe BhagavadGtbetrue: Longingsforafuturebeing,fillingheartand mindatdeath, Tothelifethatfollowsthisone,willgive characterandbreath. Vsitth!Youhavegivenmesuperhumancourage! Come,letusturnourwholeheartstoenteringagain intoexistenceinthekingdomoftheHundredthousand foldBrahm. * * * Scarcelyhadtheycometothisdecisionwhena violenthurricanesweptthroughthegrovesandoverthe lakes.Blossomsandleaveswerewhirledawayinheaps; thebeingsthronedonthelotusflowerscoweredbefore thestormand,moaningpitifully,drewtheirfilmyrobes evercloserabouttheirtremblinglimbs. Butlikeonewho,allbutsuffocatedintheclose andperfumeladenatmosphereofaroom,breathesdeep andfeelsthemselvesrenewedwhenthefreshseabreezes,
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saltladenfromthefloodsoftheocean,blowinthrough theopenwindow,soitwaswithKmantaandVsitth whenabreathofthatabsolutepurity,whichtheyhad onceinhaledontheshoresoftheHeavenlyGang,came streamingnowtowardsthem. Doyounoticeanything?askedVsitth. AgreetingfromtheGang,saidKmanta.And listen,Shecalls Ashespoke,thewailingdeathsongofthegandharvas wassilencedbythesolemn,thunderingsounds thattheybothrememberedfromtheirjourneylongsince past. Goodthatwealreadyknowtheway!exulted Vsitth.Areyoustillafraid,myfriend? HowcouldIfear?Come! Andlikeapairofbirdsthatdashfromthenestand flyintotheteethofthewind,sotheyflewthencetowards theHeavenlyGang. Allstaredafterthem,amazedthattherewerestill beingstherewhohadthestrengthandcouragenecessary forflight. Butastheythusbreastedthestormtherearosea whirlwindbehindthemwhichlefteverythingbereftofleaf andlifealike,andmadeanendoftheslowlyfading domainofSukhavat. Soontheyhadreachedtheforestofpalmsand soonpassedoverit.Beforethemthesilveryexpanseof theStreamoftheUniversestretchedfarawaytotheblue blackborderoftheheavens. Theysweptoutoveritsfloods,andwereinstantly caughtinthecurrentofairprevailingthereandwere borneawaywiththeswiftnessofthetempest.Overpow eredbythespeedoftheirflightandbythefrightful crashingthatseemedlikethundermingledwiththering ingofamyriadbellstheirsensesfinallyforsookthem.
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 TheirmutuallifeofblissintheParadiseofthe Westthusdrewtoitsfinalcloseduringthistimetensof thousandsofyearshadpassedbyonearthbelow.

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INTHEKINGDOMOFTHE
HUNDREDTHOUSANDFOLDBRAHM

NDKMANTAANDVSITTHenteredagaininto

existenceinthekingdomoftheHundredthousandfold Brahmasthegodsofadoublestar. * * * Theluminousastralsubstancewithwhich Kmantassenseofbeingwasunited,envelopedsymmet ricallytheheavenlybodywhichwasbothanimatedbyhis strengthandguidedbyhiswill.Bytheexerciseofhiswill powerthestarrevolvedonitsownaxis;andthismotion washisownindividuallife,hisselflove. Further,KmantawasreflectedinVsitthslustre; andheinturnreflectedhers.Exchangingraystheycircled aroundacommonaxiswheretheirraysaccumulated.This pointwastheirmutuallove;thecirclingwasthereforetheir lovelife,andinthecourseofthistheyconstantlyreflected oneanotherandthatwasthejoyoftheirlove. Giftedwithsightoneveryside,eachwasableto look,atoneandthesamemoment,towardseverypointof unendingspace.Andeverywheretheysawcountlessstar godslikethemselves,theflashingofwhoseraysthey instantlycaughtandreturned.Ofthesetherewasfirsta numberwhoformedwiththemaseparategroup;next, othergroupswhichwiththeirownformedawhole
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galacticsystem;further,othersystemswhichformedthem selvesintochainsofsystems;andbeyondtheseyetother chains,andringsofchains,andspheresuponspheresof chainrings. AndKmantaandVsitthnowguidedtheirbinary starinharmoniousflightamongtheotherstarsanddouble starsoftheirgroupinagraceful,multidimensionaldance neithercomingtooneartotheirneighboursnoryet removingtotoogreatadistance.Allthetime,byacertain unspokensympathy,eachcommunicatedtooneanother theexactdirectionandcurvatureofmovement.Butatthe sametimeacommonconsciousnesswasformedwhich guidedtheirwholegroupintoharmonywiththemotionof allthegroupsoftheirsystem,thenagaininturnjoinedin themotionofallothergroups. Andthisharmonicsympathywiththevastswaying rhythmicmotionofthestellarbodiesthisuniversaland unceasinginterchangeofmovementthiswastheir relationshiptotheuniverse,theirouterlife,theirall embracingandallpermeatinglovingactivity. However,thatwhichwasharmonyofmovement hereappearedtothegodsoftheair,whohadtheirpal acesbeneaththestargods,tobeaharmonyofsound.By participationinitsenjoyment,thegenerationsofgan dharvasinthefieldsofParadiseimitatedtheseharmonies intheirjoyousmelodies. Andbecauseaweakandfaroffechoofthese harmoniespiercestoourearthsoweakthatitcanonly becaughtbythespiritualearsoftheilluminatithe seerstalkmysteriouslyoftheharmonyofthespheres,and thegreatmastersofmusicreproducewhatthey,intheir ecstasy,haveoverheard;andthismusicisthegreatest delightofthehumanfamily.Butjustastherealityoflifeis toitseverdimmergrowingreflection,sotooisthejoyin existenceofthegodsofthestarstotheraptureofhuman
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beingsovernotesandchordsandmelodies.Forthejoyof lifeforthebrahmgodsissimplytheirimmeasurablejoy inexisting. * * * Allthesemovements,however,thesevastround elaysofworldsystems,hadfortheircentreasingleobject theHundredthousandfoldBrahmthronedinthe midstoftheuniverse:TheOnewhoseimmeasurable brightnesspermeatedallthegodsofthestars,andto whomtheyinturnflashedbackthatradiance,likeso manymirrorsofthatsplendour:TheOnewhoseinexhaus tiblestrength,likeaneverfailingspring,impartedlifeand motiontoallofthemandinwhom,inturn,alltheir motionwascentred.Andthiswastheirbeing,filledwith allthefullnessofthebrahm,theircommunionwiththe HighestGod,theirblessdness,theirdevotion,theirbliss. * * * TheyhadinBrahmthecentralpointaboutwhich everythingelsewascollected,yetthisbrahmworld, thoughboundless,wasalso,inasenselimited.Asthe prescienteyeofhumanitydiscoveredazodiacinthe domeofheaven,eveninfardistantages,sotoothegods ofthestarssawuntoldzodiacsdescribedinandaround oneanotherweavingpicturesthroughoutthespheres, picturesinwhichthemostdistantgroupsofstarsresolved themselvesintoluminousfiguresnowintertwinedso thatonestarshoneasaninherentpartofseveralpictures, thenagainflashinginlonelyexclusiveness.Objectsap pearedthere:astralformsofallthebeingsthatliveand moveonthescatteredworlds;orbetweenthese,abiding picturesoftheoriginalformsofallthat,wrappingitselfin
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thefourgreatelementsearth,water,fireandwind ceaselesslycomesintobeingandpassesawayinthe changefulriveroflife. Andthisbeholdingoftheoriginalformswastheir knowledgeoftheworlds. Butbecause,beingallseeing,theywereableto seethatwithouthavingtolookawayfromthiswithout eventheflutterofaneyelidtheywereabletobeholdat oneglancetheunityofGodandthemultiplicityofworlds andlivingbeingstheknowledgeofGodandthe knowledgeoftheworldsthusbecameforthemoneand thesamething. If,however,humanbeingsturntheirgazeupon thedivineunity,themanyformsofthechanginguniverse escapethem;and,ontheotherhand,whentheylook upontheseforms,theycannolongerholdinviewthe unityofGod.Thedivineones,however,sawcentreand circleatoneandthesamemoment.Forthatreasontheir knowledgewasaunifiedknowledge,neverunstableand apreytonodoubt. Throughoutthiswholeluminousbrahmworld timenowflowedonsilentlyandimperceptibly.Asthereis nottheleastmovementtobeperceivedinaperfectlyclear streamwhichglidesquietlyandsmoothlyalong,and whosewatersareneitherobstructednorbrokenbyany resistance,soherethepassageoftimewasjustasimper ceptible,becauseitexperiencednoresistancefromthe riseorfallofthoughtandfeeling. Thisimperceptiblepassageoftimewastheir eternity.Andthiseternitywasadelusion.Soalsowasall thatitembracedtheirknowledge,theirgodliness,their joyinexistence,theirworldlife,andtheirownindividual lifeallwassteepedindelusionallwasoverlaidwith thecolourofdelusion.

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THEDUSKOFTHEWORLDS T

HERECAMEADAYwhenafeelingofdiscomfort,

theconsciousnessofavoid,aroseinKmanta. * * * AndinvoluntarilyhisthoughtsturnedtotheHun dredthousandfoldBrahmasthesourceofallfullness. Butthefeelingoflackwasnotremovedbythat.Onthe contrary,itincreasedalmostperceptiblywiththepassing oftheyears,fromonedecadeofthousandstoanother. Forfromthatnewlyarisenfeelingthetranquil streamoftime,whichhadhithertoflowedimperceptibly by,encounteredresistanceasfromanislandsuddenly riseninitsmidst,onwhoserockycliffsitbegantobreak infoamasitflowedpast.Andatoncetherearoseabe foreandanaftertherapids. AnditseemedtoKmantaasthoughtheHundred thousandfoldBrahmdidnotnowshinequiteasbrightly asformerly. AfterhehadobservedtheBrahm,however,for fivemillionsofyears,itseemedtoKmantaasthoughhe hadnowobservedhimforalongtimewithoutreaching anycertainty. AndheturnedhisattentiontoVsitth. Uponwhichhebecameawarethatshealsowas
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observingtheBrahmattentively. Whichfilledhimwithdismay;withdismaycame feeling;withfeelingcamethought;withthought,the speechforitsutterance. Andhespoke: Vsitth,doyoualsoseeit?Whatishappeningto theHundredthousandfoldBrahm? Afterahundredthousandyears,Vsitthanswered: WhatishappeningtotheHundredthousandfold Brahmisthathisbrightnessisdiminishing. Itseemssotomealso,saidKmanta,afterthe passageofasimilarperiodoftime.True,thatcanonlybe apassingphenomenon.AndyetImustconfessthatIam astonishedatthepossibilityofanychangewhatsoeverin theHundredthousandfoldBrahm. Afteraconsiderabletimeafterseveralmillions ofyearsKmantaspokeagain: IdonotknowifIamnotperhapsdazzledbythe light.Doyou,Vsitth,noticethatthebrightnessofthe HundredthousandfoldBrahmisincreasingagain? Afterfivehundredthousandyears,Vsitthans wered:ThebrightnessoftheHundredthousandfold Brahmdoesnotincrease,butsteadilydecreases. Asapieceofironthat,takenwhitehotfromthe blacksmithsfire,verysoonafterbecomesredhot,sothe brightnessoftheHundredthousandfoldBrahmhadnow takenonaredshimmer. Iwonderwhatthatmaysignify... Thatsignifies,myfriend,thatthebrightnessofthe HundredthousandfoldBrahmisintheprocessofbeing extinguished. Impossible,Vsitth,impossible!Whatwouldthen becomeofallthebrightnessandthesplendourofthis wholebrahmworld? HehadthatinmindwhenHesaid:
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Upwardtoheavenssublimestlight,lifepresses thendecays. Know,thatthefuturewillevenquenchtheglowof Brahmsrays. Aftertheshortspaceofbutafewthousandyears cameKmantasanxiousandbreathlessquestion: Whoeverutteredthatterribleworldcrushing sentence? WhootherthanHe,theMaster,theKnowerofthe Worlds,theBlessdOnetheBuddha. ThenKmantabecamethoughtful.Foraconsider ablelengthoftimehepondereduponthesewords,and recalledmanythings.Thenhespoke: Oncealready,Vsitth,inSukhavat,inthePara diseoftheWest,yourepeatedasayingoftheBuddha whichwasfulfilledbeforeoureyes.AndIrememberthat youthenfaithfullyreportedtomeawholediscourseof theMastersinwhichthatsayingoccurred.Thisworld crushingutterancewasnot,however,containedinit.So haveyouthen,Vsitth,heardyetotherwordsofthe Master? Many,myfriend,forIsawhimdailyformorethan halfayear;yes,Ievenheardthelastwordsheuttered. Kmantagazeduponherwithwonderandrever ence.Thenhesaid: Then,becauseofthat,Ibelieveyoumustbethe wisestbeinginthewholebrahmworld.Forallthese stargodsroundaboutusareaghast;theyshinewitha waveringlight;theyflickerandblinkandeventheHun dredthousandfoldBrahmhimselfhasbecomerestless, andfromhisdulledradiancefromtimetotimetheredart forthwhatseemtometobeflashesofanger.Butyougive asteadylightlikealampinashelteredspot.Anditisalso asignofdisturbancethatthemovementoftheseheavenly bodieshasnowbecomeaudiblewenowhearonall
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sidesthethunderingcrashesandmightygroanswhichare proceedingfromthisbrahmworld,likethedistantringing ofgreatbellswhichoncereachedusontheshoresof theHeavenlyGang,farfromhereinParadise.Thisall indicatesthattheharmonyofmotionisdisturbed,thatdis unionandseparationoftheworldforcesistakingplace. ForithasbeenwellsaidthatWherewantis,there noiseis;butabundanceistranquil.AndsoIdonotdoubt thatyouareright. Please,belovdVsitth,whileroundaboutusthis brahmworldexpiresandbecomesapreytodestruction, relatetomeyourmemoriesoftheBuddha,sothatImay becomeascalmandbrightasyouare.Tellmeallofyour lasthumanlife,foritmaywellbethatweareunitedfor thelasttimeinaplacewhereitwillbepossibleforspirit tocommunewithspiritandtellofthingsthathavehap penedanditstillremainsamysteryhowAngulimla appearedinUjjen,althoughhisbecomingamonkhas beenfullyexplainedtome.Buthisappearanceatthattime gavetheimpulseformygoingforthintothehomelesslife, andwasthereasonwhyIdidnottaketodownwardpaths butinsteadroseagainintheParadiseoftheWestthere toclimbbyyourhelptothishighestofheavens,where throughoutimmeasurableageswehaveenjoyedthelives ofgods.Ihaveanidea,however,thattheimpulsewhich ledtomybecomingaseekercamefromyou.Iwouldlike tolearnthetruthaboutthis;butalso,andbeforeevery thingelse,howdiditcomeaboutthatyou,formybenefit, enteredagainintoexistenceintheParadiseoftheWest andnotinsomefarhigherplaceofbliss? * * * Andwhilefromonehundredthousandyearsto another,thegrowingdimnessofthebrahmlightbecame
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evermoreapparentandthegodsofthestarsgrewever paler; Whiletheseflickeredandsplutteredwithmoreand moreirregularity,andfromthedullergrowingcircleoffire aroundtheGreatBrahmvastfingersofflameshotforth andswepthitherandthitherthroughoutthewholeof space,asiftheGodwithahundredgiantarmswereseek ingtheinvisiblefoewhowasbesettinghim; While,owingtothedisturbedmovementsofthe heavenlybodies,stellarwhirlwindsarosewhichrent wholesystemsofsunsoutofthekingdomoftheBrahm andintotheirplacesrushedwavesofdarknessfromthe mightyvoid,astheseadashesinwhereashiphassprung aleak; Andwhile,atotherpoints,systemscrashedinto oneanotherandauniversalconflagrationbrokeout,with explosionswhichhurledsheavesofshootingstarsdown intothefierythroatoftheBrahm; Whilethedeathrattleofthemusicofthespheres washeardandfeltallaroundandthethunderofthe harmoniesastheybrokedownandcrashedintoone anotherrolledandreechoedwitheverincreasingfearful nessfromonequarteroftheheavenstoanother Vsitth,untroubled,andspeakinginmeasuredtones, relatedtoKmantathelastofherearthlyexperiences.

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INTHEGROVEOFKRISHNA A
FTERTHATFIRSTEVENINGIneglectedno opportunitytovisittheKrishnagrove,andtobecome moredeeplyimmersedintheTeachingsthroughthe wordsoftheMasteroroneofhisgreatdisciples. * * * Duringtheabsenceofmyhusbandthefearofthe citizensofKosambgrewfromdaytoday,becauseofthe robberAngulimla.Fantasywasstirredfortheveryreason thatnothingwasheardoffreshdeedsofhis.Arumour wasspreadthatAngulimlaintendedtofalluponthe Krishnagroveoneeveningandcarryoffthecitizens assembledthere,andnotonlythesebuteventheBuddha himself.Thatraisedthealreadyexcitedpopularfeeling almosttothepointoftumult.Peopledeclaredthatifharm shouldcometotheMasterfromsuchvillainousrobber bandsatthegatesofKosamb,thentheangerofthegods wouldsurelybevisiteduponthewholetown. Enormouscrowdsofpeoplesweptthroughthe streetsand,collectinginfrontoftheroyalpalace,de mandedthreateninglythatKingUdenashouldavertthis calamityandrenderAngulimlaincapableoffurther mischief. OnthefollowingdayStgirareturned.Heatonce overwhelmedmewithpraiseformygoodadviceforhe
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attributedhishavingcomesafelyhomesolelytothis. Vajir,hissecondwife,whocameouttowelcomehim withherlittlesononherarm,wasdealtwithverysum marily:HehadMattersofImportancetotalkoverwith LadyVsitth. Whenwewerealoneagain,tomyunspeakable discomfort,hestraightawaybegantotalkofhislove,of howhehadmissedmeonthewayandwithwhatjoyhe hadlookedforwardtothishourofreunion. Iwasonthepointoftellinghimaboutthetroubles inthetown,inordertochangethecurrentofhisthoughts, whentheservantsannouncedtheChamberlain,whohad cometosummonStgiratoKingUdena. Afteraboutanhourhereturnedanotherbeing. Paleandwithadeeplyperturbedexpressiononhisface, hecameintome,flunghimselfdownonalowseatand exclaimedthathewasthemostwretchedmaninthe worldafallengreatone,soontobeabeggar,maybe evenexposedtoimprisonmentorexileandthatthe causeofallhismisfortunewashisboundlessloveforme, whichIdidntevenreturn.AfterIhadrepeatedlyurged himtotellmewhathadhappened,hecalmedhimself sufficientlytogivemeanaccountofwhathadtakenplace inthepalace,accompanyingtherecitalwithmanyout burstsofsobbingdespairandceaselesslymoppinghis foreheadfromwhichthesweatdropsrantricklingdown. TheKinghadreceivedhimveryungraciouslyand, withoutdesiringtohearanythingofthevillagequarrel whichhehadsettled,hadorderedhimwiththreatsto acknowledgethewholetruthaboutAngulimla,which Stgirawasnowobligedtoconfesstomealso,without havingthesmallestideathatIwasalreadysowellin formedonthesubject. Tomydisgusthesawinhisdeceitonlyaproofof hisboundlessloveforme,andspokeofmyloveforyou
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lightly,asofafoolishyouthfulsentimentalitywhich would,inanycase,haveassuredlyledtonothing. ThematterhadcometotheKingsearsinthe followingway. DuringStgirasabsence,thepolicehadsuc ceededintrackingdownAngulimlasaccomplicewho had,inthecourseofasevereinterrogation,giventhe assurancethattherobberinquestionreallywasAnguli mlahimself,thatthelatterhadnotdiedundertortureas theMinisterhadalwaysasserted,buthadescaped;hehad alsoconfessedAngulimlasintendedattackuponthe Krishnagrove.HisMajestywasnaturallyincensedtothe highestdegree:firstatStgirashavingallowedthe demonicrobbertoescape,andthenathishavingcheated thewholeofKosamb,togetherwithitsKing,withthe falseheadhehadsetup.Hewouldntlistentoanywords ofdefence,orevenofexcuse:IfStgiradidntrender Angulimlaincapableoffurthermischiefwithinthreedays asthepeoplesostormilydemandedthenallthe consequencesoftheRoyalDispleasurewouldbevisited uponhimwiththeutmostrigour. AfterStgirahadrelatedthewholetale,hethrew himselfweepingupontheseat,torehishairandbehaved likeonedistraught. Becomforted,myhusband,Isaid,followmy counsel,andnotinthreedaysbutbeforethisverydayis over,youshallagainbeinpossessionoftheRoyalFavour; yes,andnotonlythat,butitshallshineuponyoueven morebrightlythanbefore. Stgirasatupandlookedatmeasonemightgaze uponsomebizarrefreakofnature.Andwhat,then,isthis counselofyours? ReturntotheKingandpersuadehimtotake himselftotheSimsapwoodbeyondthecitygates.There lethimseektheLordBuddhaattheancienttempleand
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askcounselfromhim.Therestwillfollowofitself. Youareawisewoman,saidStgira.Inany case,yourcounselisverygood,fortheBuddhaissaidto bethewisestofallmen.Althoughitcanhardlyhavesuch goodresultsformeasyouimagine,Ishallnevertheless maketheattempt. Fortheresults,Ireplied,Ishallanswerwithmy honour. Ibelieveyou,Vsitth!heexclaimed,springing upandseizingmyhand.Howisitpossiblenottobelieve you?ByIndra!Youareawonderfulwoman;andInow seehowlittleIwasmistakenwhen,inmystillinexperi encedyouthasthoughobeyingsomeprofoundinstinct,I choseyoualonefromamidtherichgardenofKosambs maidensanddidnotallowmyselftobedivertedfrommy lovebyyourcoldness. Theheatwithwhichhepouredforthhispraise causedmealmosttovomitandtorepentthatIhadgiven himsuchhelpfuladvice;buthisverynextwordsbrought reliefwiththemforhenowspokeofhisgratitude,which wouldbeinexhaustiblenomatterwhatproofIshouldput itto. Ihavebutasinglepetitiontomake,thegranting ofwhichwilltestifysufficientlytoyourgratitude. Nameittomeatonce,hecried,andifyou shouldevendemandthatIsendVajirwithhersonback toherparents,Ishalldosowithouthesitation. Myrequestisajust,notanunjust,one.Ishall onlyprofferit,however,whenmycounselhasproved itselftobereliabletothefullestdegree.Buthurrynowto thepalaceandwinHisMajestyovertopaythisvisit. Hereturnedfairlysoon,delightedthathehad succeededinprevailingupontheKingtoundertakethe expedition. NotuntilKingUdenaheardthattheadvicecame
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fromyou,andthatyouhadvouchedforitssuccesswith yourhonour,didheconsent;forhealsothinksgreat thingsofyou.Oh,howproudIamofsuchawife! Theseandsimilarspeechesofhis,ofwhichinhis confidentmoodtherewasnolack,weredisgustingand painfultome;andtheywouldhavebeenstillmorepain fulifIhadnot,throughoutthewholematter,hadmyown secretthoughtstobuoymeup. Wetookourselvesatoncetothepalace,where alreadypreparationswerebeingmadeforthestart. * * * Assoonasthesunsrayshadsoftenedtheirinten sity,KingUdenamountedhisstateelephant,theceleb ratedBhaddavatik,whowasonlyusedonthemost importantofoccasionsbecauseshewasnowveryold. We,theChamberlain,theLordoftheTreasuryandother highdignitariescamebehindincarriages;twohundred horsemenwereinthevanguardandthesamenumber broughtuptherearoftheprocession. AttheentrancetothewoodtheKingcaused Bhaddavatiktokneeldownandhedismounted;the othersofusleftthecarriagesandfollowedinhistrainon foottotheKrishnatemple;theretheBuddhaawaitedus surroundedbyhisdisciples,ashealreadyknewofthe approachingroyalvisit. TheKinggavetheMasterareverentialgreeting and,steppingtooneside,seatedhimselfdown.Whenwe othershadalsotakenourseats,theBlessdOneasked him:Whattroublesyou,nobleking?HastheKingof Benares,oroneofyourotherroyalneighbours,threat enedyourlandwithwar? TheKingofBenaresdoesnotthreatenmeVener ableSir,nordoesanyoneofmyotherroyalneighbours.
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ArobbernamedAngulimlalivesinmyland;heiscruel andbloodthirsty,giventomurderandviolencewithout mercyforanylivingthing.Hedecimatesvillages;the townsherendersheapsofsmokingruins;thelandsheturns todesertwastes.Heslayspeopleandthenhangstheirfin gersaroundhisneck.Andinthewickednessofhisheart hehasconceivedaplanoffallinguponthissacredgrove andofcarryingyouoff,Master,youandyourdisciples. Mypeoplemurmuropenlyatthethoughtofthisgreat danger,theythrongingreatcrowdsaroundmypalaceand demandthatIshouldmakeAngulimlaincapableoffur thermischief.ItisthisgraveconcernalonethatIhavein mindincomingtoseeyou,Lord. Butifyou,greatking,shouldseeAngulimlawith hairandbeardshaven,cladintherobesofthisSangha andforswearingtheactofmurder;nolongerarobber, contentwithonemealaday,modestinhisbehaviour, virtuousandaltogethernoble,whatwouldyouthendo withhim? Wewouldgreethimrespectfully,VenerableSir, riseinhispresenceandinvitehimtobeseated,wewould beghimtoacceptrobes,food,lodgingandmedicinefor possiblesickness,andwouldbestowuponhimprotec tion,shelteranddefence.ButLord,howcouldsuchan unrulyandmalignantwretchexperiencesuchachange towardsvirtue? NowthedreadAngulimlawassittingnotfarfrom theMaster.AndtheMasterextendedhisrightarmand pointedovertohim,sayingtoKingUdenaashedidso: Greatking,thisisAngulimla. Atthat,thefaceoftheKinggrewpalefromfear. Butgreaterbyfarwasthehorroronthefaceof Stgira.Hiseyeslookedasthoughtheywouldstartfrom theirsockets,hishairstoodonendandcoldsweat droppedfromhisforehead.
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Ohno!hecalledout.ThatisAngulimlaand I,idiotthatIam,havebetrayedmyKingintoputting himselfintohispower. AtthesametimeIcouldseeplainlythatheonly quiveredwithfearbecauseheimaginedhehimselftobe inthepowerofhisdeadlyenemy. Thisdemonicvillain,hewenton,hasdeceived usallhehascheatedtheMasterhimselfandalsomy alltoocredulouswifewho,likeallwomen,laystoomuch storebysuchtalesofconversion.Wehaveallwalkedinto thetrap! Andhisglancesjerkedhitherandthither,as thoughhecoulddiscernhalfadozenrobbersbehind everytree.Withstutteringvoiceandtremblinghandhe beggedtheKingtoseeksafetyforhispreciouspersonby fleeingimmediately. ThenIsteppedforwardandspoke:Calmyourself, husband,andrestrainyourcowardice!Iaminaposition toconvinceyou,andalsomynoblesovereign,thatno traphasbeenlaidhereandthatnodangerthreatens. AndInowrelatedhow,persuadedbyAngulimla, Ihadtogetherwithhimplannedanattackonthelifeof myhusband,andhowourplanwasfrustratedbythe transformationofmyallytothegood. WhenStgiraheardhownearhehadbeento death,hewasobligedtosupporthimselfonthearmofthe Chamberlain,inordernottosinktotheground. InowprostratedmyselfbeforetheKingand beggedhimtopardonmyhusbandasIhadpardoned him,sayingthat,ledawaybypassionhehadactedfool ishlyandyetinthewholematterhadassuredly,although quiteunconsciously,followedtheleadingofahigher powerthatintendedtobringtopassbeforeoureyesthis greatestofallwonders,sothatnow,insteadofarobber havingtobeexecuted,therobberhadcommittedhimself
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tothereligiouslife.AndwhentheKinghadgraciously consentedtobestowhisundiminishedfavouragainupon myhusband,IsaidtoStgira: Ihavekeptmypromise.Nowyoumustkeep yoursalsoandfulfilmyrequest,whichisthatImaybe permittedtoenterthesacredOrderoftheBuddha. WithamuteinclinationoftheheadStgiragave hisconsent.Hehad,ofcoursebynow,nootheroption. ButtheKing,whowasbynowquitereassured, approachedAngulimla,spokekindlyanddeferentiallyto himandgavehimtheassuranceofhisroyalprotection. ThenhewentagaintotheBuddha,bowedlowbefore him,andsaid:Wondrousitis,indeed,VenerableSir,how you,theTathgata,tametheuntameable.ForthisAnguli mlawhomwecouldnotovercomebyeitherpunishment orsword,himyouhaveovercomewithouteitherpunish mentorsword.Andthisthricesacredgrovewheresucha wonderfulthinghastranspiredshalltotheendoftime belongtotheSanghaoftheBlessdOne.Furthermore,I trusttheMasterwillgraciouslyallowmetoerectwithinits boundsbuildingsfortheshelterofthemonksandothers forthatofthenuns. Signifyinghisacceptancewithsilence,theMaster receivedtheroyalgift.TheKingthentookhisleaveand wentawaywithhisretinue. I,however,remainedbehindundertheprotection ofthesisterswhowerepresentand,theverynextday,I shavedmyheadandbecameabhikkhunamemberof theOrderofBuddhistNuns.

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~41~

THESIMPLECONTEMPLATION I
HADNOWBECOMEasisteroftheOrder;andI

tookmyselfintoKosambintheearlymorningofeach day,togetherwiththeothernuns,wrappedintheochre robeandwithmyalmsbowl.Therewewentfrom housetohouseuntilallthosewhowishedtogivehad donesoalthoughStgirawouldonlytoowillingly havesparedmethisdailyalmsround. * * * OnedayItookmystandatthedoorofhispalace becausetheoldestnunshadadvisedmetosubjectmyself tothistrialalso.AtthatmomentStgiraappearedinthe gateway;heavoidedme,however,withastartledglance andsorrowfullycoveredhisface.Immediatelythereafter thehousestewardcameouttomeweepingandbegged thathemightbeallowedtosendmeeverythingIneeded daily.ButIansweredhimthatitwasofmuchgreater valuetometoliveasasimplememberoftheSangha. WhenIreturnedfromthealmsroundandhad eatenwhathadbeengiventome,withwhichthequestion offoodwasthensettledforthewholeday,Iwouldbe instructedbyoneoftheelderbhikkhuns.IntheeveningI listened,inthegreatassembly,tothewordsoftheMaster orperhapstothoseofoneofthegreatdisciples,likeSri putraornanda.Afterthiswasover,however,itoften
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happenedthatonesistersoughtthecompanyofanother, sayingSister,theSimsapwoodisdelightful;glorious isthisclearmoonlitnight;thetreesareinfullbloomand divinefragrancesseemtobewaftedthroughtheair.Come awaythen,letusfindSisterSumedh.Sheisknowledgeable andsincere,atreasurehouseoftheDharma.Her eloquencewilllendadoubleglorytothisSimsapgrove. Andthereafterwewouldspendthegreaterpartofsucha nightineagerdiscussionofthespirituallife. Thislifeintheopenair,theconstantspiritual activity,thelivelyinterchangeofideas(asaresultofwhich therewasnotimeleftforsadbroodingoverpersonal sorrowsoridlereveries)andfinallytheelevatingand purifyingofmywholenaturebythepoweroftheDharma allthisstrengthenedbothbodyandmindmost marvellously.Anewandnoblerlifeopenedoutbeforeme andIenjoyedacalmandcheerfulhappinessofwhicha fewweeksearlierIcouldnothaveevendreamt. Whentherainyseasoncame,thebuildingsalready stoodpreparedforthesisters,witharoomyhallformedi tationandforcommonuse,andaseparatehutinthe forestforeachnun. Myformerhusbandandseveralotherrichcitizens whohadrelativesamongstthenunsinsisteduponfitting outtheseabodesofourswithmats,seatsandlowwooden bedssothatwewererichlyprovidedwitheverythingwe neededtomakelifereasonablycomfortable. ThisperiodofseclusionofthethreemonthRains Retreatpassedeasily,whatwiththeregularalternationof conversationonspiritualquestions,independentstudy, physicalworkaroundthemonasteryandmeditation. Towardstheeveningofeachday,however,wetook ourselvestothecommonhallofthemonkstolistentothe Master;orelseheoroneofhisgreatdisciplescameover toseeus.
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 * * * Theforestitselfwasverydeartotheheartofthe Masterso,whentherainshadceased,itsfreshnessof renewedyouthanditshundredfoldrichnessofleafand splendourofflowerinvitedustotransferthecalmofour solitarymeditationandourcommonmeetingstoitsmore openshelter.Atthistimeofnewbeginnings,however,we weremetbythesorrowfulnewsthattheMasterwasnow preparingtosetoutonajourneytotheeasternprovinces. Ofcoursewehadnotdaredtohopethathewould alwaysremaininKosamb.Wealsoknewhowfoolishit wastocomplainoftheinevitableandhowlittlewewould showourselvestobeworthyofthewayoftrainingifwe weretobeovercomebygrief.Soweturnedourstepsto thetempleofKrishnalateintheafternoononeday,to listenperhapsforthelasttimeinyearstothewordsofthe Buddha,andthentobidhimfarewell. Seatedatthetopofthesteps,theMasterspokeof thetransitorinessofallthatcomesintoexistence,ofthe dissolutionofeverythingthathasbeencompounded,of thefleetingnatureofallphenomena,oftheunrealityofall formswhatsoever.Andafterhehadshownthatnowhere inthisnorinanyotherworld,asfarasthedesireforexist encepropagatesitself,nowhereintimeorspace,istherea fixedspot,anabidingplaceofrefugetobefound,hegave utterancetothatsentencewhichyouwithjusticecalled worldcrushing,andwhichisnowverifyingitselfround aboutus Upwardtoheavenssublimestlight,lifepresses thendecays. Know,thatthefuturewillevenquenchtheglowof Brahmsrays. Wesistershadbeentoldbyoneofthebhikkhus thataftertheDharmatalkweweretogototheMaster,
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onebyone,inordertotakeleaveofhimandtoreceivea themeofcontemplationwhichwouldbeaspiritualguide tousinourfutureendeavours. AsIwasoneoftheyoungestinthetraining,andthere forepurposelykeptmyselfinthebackground,Isucceeded inbeingthelast.ForIgrudgedtoanyotherthatsheshould speaktotheMasterafterIdid,andIalsothoughtthatalonger andlesshastyinterviewwouldbemorepossibleifnoothers waitedtocomeafterme. AfterIhadkneltreverentlybeforehim,theBuddha lookedatmewithagazewhichfilledmybeingwithlight toitsinnermostdepths,andhesaid: Andtoyou,Vsitth,onthethresholdofthis ruinedsanctuaryoftheSixteenthousandonehundredfold BridegroomtoremembertheTathgatabyandto contemplateundertheleafyshadeofthisSimsapwood, ofwhichyoubothcarryaleafaswellasashadowinyour heartIofferyouthistoinvestigate:Wherethereis love,thereisalsosuffering. Isthatall?Ifoolishlyasked. All,andenough. Andwillitbepermittedtome,whenIhavefully understoodit,tomakeapilgrimagetotheTathgataand toreceiveanewsentence? Certainlyitwillbepermitted,ifyoustillfeelthe needofasking. HowshouldInotfeeltheneed?Areyounot, Master,ourrefuge? Seekrefugeinyourself,Vsitth;takerefugeinthe Dharma. Ishallcertainlydoso.But,Master,youarethe veryselfofthedisciples;youarethelivingDharma.And youhavesaid,Itwillbepermitted. Ifthewaydoesnottireyou. Nowaycantireme.
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Thewayislong,Vsitth.Thewayislongerthan youthinkfarlongerthanhumanimaginationisableto realise. Andifthewayleadsthroughathousandlivesand overathousandworlds,nowayshalltireme. Good,Vsitth.Farewellthenlookintoyour contemplationdeeplyanditwillrewardyou. AtthisinstanttheKing,followedbyalargeretinue, approachedtotakeleaveoftheMaster. Iwithdrewtotherearmostcircleofdiscipleswhere Iwasasomewhatinattentivespectatoroftherestofthe proceedingsofthatlastevening.ForIcannotdenythatI feltsomewhatdisappointedattheverysimplephrasethat theMasterhadgivenme.Hadnotseveralofthesisters receivedotherquiteweightyreflectionsfortheirspiritual benefit:one,asentencerelatingtoexistenceandits causes;another,relatingtononexistence;athird,tothe transitorinessofallphenomena?AndIthereforefeltIhad receivedsomekindofslight,whichgrievedmedeeply. WhenIhadreflectedfurtheruponthematter, however,thethoughtoccurredtomethattheMasterhad perhapsnoticedsomeselfconceitinmeandwishedto illumineitinthisway.AndIresolvedtobeonmyguard, inordernottoberetardedinmyspiritualgrowthbyvanity orinflatedselfesteem.SoonIwouldbeabletoclaim praiseforhavingmasteredmycontemplationandcould thenobtainanotherdirectlyfromthelipsoftheMaster. Fullofthisassurance,IsawtheBlessdOnedepart earlynextmorningwithmanydisciplesamongthese naturallywasnanda,whowaitedupontheMasterand wasalwayswithhim.Hehad,inhisgentleway,invariably treatedmewithsuchspecialfriendlinessthatIfeltIshould misshimandhischeeringglancegreatly,evenmorethan IshouldthewiseSriputra,whohelpedmeovermanya knottypointoftheTeachingbyhiskeenanalysisofallmy
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difficultiesandhisclearexplanations.NowIwouldbeleft tomyownresources. AssoonasIhadreturnedfrommyalmsroundand hadeatenmymeal,Isoughtoutastatelytreewhichstood inthemidstofalittleforestmeadowthetrueoriginalof thatmightytreefarremovedfromthebustleoflife,of whichitissaidthatpeoplemayprofitablysitbeneath, absorbedinreflectivemeditation. ThatInowdid,andbeganearnestlyuponmy sentence.WhenIreturnedtothemeetinghalltowards evening,Ibroughtwithme,astheresultofmydays work,afeelingofdissatisfactionwithmyselfandadim forebodingofwhatthesefewwordsmightreallycometo mean.ButwhenIreturnedtomyhutonthefollowing evening,atthecloseofmyperiodofmeditation,Ialready knewexactlywhattheMasterhadinmindwhenhegave methisphrasetoinvestigate. IhadcertainlybelievedIwasonthestraightpath toperfectpeace,andthatIhadleftmylovewithallits passionateemotionsfarbehindme.Thatincomparable Masterofthehumanheart,however,hadseenthatmy lovewasnotbyanymeansovercomethatonthe contrary,havingbeenoverawedbythemightyinfluence ofthenewlifeIwasleading,ithadsimplywithdrawninto theinnermostrecessesofmyheart,theretobideitstime. Andhisdesire,indirectingmyattentiontoit,wasthatI shouldinduceittocomeforthfromitslurkingplaceand soovercomeit.Anditcertainlydidcomeforth,andwith suchpowerthatIfoundmyselfatonceinthemidstof severe,distractingconflictsofheartandbecameawarethat minewouldbenoeasyvictory. Itistruethattheastonishinginformationthatmy lovedonehadnotbeenkilled,andinallprobabilitystill breathedtheairofthisearthwithme,wasnowmorethan halfayearold.Butwhenthatknowledgerosesosud
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denlywithinme,owingtotheapparitionontheterrace,it wasatonceinundatedbythestormywavesoffeelingit hadstirredupandallbutwentdowninitsownvortex. Passionatehate,longingsforrevengeandmalignant broodingssucceededoneanotherinaveritabledevils dance.ThencamethetransformationofAngulimla,the overwhelmingimpressionmadeuponmebytheBuddha, thenewlife,andthedawnofanotherandutterlyunsus pectedworldwhoseelementswerebornoftheapparent destructionofalltheelementsoftheold.Now,however, thefirstimpetuousonrushofthenewfeelingwasover, thegreatMasterofthissecretmagichaddisappearedfrom myview,andIsattherealone,mygazedirectedonlove onmylove.Againthatmarvellousrevelationrose clearlybeforemeandaboundlesslongingforthedistant lovedone,whostilldweltamongsttheliving,laidhold uponmyheart:Butdidhereallyyetabideamongstthe living?Anddidhelovemestill? Thefearfulanxietyanduncertaintyofsuchques tionsstimulatedmylongingyetfurtherand,being subduedbymylove,Icouldmakenoprogresswithmy contemplation.IthoughtonlyofLoveandneverreached Suffering,theOriginofSufferingandtheCessationof Suffering. Theseevermorehopelesssoulstrugglesofmine didnotremainhiddenfromtheothersistersandIheard, ofcourse,howtheyspokeofme:SisterVsitth,formerly thewifeoftheMinisterofState,whomeventhestern Sriputraoftenpraisedforherquickandsureapprehen sionofeventhemostdifficultpointsoftheTeaching,is nowunabletomasterhersentence,anditissosimple. Thatdiscouragedmeevenmore;shameand despairlaidholduponmyheartandatlastIfeltIcould bearthisstateofthingsnolonger.
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THESICKNUN A
TTHISTIMEoneofthebhikkhuscameoverto usonceaweekandexpoundedtheTeaching. * * * AftersometimeAngulimlasturncameIdid notgointothemeetinghallonthisoccasionbutremained lyinginmycell,andbeggedaneighbouringsistertosay tohim: VenerableSir,SisterVsitthliessickinherhut andcannotappearintheassembly.Willyou,afterthe meeting,gotoherandexpoundtheDharmaalso?AndI shouldaddthatthispretextofsicknesswasnotentirely untrue:theemotionaltormentswhichIhadbeenexperi encinghadalsotakentheirtollonmybodyandIwas regularlyfaintandfeverishduringtheseweeks. So,afterhistalktothenuns,thegoodAngulimla andacompanioncametomyhut,greetedmedeferen tiallyandsatdownbymybed. Youseehere,brother,Isaidthen,whatnoneof uswoulddesiretoseealovesicknunandyou yourselfarethecauseofmysickness,seeingthatitwas youthatrobbedmeoftheobjectofmylove.True,you havesincebroughtmetothisgreatphysicianwhoheals alllifesills,butnowevenhismarvellouspowerscannot helpme.Inhisgreatwisdomhehasrecognisedthisand
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 hasgivenmearemedytobringthefevertoacrisis,andso togetridoftheinsidiousgermofdiseaseatpresentinmy blood. Asaresult,then,youseemeatthismomentwitha feveroflongingragingwithin.SoIwishtoremindyouof apromiseyouoncemadetomeonthatnight,Imean, onwhichyousoughttoleadmeintocrime,theexecution ofwhichwasonlyfrustratedbytheinterventionofthe Master. AtthattimeyoupromisedtogotoUjjenand bringmecertainnewsofKmanta:whetherhestilllived, andhowhewas.Whattherobberoncepromised,thatI nowdemandfromthemonk.Formydesiretoknow whetherKmantalives,andhowhelives,issuchan overpoweringonethat,untilitisgratified,thereisno roominmyheartforanyotherthought,anyotherfeeling, anditisconsequentlyimpossibleformetotakeeventhe smalleststepfurtherforwardonthis,ourwaytoenlighten ment.Forthisreasonitbecomesyourdutytodothisfor me,andtoquietmyfeelingsbybringingmesomedefinite information. AfterIhadspokenthus,Angulimlarose,andsaid: Itwillbejustasyourequirefromme,SisterVsitth. AshespokeIwasunsureifhissenseofdutywas alsocolouredwithafeelingofcriticismformyself,andfor myweaknessofspirit.However,hebowedlowand, togetherwiththebhikkhuwhowashischaperone,heleft myhutanddisappearedintothedarknessoftheforest. Theyoungnunwhowasmynursecasthereyesto thefloorandfannedmeslowlyIlaybackinsilence, alonewithmythoughts,feelingthesweatofthenight uponmyskin. * * *
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Angulimlawentstraighttohishuttogethisalms bowlandinthatsamehourlefttheSimsapwood.People generallybelievedthathehadsimplygoneonapilgrim age,followingtheMaster.Ialoneknewthetruegoalof hisjourney. Thissteponcetaken,Ifeltmyselfgrowsomewhat calmer,althoughhauntedbyadoubtastowhetherI shouldnothavegivenhimsomegreetingormessagesfor mybelovd.Butitseemedtomeunfittingandprofaneto useamonkinsuchawayasagobetweenwhile,on theotherhand,hecouldperfectlywellgotoadistantcity andgiveanaccountofwhathehadseenthere.Itwould alsobesomethingquiteotherIsaidtomyselfwith secrethopeifhe,actingonhisownjudgementand withoutbeingcommissionedtodoso,shoulddecideto speakofmetomylovedone. IwillmyselfgotoUjjenandbringhimheresafe andsoundthesewordsresoundedeverinmyinner mostheart.Wouldthemonkbelikely,thentoredeemthe promiseoftherobber?Whynot,ifhehimselfwerecon vincedthatitwasnecessaryforbothofustoseeandto speakwithoneanother? Andwiththatcameanewthoughtfromwhich streamedanunexpectedrayofhopethatatfirstdazzled andthenbewilderedme:Ifmybelovdshouldreturn, whatwasthentohindermyleavingtheOrderandbecom inghiswife? Whenthisquestionaroseinmymindburning blushescoveredmyface,whichIinvoluntarilyhidinmy handsfromfearthatsomeonemightjustatthatmoment beobservingmeandknowmythoughts.Whatahateful misinterpretationsuchacourseofactionwouldbeex posedto!WoulditnotlookasthoughIhadregardedthe OrderoftheBuddhasimplyasabridgeoverwhichto passfromalovelessmarriagetooneofromantic
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fulfilment?Myactionwouldcertainlybeconstruedthus bymany.But,whenallwassaidanddone,whatcould thejudgementofothersmattertome?Andhowmuch bettertobeadevotedlaysisterwhostoodloyallybythe Sangha,thanasisteroftheOrderwhoseheartlingered elsewhere.Yes,evenifAngulimlaonlybroughtmethe informationthatmyKmantawasstillalive,andIcould gatherfromtheaccountoftheirmeetingthatmyloved onewasstilltruetomeinthefaithfulnessofhisheart, thenIwouldbeabletomakethejourneytoUjjen myself.AndIpicturedhowIwouldonemorning,with myshavenheadandmyrobes,standatthedoorofyour househowyouwouldfillmyalmsbowlwithyour ownhandsandinsodoingwouldrecognisemeand thenalltheindescribablejoyofhavingfoundone anotheragain. Tobesure,itwasalongjourneytoUjjen,andit wasnotseemlyforanuntotravelalone.ButIdidnot needtoseeklongforacompanion.Justatthistime Somadattacametoasadend. Hispassionforthefataldicehadgraduallyenslaved himand,aftergamblingawayallhiswealth,hehad drownedhimselfintheGang.Medin,deeplydistressed byherloss,nowenteredtheSanghatoo.Itwasperhaps notsomuchthereligiouslifeitselfthatdrewherirresist iblytothissacredgrove,astheneedshefelttobealways inmyneighbourhood;forherchildlikeheartclungwith touchingfidelitytome.AndsoIdidnotdoubtthatwhenI revealedmypurposetoher,shewouldgowithmeto Ujjenyes,ifneedbe,totheendoftheworld.Already hercompanywashelpinginmanywaystorousemy spirits;andI,byofferingcomfortingwords,softenedher genuinegriefforthelossofherhusband. AsthetimeapproachedwhenAngulimlasreturn mightbeexpected,Iwenteveryafternoontothesouth
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westedgeofthewoodandsatdownunderabeautiful treeonsomerisingground,fromwhichIcouldfollowtoa greatdistancewithmyeyetheroadhewouldbeobliged totake.Iimaginedhewouldreachthegoalofhisjourney towardsevening. Ikeptwatchthereforsomedaysinvain,butwas quitepreparedtowaitforawholemonth.Ontheeighth day,however,whenthesunwasalreadysolowthatIhad toshademyeyeswithmyhand,Ibecameawareofaform inthedistanceapproachingthewood. Ipresentlysawthegleamofagoldenrobeand,as thefigurepassedawoodcuttergoinghomeward,itwas easytoseethatitbelongedtoamanofunusualstature.It wasindeedAngulimlaalone.MyKmantahehadnot broughtwithhimsafeandsound;butwhatdidthat matter?Ifhecouldonlygivemetheassurancethatmy lovedonewasstillalive,thenIwouldmyselffindtheway tohim. Wemetinthecourtyardnearthegatewaytothe bhikkhunssection;othersisterswerepassingtoandfro andIwasembarrassedthattheymightdivinethereason forourmeeting. MyheartbeatviolentlywhenAngulimlafinally stoodbeforemeandgreetedmewithcourteousgrace. Kmantalivesinhisnativetowningreatopu lence,hesaid;Ihavemyselfseenandspokentohim. Andherelatedhowhehadonemorningarrivedat yourhouse,whichwasaveritablepalace;howyourwives hadgrosslyabusedhimandhowyouyourselfthencame outanddrovethembackinside,speakingtohimin friendlyandapologeticwords. Afterhehadrelatedeverythingexactlyjustas youknowithebowedbeforeme,threwhisrobeagain abouthisshouldersandturnedround,asthoughhe intendedtoproceedinthedirectionhehadcomefrom
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insteadofgoingintothemonkspartoftheforest.Much astonished,Iaskedwhetherhewerenotgoingtogoto thegreathall. Ihavenowfaithfullycarriedoutyourrequest, Sister,andthereisnolongeranythingtopreventmy makingmywaytotheeast,inthetracksoftheMaster towardsBenaresandRjagahawhereIhopetofindhim. Evenashespoke,thispowerfulmanstartedoff withhislongeasystridesalongtheedgeofthewood, withoutgrantinghimselfeventhesmallestrest. Igazedafterhimlong,andsawhowthesetting sunthrewhisshadowfarinfronttothecrestofthehillon thehorizonyes,toallappearancesevenfarther,as thoughhislongingoutranhiminitsvehemence,whileI remainedbehindlikeoneparalysed,withoutagoalformy longingtowhichIcouldsendevenoneprecioushope. Myheartwasdead,mydreamdispelled. ThesoberingasceticutteranceAcrowded, dustycornerisdomesticlifeechoedagainandagain throughmydesolateheart.OnthatsplendidTerraceofthe Sorrowless,undertheopen,starfilledandmoonlit heaven,mylovehadhaditshome. HowcouldI,fool,everhavethoughttosendit beggingtothatsluttishdomesticityinUjjentobewife andproblemnumberthreeinthatalreadytormented houseandinorderthatquarrelsomewomenmight attackitwiththeirinvective? Icrawledbacktomyhutwithdifficulty,tostretch myselfonasickbedagain.Thissuddenannihilationof myfeverishlyexcitedhopeswastoomuchformypowers ofresistance,alreadyweakenedbymonthsofinnerstrife. Withmatchlessselfsacrifice,Medinnownursedmeday andnight.Butassoonasmyspirit,buoyedupbyher tendercare,wasabletoraiseitselfabovethepainand inflammationofthefever,theplansIhadformedformy
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journeydevelopedinanotherdirection. Iwantedtomakemypilgrimage:nottotheplace whereIhadsentAngulimla,however,buttotheplace wherehenowjourneyed.Iwouldfollowinthefootsteps oftheMasteruntilIovertookhim.WasInotdonewithmy sentence?HadInotlearnedinthedeepestsensethat whenlovecomes,sufferingalsocomes? AndsoImight,Ithought,seektheBuddhaagain andgainnewlifefromthepoweroftheHolyOnein ordertobeabletopressfartherforwardtothehighest goal. IconfidedmyintentiontothegoodMedin,whoat onceadoptedtheunexpectedsuggestionwithwildenthu siasmandpainted,inherchildishfantasy,howsplendidit wouldbetoroamthroughexquisiteregions,freeasthe birdsoftheairwhenthemigratoryseasoncallsthemto otherandfardistantskies. Ofcourse,forthefirstthing,wewereobligedto waitpatientlyuntilIhadregainedsufficientstrength.And, justasthatwasaccomplishedtosomeextent,therainy seasonbeganandimposedforourpatienceastilllonger trial. InhislastdiscoursetheMasterhadspokenthus: Justaswheninthelastmonthoftherainyseason,at harvest,thesun,afterdispersingandbanishingthewater ladenclouds,goesupintotheskyandbyitsradiance frightensallthemistsawayfromtheatmosphereand blazesandshines,soalso,disciples,doesthismodeoflife shineforth,itbringsgoodinthepresentaswellasinthe future;itblazesandshines,andbyitsradianceitfrightens awaythefussingofcommonsamanasandbrahmins. AndwhenMotherNaturehadmadethispicturea realityroundaboutus,welefttheKrishnagroveatthe gatesofKosamband,turningourstepseastward,hurried towardsthatsunofalltheliving.
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THEPASSINGOFTHETATHGATA M
YLACKOFSTRENGTHdidnotallowusto

undertakelongdailyjourneysandmadeitnecessary sometimestotakeadayforrest,soittookusawhole monthtoreachVesli.WeknewthattheMasterhad madealengthystaythere,buthehadbeengonenow foraboutsixweeks. * * * Wehadlearnedashorttimebefore,inavillagein whichlivedmanyfaithfulfollowersoftheBlessdOne, thattheVenerablesSriputraandMoggallnahadpassed away.Thethoughtmovedmedeeplythatthesetwogreat disciplestheGeneralsoftheDharmaaswenamed themnolongerdweltonearth.Ofcourseweallknew wellthatthesegreatones,aseventheBuddhahimself, weremerelyhumanbeingsjustaswe,buttheideathat theycouldleaveushadneverbeenallowedtoariseinour minds.Sriputra,whohadsoofteninhisdeliberateway solveddifficultquestionsforme,hadpassedaway.He wasthedisciplemostliketheMasterinwisdom,andhe stood,asdidtheMaster,inhiseightiethyear.Wasit possiblethateventheBuddhahimselfcouldbeapproach ingtheendofhislifeonearth? Perhapstheuneasinesswhichwascausedbythis fearfannedsomesmoulderingremnantofmypastfever
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againintoablaze.Bethatasitmay,IarrivedinVeslisick andexhausted.Inthetowntherelivedarichwoman,a followeroftheBuddha,whomadeitherspecialcareto ministerineverypossiblewaytotheneedsofthemonks andnunspassingthrough.Whenshelearnedthatasick nunhadarrivedsheatoncesoughtmeout,brought Medinandmyselftoherhouse,andtendedmetherewith greatcare. Movedbyherkindness,Isoongaveexpressionto thefearthatwastroublingme,andaskedwhethershe thoughtitpossiblethattheMaster,whowasofthesame ageasSriputra,wouldalsosoonleaveus. Atthatsheburstintoafloodoftearsand,ina voicebrokenbysobs,exclaimed: Thenyoudontknowyet?Here,inVesli abouttwomonthsagotheMasterhimselfforetoldthat hewouldenterFinalNirvnainthreemonthstime.And justtothink!Ifonlynandahadpossessedunderstanding enoughandhadspokenattherightmoment,itwould neverhavetakenplaceandtheBuddhawouldhavelived ontotheendoftheon! Iaskedwhatthegoodnandahadhadtodowith it,andinwhatwayhehaddeservedsuchblame. Inthisway,answeredthewoman,onedaythe Masterwentwithnandaoutsideofthetown,tomeditate intheneighbourhoodoftheCplatemple.Inthecourse oftheirconversationtheMastertoldnandathatwhoso everhaddevelopedthespiritualpowerswithinhimselfto perfectioncould,ifhesodesired,remainalivethrougha wholeon.Oh,thatsimpletonnanda,thathedidntat once,evenwiththisplainhint,sayPleaseLord,remain alivethroughoutthisonfortheblessing,thewelfare andthehappinessofthemanyfolk!Hisheartmusthave beenpossessedbyMra,theEvilOne,seeingthatheonly profferedhisrequestwhenitwastoolate.
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Buthowcoulditbetoolate,Iasked,seeingthat theMasterisstillalive? Fortyfiveyearsago,whentheMasterhadawakened toBuddhahoodinUruvel,andwasenjoyingthepossession ofasacredcalmofspiritafterhissixyearsoffruitless asceticpractices,hesatinmeditationundertheNigrodha treeofthegoatherds,andthereMra,theEvilOne,drew neartohim,verymuchdisturbedonaccountofthedanger thatthreatenedhiskingdominthepersonofthe Buddha. Inthehopeofhinderingthespreadofthe Dharma,hesaid:Lord!ThetimehascomefortheBlessd OnetoenterintoFinalNirvna.ButtheBuddhaanswered EvilOne,IwillnotenterFinalNirvnauntilIhave monks,nunsandlaydiscipleswhoareaccomplished, trained,skilled,learned,knowersoftheDharma,correctly trainedandwalkinginthepathoftheDharma,whowill passonwhattheyhavelearnedfromtheirTeacher,teach it,declareit,establishit,expoundit,analyseitandmakeit clear;untiltheyshallbeablebymeansoftheDharmato refutefalseteachingsthathavearisen,andteachthe Dharmaofwondrouseffect.IshallonlyenterintoFinal Nirvna,EvilOne,whentheKingdomofTruthstandson firmfoundations:whenthisholylifehasbeensuccessfully establishedandflourishes,iswidespread,wellknownfar andwide,andwellproclaimedamongsthumanityevery where. ButaftertheMasterhadspokenthustonanda and,withouthiscomprehendingthehint,hehadgone awaythenMra,theEvilOne,approachedtheMaster andsaidtohimLord!Thetimehasatlastcomeforthe MastertoenterintoFinalNirvna.AllthattheMaster formerlyspokeofundertheNigrodhatreeofthegoat herdsatUruvel,asnecessaryforhisenteringFinal Nirvna,hasnowbeenfulfilled.TheKingdomofTruth
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restsonsurefoundations.ItrustthattheMasterwillnow enterintoFinalNirvna.ThentheBuddhaanswered Mra,theEvilOne,thus:Fearnot,EvilOne.The Tathgatasfinalpassingwillsoontakeplace.Three monthsfromnowtheTathgatawillenterintoFinal Nirvna.Atthesewordsthererolledgreatpealsofthun der,andtheearthtrembledandshookviolently,asyou willprobablyhavenoticed. Asamatteroffact,wehadfeltaslightearthquake inKosambaboutamonthbeforeIleftthesacredgrove, andthisInowtoldher. Yousee!exclaimedthewomanexcitedly,ithas beenfelteverywhere.Thewholeearthshookandthe drumsofthegodsemittedgroansastheBlessdOne waivedhisclaimtolongerlife.Ah!ifthatsimpleminded nandahadonlyunderstoodthehintsoplainlygivento him!Forwhen,wakenedbytheearthquakefromhisself absorption,hecamebacktotheMasterandbeggedthat hewouldconsenttoremainalivefortherestofthison, theMasterhadofcoursealreadygivenhiswordtoMra andhadrenouncedhisclaimtolongerlife. Icouldnolongerbeartoremainpatientlyunder herhospitableroofasIrealisedIhadtoreachtheBuddha beforeheshouldleaveus.Ithadalwaysbeenourone greatcomfort:thatwewereabletoturntohim,theinex haustibleSourceofTruth.Healonecouldsolveallthe doubtsofmytroubledheart;onlyhe,ofalltheworld,was abletorestoretomethepeacewhichIhadoncetasted. So,whentendayshadpassedandmystrength madetravellingpossibletosomeextent,westartedout. Mygoodhostessconsciencetroubledherforallowingme togofartherinmyweakcondition,soIcomfortedher withthepromisethatIwouldlayagreetingfromherat thefeetoftheMaster. Wenowcontinuedourjourneyinanorthwesterly
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direction,intheMastersfootsteps,whichwefoundthe morerecentthefartherwewereabletoadvance,aidedby theinformationgatheredfromplacetoplace. InAmbagmaitwassaidthathebeentherejust eightdaysearlier. IntheSlagroveofBhoganagaraweheardthathe hadlefttogotoPv,amerethreedaysbeforewearrived there. Intheheatoflatemorning,andverytired,we reachedthelatterplace. Thefirsthousethatattractedourattentionbelonged toacoppersmith,ascouldbeseenfromthegreat varietyofmetalwaresrangedalongthewall.Butnoblow ofahammerresoundedfromit;theoccupantsseemedto behavingaholidayandatthewellinthecourtyarddishes andplatterswerebeingwashedbytheservantsasthough amarriagehadjusttakenplace. Suddenlyalittlemaninfestivegarbcameforward andbeggedcourteouslytobeallowedtofillouralmsbowls. Ifyouhadcomeafewhoursearlier,headded, thenIshouldhavehadtwoadditionalwelcomeand honouredguests,foryourMaster,theBuddha,withhis monks,dinedwithmetoday. SotheMasterisstillhereinPv,then? Notanylonger,mosthonouredsister,answered thecoppersmith.ImmediatelyafterthemealtheBlessd Onewastakenwithaviolentillnessandseverepains, whichbroughthimneartofainting,sothatwewereall greatlyfrightened.Butheralliedfromtheattackand startedforKusinraboutanhourago. Iwouldhavepreferredtogoatonce,forwhatthe smithsaidaboutthisattackcausedmetoanticipatethe worst.Butitwasanecessitytostrengthenourselvesnot onlywithfood,butbyashortintervalofrestaswell.
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TheroadfromPvtoKusinrwasnotpossible tomiss.Itsoonledusawayfromthecultivatedfields, throughtigergrassandundergrowth,everdeeperintothe jungle.Wewadedthroughalittleriverandrefreshed ourselvessomewhatbybathing.Afterafewminutes pausewestartedonagain.Eveningwasapproaching, however,anditwaswithdifficultythatImanagedtodrag myselffarther. Medintriedtopersuademetospendthenighton alittlebitofrisinggroundunderatree:Therewasno suchgreathurry. ThisKusinris,Iexpect,notmuchmorethana village,andseemstobequiteburiedinthejungle.How couldyouimaginethattheMasterwoulddiehere?Surely hewillpassawaysometimehenceintheJetavanaat Svatthi,orineitheroneofthegreatmonasteriesat Rjagaha;butthelifeoftheMasterwillcertainlynotgo outinthiswilderness.WhohaseverheardofKusinr? ItmaybethatpeoplewillhearofKusinrfrom thisdayforward,Isaid,andwenton. Butmystrengthwassoonsoterriblyexhausted thatIwasforcedtobringmyselftoclimbthenearesttree lessheightinthehopeofbeingabletoseetheneighbour hoodofKusinrfromit.Ifwecouldntfindthevillagewe wouldbeobligedtospendthenightupthere,wherewe wouldbelessexposedtotheattacksofbeastsofpreyand snakes,andwouldalsobe,toacertainextent,immune fromsuchfeverproducingvapoursasseemtolurkinthe lowerreachesofthewildwood. Arrivingatthesummitwelookedinvainforsome signofhumandwellings.Inseeminglyendlesssuccession theslopesofthejunglerosebeforeus,likeacarpetthatis graduallybeingdrawnupward.Soon,however,talltrees
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emergedfromthelowundergrowthastheswathesofmist dissolvedthethickleafymassesofavirginforestrose domelikeoneaboveanother,andinadarkgladefoamed anunrulybrook,thesamestreaminwhosesilentlyflowing waterswehadbathedashorttimebefore. Thewholedaythrough,theairhadbeensultry andtheskyovercast.Here,however,weweremetbya freshbreezeandthelandscapegrewevercleareras thoughoneveilafteranotherwerebeingliftedbeforeour eyes. Hugewallsofrocktoweredskywardabovethe woods;andhigheryet,likearoofabovethemwerepiled greenmountaintopsforestcladpeakstheymusthave been,thoughtheylookedlikesomanymossycushions andeverhigher,untiltheyseemedtodisappearintothe heavensthemselves. Onesolitaryfarstretchingcloudofsoftredhue one,andoneonlyfloatedabove. Evenaswegazedatitthiscloudbegantoglow strangely.ItremindedmeofthepastwhenIhadseenmy fathertakeapieceofpurifiedgoldoutofthefurnacewith pincersand,aftercooling,layitonabackgroundoflight bluesilk,forsodidthisluminousairpicturenowshine forthinsharplydefinedsurfacesofburnishedgold.In between,vaporousstripsofbrightgreendeepenedand shotdownwardinfanshapedpatchesuntil,becoming graduallypaler,theyplungedintothecolourlessstratum ofairbeneath,asthoughdesirousofreachingtheverdure cladmountaintopsthatlaybelow.Everreddergrewthe goldensurfaces,evergreenertheshadows. Thatwasnocloud. TheHimalaya,whisperedMedin,overawedand deeplymovedasherhandtremblinglysoughtmyarm. Yes,thereitrosebeforeus:themountainofmoun tains,theplaceofeternalsnows,theabodeofthegods,
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therestingplaceoftheholyones!TheHimalayaeven inchildhoodthisnamehadfilledmewithfeelingsofdeep fearandreverence,withamysteriousprescienceofthe SublimeOne. HowoftenhadIheardinlegendsandtalesthe sentenceAndhebetookhimselftotheHimalayaand livedthelifeofanasceticthere.Thousandsuponthou sandshadclimbedthoseheightsseekersafterliber ationinordertoreacheternalhappinessamidthe lonelinessofthemountainsbymeansofprofoundauster itieseachwiththeirownspecialdelusion;andnowHe wasapproachingtheOneBeingamongthemfreefrom alldelusionsHewhosefootstepswewerefollowing now. AsIstoodthere,lostinthought,theluminous picturewassuddenlyextinguished,asthoughheavenhad finallyabsorbeditintoitself.Ifeltmyself,however,so wonderfullyanimatedandstrengthenedbythesightthatI nolongerthoughtofrest. * * * EveniftheMaster,IsaidtoMedin,weretogo toyondersummitinordertopassfromthatpeakintothe highestoftheregionsabove,Iwouldstillfollowand reachhim. And,fullofcourage,Iwalkedon.Wehadnot, however,beenhalfanhouronthewaywhensuddenly theundergrowthceasedandcultivatedlandlaybeforeus. Itwasalreadyquitedarkandthefullmoonroselargeand glowingabovethewoodwhichlayoppositewhenatlast wereachedKusinr. Itwasindeednotmuchmorethanasmallvillage oftheMallpeoplewithwallsandhousesbuiltofwattle anddaub.Myfirstimpressionwasthatadevastating
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sicknessmusthavedepopulatedthelittletownship.Atthe doorsofseveralhousestheresatanumberofoldandsick people,whoalllookedverysadandsomeofwhom wailedloudly. Weaskedthemwhathadhappened. Soon,alltoosoon,theMasterdies,theyex claimed,wringingtheirhands.Thisveryhour,thelightof theworldwillbeextinguished.TheMallshaveallgone totheSlagrovetoseeandworshiptheSublimeOne. For,shortlybeforesunset,theVenerablenandacame intoourtownandwenttothemarketwheretheMalls werehavingacouncilmeetingandsaidThisveryday, peopleofMall,beforethehourofmidnighttheBlessd OnewillenterFinalNirvna.Seethatyoudonotlater havetoreproachyourselves,sayingInourtowna Buddhapassedawayandwedidnottakeadvantageof theopportunitytoseehiminhislasthours.Uponwhich alloftheMalls,husbands,wivesandchildren,wentout totheSlagrove.Manyoftheagdandweakwerecarried byfriendsandfamilybuttherewerenotenoughpeopleto helpusall,thereforeweareobligedtoremainbehind hereandcannotpayrespectstotheMasterinhisfinal hours. Weimmediatelyhadthewayfromthetowntothe Slagrovepointedouttousbut,findingitalreadyfilled withcrowdsofreturningpeople,wepreferredtohurry acrossthefields,towardsacornerofthelittlewood. Aswereacheditwesawamonkleaningagainst thedoorpostofasmalllodging,weepingandlamenting. Deeplyaffected,Istoppedandatthatinstantheraisedhis facetowardsthesky.Thelightofthefullmoonfellupon hispainfilledlineaments,andIrecognisedthenoble nanda. ThenIhavearrivedtoolateohno!Isaidto myself,andfeltmystrengthleavingme.
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Justthen,however,Iheardrustlinginthebushes, andsawatallmonkstepforwardandlayhishandupon nandasshoulder. Brothernanda,theMastercallsforyou. SoIreallywastoseetheBuddhainhislastmoments afterall!Atoncemystrengthreturnedandrendered mecapableoffollowing. ThatinstantAngulimlaobservedandrecognised us.Readinghistroubledglance,Isaid:Havenofear, brother,thatweshalldisturbthelastmomentsofthe Tathgatabyloudweepingandemotionfilledcries.We havetakennorestonthewayfromVeslitohereinorder thatwemightseetheMasteronceagain.Donotrefuseus admissiontohim;wewillbestrong. Uponthishesignedtoustofollowthem. Wedidnothavefartogo.Inalittlegladeofthe foresttherewereperhapstwohundredmonkscollected, sittingsilentlyinsemicircles.IntheirmidstrosetwoSla treesonesplendidmassofwhiteblossoms,eventhough itwasnottheirfloweringseasonandbeneaththem, onabedofgoldenrobesspreadoutbetweenthetwotrunks, theTathgatarestedonhisrightsideinthelionsposture, hisheadsupportedonhisrightarm.Andtheblossoms rainedsoftlydownuponhim. BehindhimIsawinspiritthepinnaclesofthe Himalayarise,cladintheireternalsnows,illuminatedby thebrightmoonandyetveiledinthedarknessofnight, andIseemedtocatchagainthedreamlikeglimpseIhad justenjoyed,andtowhichIoweditthatInowstoodhere inthepresenceoftheBlessdOne.Andtheunearthly glowwhichhadcometomewithsuchagreetingacross thedistancesflashedtowardsmeagain,inspiritualglorifi cation,fromHisface.Justthesameasthosefloating cloudlikepeaks,theMasteralsoappearednottobelong tothisearthatall;andyethehad,likethem,climbedup
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fromthissameearthleveltothoseimmeasurablespiritual heightswhencehewasabouttodisappearfromthesight ofgodsandhumans. Hespokefirstofalltonanda,whonowstood beforehim: Iknowwell,nanda,thatyouwereweepingin lonelygriefandthatyourthoughtwasIamnotyet freefromdelusion;IhavenotyetreachedtheGoal,and theMasterisabouttoenterintoFinalNirvnahewho hashadsuchkindnessforme.Putsuchthoughtsfrom yourself,nandaneithercomplain,norlament.HaveI nottoldyoualready,nanda,thatallthingsthatare pleasantanddelightfularechangeable,subjecttosepara tionandbecomingother?Howisitpossible,nanda sincewhateverisborn,become,andcompoundedis subjecttodecayhowcoulditbethatitshouldnotpass away?Foralongtime,nanda,youhavebeeninthe Tathgataspresence,showinglovingkindnessinbody, speechandmind,withyourwholeheart,gladly,blessdly andwithoutguile.Youhavedonewell,nanda,makethe effort,andinashorttimeyouwillbefreefromdesire, fromselfishnessandfromdelusion. Asiftoshowthathewasnolongerallowinggrief toovercomehim,nanda,commandinghisvoicebysheer forceofwill,nowaskedwhatthedisciplesweretodo withtheMastersmortalremains. Dontletthattroubleyou,nanda,answeredthe Buddha.Therearewiseandfaithfuldisciplesamongthe warriornobles,amongthebrahminsandamongtheheads offamiliestheywillpaythelasthonourstothemortal remainsoftheTathgata.Youhavemoreimportantthings todo;thinkoftheImmortal,notofthemortal;speed forwards,dontlookback. Andashelethisglancewanderaroundthecircle andhelookedateachoneindividually,headded:
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Itmaybe,disciples,thatyourthoughtisThe worldhaslostitsMaster;wenolongerhaveaMaster.But youarenottothinkthis.TheDharmaandDiscipline whichIhavetaughtyou,thatwillbeyourMasterwhenI amgone.Thereforeclingtonoexternalsupport.Holdfast totheDharmaasyourisland,yoursupport.Beyourown light,beyourownisland. * * * HealsonoticedmethenandthelooktheAll CompassionateOneresteduponmewastenderandfull ofkindness,andIfeltmypilgrimagehadnotbeeninvain. Afterashorttimehespokeagain:Itmightper hapsbe,disciples,thatinsomeoneofyouadoubtarises withregardstotheBuddha,theDharma,theSangha,or aboutthepathorthepractice.Askfreely,disciples!Donot afterwardsfeelremorse,thinkingTheTeacherwas withus,facetoface,andwedidnotaskhim. Thushespoke,andgavetoeveryonetheoppor tunityofspeaking,butallremainedsilent. How,indeed,couldadoubthaveremainedinthe presenceofthedepartingMaster?Lyingthere,withthe gentlelightofthefullmoonflowingoverhimas thoughthedevasofheavenwerebestowingonhimafinal benediction;raineduponbythefallingblossomsas thoughtheywerethetearsofMotherEarthherself,be wailingthelossofhermostpreciouschild;inthemidstof therangeofdeepfeelingsofhisbandofdisciples,himself unmoved,quiet,cheerful;whodidnotfeelthatthisHoly Onehadforevercastoffalllimitations,hadovercomeall delusion? Weclearlysawbeforeustheserenityofwhatis calledTheVisibleNirvna,intheradiantfeaturesofthe departingBuddha.
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nanda,stirredtotheverydepthsofhisbeing, raisedhishandswithpalmstogether,andsaid:Howtruly wonderfulitis,Master,thatinthisassembly,thereisnot evenasingleoneinwhomadoubtexists. AndtheSublimeOneansweredhim:Youhave spokenoutofthefullnessofyourfaith,nanda.ButI knowindeedthatthereisnotasingledoubtinanyone here.Eventhemostbackwardinthisassemblyhasen teredthestreamofenlightenmentandwillcertainlyreach thefinalGoal. Asheutteredthisaffirmation,itassuredlyseemed toeachoneofusasthoughtheGatewaytotheTimeless wereopeninginexorablybeforeus. Onceagainthelipspartedthathadgiventothe worldthehighestthefinalTruth. Now,disciples,Ideclaretoyou: Vayadhammsankhr, Appamdenasampdetha Allcreatedthingsareofthenaturetopassaway mindfullyfareonwardstotheGoal. ThesewerethelastwordsoftheMaster.

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~44~

VSITTHSBEQUEST

NDTHEYWEREthelastIheardonearth. * * *

Mylifeforcewasexhausted;feverheldmysenses inathrall.LikefleetingdreampicturesIstillsawthe figuresroundaboutmeMedinsfaceoftennearto mine.Theneverythingbecamedark. Suddenly,itseemedasifacoolbathwereextin guishingmyburningfever.Ifeltasatravellerstandingon thebrinkofapondintheblazingsunmaywellimagine thelotusfeelswhen,whollysubmergedinthecoolwater ofthespring,itimbibesarefreshingdraughtthrough everyfibre.Atthesametimeitbecamelightoverhead,and Isawthereabovemeagreatfloatingredlotusflowerand overitsedgebentyourbelovdface.ThenIascended withouteffortandawokebesideyouintheParadiseofthe West. Andblessingsonyou,saidKmanta,that,ledby yourlove,youfollowedthatpath.WherewouldIbenow ifyouhadnotjoinedmethere?True,Idontknow whetherweshallbeabletoescapefromtheterrible wreckageoftheseruinedworldsnevertheless,you inspiremewithconfidenceforyouseemtobeaslittle disturbedbythesehorrorsasthesunbeambythestorm. Onewhohasseenthegreater,myfriend,isnot
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movedbytheless.Andthisthatthousandsuponthou sandsofworldsshouldpassawayisoftriflingsignifi cancecomparedwiththeenteringintoFinalNirvnaofa PerfectBuddha.Forallthisthatweseearoundusisonlya processofchange,andallthesebeingswillenteragain intoexistence.YonderHundredthousandfoldBrahm who,burningwithrage,resiststheinevitableandinall probabilityregardsevenusenviouslybecausewequietly continuetoshine,hewillreappearonsomelowerplane whilesomeotheraspiringspiritwillariseastheGreat Brahm.Allbeingswillappearwherethedeepestdesireof theirheartsandthetidesoftheirkarmaguidesthem.Onthe whole,however,everythingwillbeasitwasneither betternorworsebecauseitwillbecreated,asitwere, outofthesamematerial.ForthisreasonIcallthisavery smallmatter.And,forthesamereason,Iconsideritnot onlynotterrible,butactuallyamatterofrejoicingtolive throughthiswreckingofworlds.ForifthisBrahmworld wereeternal,therewouldbenothinghigher. Thenyouknowofsomethinghigherthanthis Brahmworld? ThisBrahmworld,asyousee,passesaway.But thereisthatwhichdoesnotpass,whichshallhavenoend andwhichhashadnobeginning.Thereis,saidthe Master,arealmwherethereisneitherearthnorwater, neitherlightnorair,neitherinfinitudeofspacenorinfini tudeofconsciousness,neitherperceptionnorthelackof perception;wherethereisneitherthisworldnoranother world,ormoonorsun;andthisIcallneitheracomingnor agoing,norastaying,neitheradyingnorabirth;ithasno basis,noevolutionandnosupport;itistheendofsuffer ing,theplaceofrest,theislandofpeace,theinvisible Nirvna. Helpme,sweetandholyone,inorderthatwe mayriseagaintogetherthere,inthelandofpeace!
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Thatweshallriseagainthere,theMasterhas said,cannottrulybesaidofthatrealm,andThatwe shallnotriseagainthere,thatisalsonottrue.Anyappel lationbywhichyoumakeanythingtangibleandcapable ofbeinggrasped,isuntrueinthisrespect. ButwhatisthevaluetomeofthatwhichIcannot grasp? Ratheraskisthatwhichcanbegrasped,worth stretchingoutoneshandfor? Oh,Vsitth,trulyIbelieveImusthavemurdered abrahminatsometime,orcommittedsomehorriblecrime thatpursuedmesocruellywithitsretributioninthatlittle streetinRjagaha.ForifIhadnotbeensosuddenlythrust outoflifethereIwouldhavesatattheMastersfeet,and wouldalsoassuredlyhavebeenpresent,asyouwere,at hisFinalNirvnaandnowIwouldbeasyouare. Vsitthwhilethoughtandperceptionarestill ours,pleasedojustonethingforloveofme:describethe BlessdOnetomeexactly,sothatImayseehiminspirit andtherebymaybeobtainwhatwasnotpossibleforme onearth.Thatwillsurelybringmesomepeace. Gladly,myfriend,sheanswered.Andshede scribedtohimtheappearanceoftheBuddha,featureby feature,notforgettingeventhesmallestdetail. Butinatoneofdeepdiscontentment,Kmanta said:Whatusearedescriptions!Allofwhatyousaynow couldjustaswellhavebeensaidofthatoldascetic,the oneItoldyouthatIspentthenightwithinthehallofthe potterinRjagaha,andwhoInowrealisewasnotquiteso foolishasIhadbelieved,forheindeedsaidmuchthat wastrue. Wellthen,Vsitth,donttellmeanythingmore, butvisualisetheTathgatauntilyouseehimaswhenyou sawhimfacetoface,anditmaybethatinconsequenceof ourspiritualfellowshipIshallthenshareyourvision.
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Gladly,myfriend. AndVsitthrecalledtheimageoftheMasterashe wasabouttoenterintoFinalNirvna. Doyouseehim,dearfriend? Notyet,Vsitth. Imustmakethismindpicturemoretangible, thoughtVsitth. Andshelookedaroundherintheimmeasurable spaceswheretheBrahmworldwasinprocessofbeing extinguished. Andjustaswhensomegreatmasterfounder,who hascompletedthemouldofthegloriousimageofagod andfindsthathehasntenoughmetaltofillit,looks aroundinhisfoundryandthrowsallthatliesaroundhim theretinyimagesofgods,figures,vases,andbowls,all hispossessions,theworkofhislifegladlyandheartily intothesmeltingfurnaceinorderthathemaybeableto makeaperfectcastofthisonegloriousdivineimage,so didVsitthlookaroundherselfinimmeasurablespace, andallthattherewasleftoverofthepalinglightand dissolvingformsofthisBrahmworldshedrewbyher spiritualforcetoherself,therebyemptyingthewholeof thecosmos.Shecastintothemouldofhermindpicture thiswholemassofastralmatter,thuscreatingacolossal andradiantimageoftheBuddha,justashewasaboutto enterintoFinalNirvna. Andwhenshesawthispictureoppositeherthere aroseinhernolongingandnosadness. EvenwhenthegreatandholyUpagupta,bythe magicartofMra,theEvilOne,sawtheformofthe BuddhalongaftertheBlessdOnehadpassedaway, evenhewassofilledwithlongingthatheflunghimself adoringatthefeetofthedeceptiveapparitionand,over comebygrief,wailedDamnthispitilesstransiency thatdissolvesevensuchgloriousforms.Forthatsplendid
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bodyoftheGreatandHolyOnebowedtothelawof changeandittoohasbecomeapreytodestruction. ButnotsoVsitth. Unmovedandselfpossessed,shelookeduponthe likenessasanartistuponherwork,fullofbutonethought torevealittoKmanta. NowIbegintoseeafigure,saidthelatter.Hold itfast,makeitshinemoreclearly. WhereuponVsitthagainlookedaroundherselfin space.Inthemidstofit,despitethefactthatthegreatentity hadexpired,therestillremainedtheluridandangryglow ofthegiantstaroftheHundredthousandfoldBrahm. AndVsitthrentbyherspiritualforcethespent astralbodyofthishighestdeityfromitsplaceandcastit intothemouldoftheBuddhalikeness,whichwasimme diatelyilluminatedandvivified,likeonewhohasenjoyed aninvigoratingdraught. NowIseeitmoredistinctly,saidKmanta. Andallbecamestill. ThenitseemedtoVsitthasthoughshehearda clearandgoldenvoice,butshewasunsureastowhether itemanatedfromtheimagebeforeherorfromthedepths ofherinnermostheart. Soyouarehere,Vsitth.Areyoufinishedwith yoursentence? Andasoneanswersinadream,sheresponded:I amfinishedwithit. Evenso,Vsitth.Andthelongwayhasnottired you?DoyoustillneedthehelpoftheTathgata? No,InolongerneedthehelpoftheTathgata. Evenso,Vsitth.Youhavesoughtrefugein yourself;anddoyourestinyourself,Vsitth? Ihavelearnedtoknowmyself.Asoneunfurlsthe sheafofleavesthatmakeupthetrunkofaplantainand onefindsbeneathitnosoundwoodfromwhichanything
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firmcanbemade,soIhavelearnedtoknowmyself:a bodyandamindofchangingformsinwhichthereis nothingeternal,nothingthatofferspermanence.Andso thisselfofmineisgivenupThisisnotme,thisdoes notbelongtome,thisisnotmyselfisthejudgementnow passeduponthequestion. Evenso,Vsitth.Sonowyouclingfirmlyonlyto theDharma? TheTeachinghasbroughtmetotheGoal.Asone crossingastreambymeansofaraft,neitherclingstothe raftwhenshehasreachedthefartherside,nordragsit alongwithher,soInolongerclingtotheDharmabutlet itgo. Evenso,Vsitth.Thus,clingingtonothing, attachedtonothing,youwillriseagaininthePlaceof Peace. Thatweshallriseagainthere,theTathgatahas said,isnottrueofthatplace,andThatweshallnotrise againthere,isalsonottrue.Andeventheteachingthat Neitherisittruetosaythatweshallriseagainnoryetto saythatweshallnotriseagaineventhisitselfisnot perfectlytrue.Nothingistrueanylongerand,leastof all,isnothingnesstrue.Thusthereisperfectunderstand ingatlast. Then,onthefaceoftheBuddhalikeness,there appearedaglowing,scarceperceptiblesmile. NowIamabletoseetheface,saidKmanta. LikeareflectioninflowingwaterIrecogniseitvaguely. Holditfaststeadyit,Vsitth. Vsitthlookedaroundherinspace. Spacewasempty. ThenVsitthflungherowncorporealsubstance intotheastralmassofthevision. AsKmantaobservedthatVsitthhadsuddenly disappeared,asearingwaveofgriefshookhimtothecore
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ofhisbeing.Hisheartfrozehissensesbecamestupefied andnumbbut,strangelyenough,soonthefeeling passed.For,asonewhoisdyingleavesalegacy,sohad VsitthlefttoKmantatheBuddhalikeness.Thisalone remainedwithhiminallofspace,andnowheclearly recognisedit... ThatoldwandererwithwhomIspentthenightin RjagahaandwhomIblamedforhisfoolishness,thatwas theBlessdOne!OhfoolthatIwas!Wasthereevera greateridiotthanI?!WhatIhavebeenlongingforasthe highesthappiness,asfulfilmentitself,thatIhavealready beeninpossessionofforbillionsandbillionsofyears. ThenthevisionoftheBuddhadrewnearlikean oncomingcloudandenvelopedhiminaradiantmist.

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NIGHTANDMORNINGINTHESPHERES A
SINABANQUETHALL,whenallthetorchesand lampsareextinguished,andonelittlelampisleft burningbeforeasacredpictureinacorner,so Kmantawasleftbehindalone,inuniversalnight. * * * Forjustashisbodywasenfoldedbytheastral substanceofthatBuddhalikeness,sohisbeingwas completelyabsorbedbytherecollectionoftheBuddhas presence;andthatwastheoilwhichfedtheflameofthis littlelamp. Thewholeconversationhehadhadwiththe MasterintheouterhallofthepottershouseinRjagaha roseupbeforehimfrombeginningtoend,sentenceby sentence,wordbyword.Butafterhehadgonequite throughit,hebeganagainatthebeginning.Andevery sentencewastohimlikeagatethatstoodattheheadof thewaytonewavenuesofthoughtwhich,intheirturn, ledtoothers.Andheexploredthemallwithmeasured steps,andtherewasnothingwhichremaineddarktohim. Andwhilehisspirit,insuchfashion,wovethe recollectionoftheBuddhaintoitsownfabricuntilitslast strandwasexhausted,hisbodyabsorbedevermoreofthe astralmatterwhichsurroundedit,untilwhatremainedat
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lastbecametransparent.Andthedarknessofuniversal nightbegantoappearasadelicatebluethatbecameever darker. * * * WhereuponKmantathought:Outtherereigns thevastdarknessofuniversalnight.Butatimewillcome whenmorningshalldawnandanewBrahmworldwill comeintoexistence.Ifmythoughtsandactsweretobe directedtowardsbecomingthenewHundredthousand foldBrahm,whowouldcallthenewworldintoexist ence,Idonotseewhocouldoutrivalme.Forwhileallthe beingsofthisBrahmworldhavesunkintohelplessness andnonexistence,Ialoneamhereatmypost,watchful, andinfullpossessionofmyfaculties.Yes,ifIsowishedI couldsummonallthosebeingsintolifeatthisinstantand beginthenewuniversalday.ButonethingIcannotdo IcanneveragaincallVsitthintobeing. Vsitthhasgone. Shehasgone,intothatpassingawaywhich leavesnoseedofexistencebehind;neitherGodnorBrahm, norMratheEvilOnecanfindher.Butwhatcanlifebetome withoutVsitth,whowasitsfairestanditsbest?Andwhat couldaBrahmexistencebetome,alifebeyondwhich oneisabletopass?Andwhytroublewiththetemporal, whenthereisanEternal? ThereisanEternalandawaytotheEternal. Anoldforestbrahminoncetaughtmethatround abouttheheartarespunahundredfinearteries,bymeans ofwhichtheconsciousnessisabletorangethroughoutthe wholebody;butthereis,however,onlyonewhichleads tothecrownoftheheadthatonebywhichthecon sciousnessleavesthebody.Sotoothereareahundred, yes,athousand,ahundredthousandwayswhichlead
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hereandthereinthisworld,throughmanyscenesof happinessandsuffering,bothwherethelifespanisoflong andwhereitisofshortduration,whereallisbeautifuland whereallismiserable,throughdivineandhumanworlds, throughanimalkingdomsandunderworlds.Butthereis onlyonewhichleadsabsolutelyoutofthisuniverse.That isthewaytotheEternal,thewaytotheuntraversedland. Iamnowonthatroad.Wellthen,Ishalltreadittoits end. Andhecontinuedtodwellonthethoughtofthe Buddha,andofthewaywhichleadstotheEndofall Suffering. Andeverdarkerbecametheblueofthediapha nousuniversalnight. * * * Butwhenitbegantogrowalmostblack,thenew Brahmflashedintoexistence,theHundredthousandfold Brahm,whoilluminesandpreservesahundredthousand worlds. AndtheBrahmsentforthajoyoussummonsto awaken: Sandhyas!Sandhyas!Sandhyas! Wakeup,allyoubeings!Allyouwhohaverested throughoutthewholeofcreationsnightinthelapof nothingness!Here,tome!FormthenewBrahmuniverse; enjoythenewworldday,eachoneinyourplace,each oneaccordingtoyourstrength! Andthebeingsandtheworldssprangforthfrom thedarknessofthevoid,starbystar,andthejubilant shoutsofahundredthousandvoicesandthesoundlike ahundredthousanddrumsandconchhornsranginthe answer: Hail!TheHundredthousandfoldBrahmwho
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callsustothenewuniverseandthenewday!Hailtous whoarecalledtosharethenewdaywithHim,andto reflectHisdivinegloryinbliss! WhenKmantasawandheardallthishewas filledwithdeepcompassion. Thesebeingsandtheseworlds,thesestellargods, andtheHundredthousandfoldBrahmhimselfshoutfor joytowelcometheuniversaldayrejoicingintheirown existence.Andwhy?Becausetheydonotunderstandit. Andthiscompassionofhisfortheworld,forthe gods,andfortheSupremeGod,vanquishedinKamanita thelastremnantofhisconceitandselfconcern. Buthenowconsidered: Duringthisnewdayalso,perfectBuddhasare certaintoappearwhowilldeclaretheUltimateTruth.And whenthesedeitiesIseearoundmenow,hearaboutthe possibilityoftheirliberationandrememberthatinthe earliestdawnoftheuniversaldaytheysawabeingwho wentaway,outoftheuniverse,thenthatmemorywillbe totheiradvantage.TheywillsaytothemselvesAlready onefromourmidstonewhowasapartofourselves hasprecededusonthatroad,andthatwillaidtheir enlightenment.SoIshallhelpallinhelpingmyself.Forin truthnoonecanhelpthemselveswithouthelpingall. Verysoon,someofthestellargodsbegantonotice thattherewasoneamongstthemwhodidnotshineever brighterliketheothers,butwho,onthecontrary,steadily diminishedinbrilliance. * * * Andtheycalledtohim: Ho,there,brother!TurnyourgazeupontheGreat HundredthousandfoldBrahm,thatwayyouwillrecover yourbrillianceandshinelikeus.Foryoualso,brother,are
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calledtotheblissofreflectingthegloryoftheSupreme God. Whenthegodscalledtohimthus,Kmanta neitherlookednorlistened.Andthegodswhosawhim groweverpalerweregreatlytroubledabouthim.And theyappealedtoMahBrahm. GreatBrahm,OurLightandPreserver,look uponthispoorbeingwhoistooweaktoshineaswedo, whosebrilliancecontinuallydecreasesanddoesnot increase!Oh,givehimyourblessdattention,illumine him,revivehim!Forsurelyyouhavealso calledhimtoreflectyourdivinegloryinbliss. AndtheGreatBrahm,fulloftendernessforall beings,turnedhisattentiontoKmantatorefreshand strengthenhim.ButKmantaslight,nevertheless,de creasedvisibly. ThentheGreatBrahmwasmoregrievedthatthis onebeingwouldnotallowhimselftobeilluminedbyhim anddidnotreflecthisglory,thanhewasgladthata hundredthousandsunnedthemselvesinhislightand hailedhimwithshoutsofjoy.Andhewithdrewalarge partofhisdivinelyilluminatingpowerfromtheuniverse powersufficienttosetathousandworldsonfireand hedirecteditonKmanta. ButKmantaslightcontinuedtopale,asthough drawingnearertocompletedisappearance. MahBrahmnowbecameapreytogreatanxiety. Thisonestarwithdrawsfrommyinfluenceso thenIamnotomnipotent.Idonotknowthewayheis going,soIamnotomniscient.Forheisnotexpiringasdo thebeingswhoexpireindeath,tobereborneachaccor dingtotheiractions;notastheworldsgooutinthebrahm night,onlytoshineforthagain.Whatlightillumineshis way,seeingthathedisdainsmine?Istherethenanother lightmoreradiantthanmine?Andaroadwhichleadsin
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theoppositedirectiontominearoadtountraversed lands?ShallImyself,perhaps,evertakethatroadthat pathtotheuntraversedland? Andnowthemindsofthestellargodsalsobecame filledwithgreatanxiety,greattrouble. ThisonewithdrawsfromthepoweroftheGreat Brahmsothen,istheGreatBrahmnotomnipotent? Whatlightcanbelightinghisway,seeingthathedisdains thatoftheGreatBrahm?Istherethenanotherlightmore splendidthanthatwhichwesoblissfullyreflect?Anda roadthatleadsintheoppositedirectiontooursaroad toanuntraversedland?Shallwe,perhaps,evertakethat roadtheroadtotheuntraversedland? ThentheHundredthousandfoldBrahmpondered Mymindismadeup.Ishallreabsorbmyilluminating power,nowdiffusedthroughoutspace,andshallplunge alltheseworldsagainintothedarknessofthebrahm night.AndwhenIhavegatheredmylightintoasingleray Ishallturnituponthatonebeinginordertorescuehim forthismybrahmworld. AndtheHundredthousandfoldBrahmnowre absorbedalltheilluminatingpowerwhichhehaddiffused throughoutspace,sothattheworldssankagainintothe darknessoftheBrahmnight.Andgatheringhislightinto asingleray,hedirecteditonKmanta. Henceforwardtheremustshineatthispoint,he willed,themostradiantstarinallmybrahmworld. ThentheHundredthousandfoldBrahmdrew backintohimselfthatraywhichhadilluminatingpower greatenoughtosetahundredthousandworldsonfire, andagainunleashedhisblazinglightthroughoutthe wholeofspace. Atthepoint,however,wherehehadhopedtosee themostradiantofallthestars,onlyalittle,slowlyfading sparkwastobeseen.
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Andwhileinimmeasurablespace,worldsupon worldsflashedandshoutedastheypressedforwardonce againintothenewbrahmday,thepilgrimKmantawent outoutofthesphereofknowledgeofgodsandhumans. Out,quiteasthelightofalampgoesoutwhenithas consumedthelastdropofoilinitswick. Kmantaspilgrimagewascomplete.

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 ~APPENDICES~

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PPENDIX1

~NOTES&REFERENCES~

ABBREVIATIONS: D: DghaNikya,TheLongDiscoursesoftheBuddha. M: MajjhimaNikya,TheMiddleLengthDiscoursesofthe Buddha. A: AnguttaraNikya,TheDiscoursesRelatedbyNumbers. S: SamyuttaNikya,TheDiscoursesRelatedbySubject. SN: SuttaNipta,AcollectionoftheBuddhasteachings,in verseform. Dhp: Dhammapada,AcollectionoftheBuddhasteachings, inverseform. Iti: Itivuttaka,SayingsoftheBuddha. Ud: Udna,InspiredUtterances. MV: Mahvagga,TheGreatChapter,fromthebooksof monasticdiscipline. CV: Clavagga,TheLesserChapter,fromthebooksof monasticdiscipline. Vib: Vibhangha,TheExposition,themainrulesofthe monasticdiscipline. Thig: Thergth,TheVersesoftheElderNuns. Thag:Theragth,TheVersesoftheElderMonks. Jat: Jtaka,TheStoriesoftheBuddhasPreviousBirths. Vsm: Visuddhimagga,ThePathofPurification,acommentarial compendium.

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 PLI&SANSKRITPHONETICSANDPRONUNCIATION SanskritisthewrittenlanguageoftheHinduscriptures andmanyofthetextsoftheNorthern(Mahyna)Buddhist tradition.PliistheoriginalscripturallanguageofSouthern (Theravdan)Buddhism;itwasaspokenlanguage,closely relatedtoSanskrit,withnowrittenscriptofitsown.Aswritten formshaveemergedforPli,theyhavealwaysbeeninthe letteringofanotherlanguage(e.g.Sanskrit,Sinhalese,Burmese, Thai,Roman).ThustheRomanletteringusedhereispronounced justasonewouldexpect,forbothlanguages,withthefollowing clarifications Vowelsareoftwotypes: Short Long aasinabout asinfather iasinchip asinmachine uasinput asintrue easinwhey oasinmore Consonantsaremostlyasonewouldexpect,withafew additionalrules: casinancient asincanyon vhalfwaybetweenanEnglishvandaw bh,ch,dh,gh,jh,kh,ph,th:thesetwoletteredcombinations withanhdenoteaconsonantwithanaspirated,airy sound,asdistinctfromthehard,crispsoundoftheconsonant onitsowne.g.thasinhothouse,phasinupholstery.

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CHAPTER1:THEBUDDHAREVISITSTHECITYOFTHEFIVEHILLS 1.Page1, ThushaveIheardManyofthemajordiscourses oftheBuddhabeginwiththewordsEvammesutamThushaveI heard.ThisderivesfromthetraditionthatalloftheBuddhas teachingswererecitedbytheVenerablenandaatagrand councilofEldersthreemonthsaftertheBuddhaspassingaway; nandahadbeenthepersonalattendantoftheBuddhaformany yearsandwasblessedwiththeabilityoftotalrecall.Theentire bodyoftheBuddhasteachingsisthuscastintheformofThis iswhatnandarememberedratherthanbeingpresentedasan absolutetruth. ThequotegivenhereisprobablyafictionofK.G.it doesnotexistassuchintheSouthern(Theravda)Buddhist scriptures:thePliCanon.Thedefinitivediscourseonthe Buddhaslastdays,theMahparinibbnaSutta,foundinthe collectionofLongDiscourses(DghaNikya),beginswiththe BuddhaalreadyinRjagaha.ItcouldbefromtheNorthern Buddhist(Mahyna)traditionhowever. 2.Page1, AstheMasterdrewneartotheCityoftheFive HillsRjagaha(TheRoyalCity)wasknownbytheabove epithetbecauseitwassurroundedbyfivegreathills:Pandava, Gijjhakta(VulturesPeak),Vebhra,IsigiliandVepullait wasthusalsocalledGiribbaja,TheMountainStronghold.

3.Page1, Hereandtherebillowingcloudsshowingthat farmworkersandoxenwereploddingwearilyhomeward Thistimeofday,earlyeveninganddusk,hasbeenknownsince ancienttimesinIndiaasgodhliklathehourofcowdust.

4.Page2, onthefinaljourneyfromSamsratoNirvna ThesetwotermsareextremelycommoninBuddhistcircles. Theformer(aswellasnowironicallybeingaperfumemarketed byGuerlain)meansendlesswanderingthebeginningless cyclesofbirthanddeath,rebirthandredeath.Itisthe entanglementoftheunawakenedheartintheworldofthebody, thought,emotionandthesenses,beingcontinuallybuffetedby gain&loss,success&failure,praise&criticism,happiness& unhappiness. 373

 Thelatter(aswellasbeingthenameofagrungerock bandfromSeattle)literallymeanscoolnessitreferstothe stateofunshakablepeaceandhappinessthatisrealisedbyany beingthatawakenstotheUltimateTruth,andwhohastranscended thehabitsofidentifyingwiththebody,thought,emotions, thesensesandtheworld.Morewillbesaidaboutthis mysteriousqualityasourstoryunfolds. 5.Page2, whilestillyoung,ablackhairedyoungman Thisdescriptionofleavingthehouseholdlifeisverycommon intheTheravdascriptures.Hereitisbeingquotedfromoneof severalplaceswheretheBuddhatalkedabouthisownspiritual quest,forexampleintheAriyapariyesanSutta(TheNoble Search)intheMiddleLengthDiscourses(MajjhimaNikya)at M26.14.

6.Page2, Andthere,undertheshadowofloftyVebhra Theincidentsreferredtointhesepassagesarerecountedinthe versesofthePabbajjSutta(TheDiscourseontheGoingForth); inthesuttaitself,however,heisdescribedasstayingonthehill ofPandava.Thepassageoccursinthecollectionofversesknown astheSuttaNiptaatSN405424.ElsewheretheBuddhadoes mentionstayingintheSatapanniCave,ontheslopesofVebhra (e.g.intheMahparinibbnaSutta,atD16.3.42,seeAppendix4) althoughthiswasonanoccasionmuchlaterinhislife.

7.Page3, sixlongyearsofselfinflictedmortification OneofthebestdescriptionsoftheBuddhasasceticpractices comesintheMahSaccakaSutta(TheGreaterDiscourseto Saccaka),atM36.1344. 8.Page3, ThedispensationoftheDharmahadbeen establishedonsurefoundationsWhatisportrayedhere arethecriteriathattheBuddhaestablished,shortlyafterhis enlightenment,forwhatheintendedtoachievebeforehepassed away.Thisstatementhadbeeninitiatedbythepropositionfrom MrawhosenamemeansdeathandwhoistheLordof Illusion,theLuciferofBuddhistmythologythatnowthatthe Buddhawasfullyenlightenedhemightaswelldieanddisappear, thattherewasnouseinhimstayingaroundintheworld,now 374

thathisworkwasdone.Theincidentisdescribedinthe MahparinibbnaSutta,atD16.3.78(seeAppendix4). ThewordDharmaisthefamiliarSanskritformofthe PliwordDhamma;bothcanmeaneithertruth,theBuddhas Teachingsorsimplyphenomena.K.G.usedbothPliand Sanskritquitefreelythroughoutthebook,butnoparticular significanceshouldbeattachedtowhichlanguageheschosen. Anotherpointworthnotinghereisthat,traditionally, theworddeathisneverusedinconnectionwiththeBuddha, onlythetermParinibbnaFinalorCompleteNirvna.This isbecause,asitissaidTheBuddhaisliberatedfrombeing reckonedintermsofmaterialform(thebody),feeling, perceptions,mentalformationsandconsciousness...Heis profound,immeasurable,unfathomableliketheocean,(M72.20). So,sincetheBuddhahasletgoofidentificationwitheverything thatisconnectedwiththebodyandpersonality,andwithbirth anddeath,thelattertermisseenasinaccurate.Thereisa famouspassageintheDhammapadawhichalsoreflects thisprinciple: MindfulnessisthepathtotheDeathless, heedlessnessisthepathtodeath. Themindfuldonotdie theheedlessareasifdeadalready. Dhp.21 9.Page4, whentheTathgatagoesforthfromhere Thisisacombinationofscriptureandfiction:theBuddhaindeed turnsandgivesabelovdcityalastlingeringlookashemakes hisfinaljourney,butitisVeslhegazesupon,notRjagaha. TheincidentappearsintheMahparinibbnaSutta,atD16.4.1. (SeeAppendix4). ThewordTathgata,whichappearsforthefirsttime here,isthetermtheBuddhausedtorefertohimself,andwhich seemstohavebeencoinedbyhim.Itisadeliberatelyambiguous termmeaningbothThusgoneandThuscomeorOnegone toSuchnessandOnecometoSuchness.Itsprecisemeaning hasbeenthesubjectofextensivedebateformillennia(thereare thirtypagesonitintheancientcommentarytotheUdnaalone) however,itseemsintendedtoimplyaspiritualqualitythatis 375

bothcompletelyimmanent,presentintheworld,andcompletely transcendentoftheworldatthesametime. 10.Page5, theMangoGrovethegiftofhisdiscipleJvaka JvakasMangoGrove,theAmbavana,wasasmall monasteryonthesouthernedgesofRjagaha,onthe waytotheVulturePeak.ItwasdonatedtotheBuddhas monasticcommunitysometimeafterthemorewell knownVeluvana(theBambooGrove)wasofferedby KingBimbisra. 11.Page5, andheheardallthistakeplaceinaracketof noiseandloudconversationThisimage,oftravelling monksarrivingamidstgreatclamourandbustle,isfoundin afewplacesinthescriptures;oneoccurrenceisinthe CtumSutta,atM67.2andanotheratUd.3.3. 12.Page6, thebranchofablackSlatreeTheSlatree isShorearobusta(alsoVaticarobusta),knownforitsbeautiful, fragrantwhiteblossoms. CHAPTER2:THEMEETING 1.Page9, hewalkedpast,repelledbythehouseofthe birdcatcherTradinginanimalfleshisoneofthewrong livelihoodsdescribedbytheBuddhaforlaypeople;theothers are:tradinginweapons,inlivingbeings,inalcoholandin poisons.ThislistcanbefoundinAnguttaraNikya(TheCollection ofDiscoursesRelatedbyNumbers),at177intheBookof theFives,A5.177. 2.Page10, Leaningagainstthedoorpostwasabeautiful girlHousesofprostitutionareonthelistofplacesnottobe visitedbymonastics,alongwithtaverns.Thesearementioned inthemonasticrule,theVinya(Vib.2467),andalsoatVsm.I45 intheVisuddhimagga,acompilationofcommentarialmaterial madeinthe5thcenturyC.E.Buddhistmonasticsarealsoexpected nottoengageinanykindofsexualactivityandtoavoidwatching dancing,singing,musicandshows. 376

 Thisrenunciantstyleoflifeisdescribedinmanyplaces intheBuddhistscriptures,e.g.intheBrahmajlaSutta,at D1.1.810. Thesevenstringedvnisamusicalinstrumentknown astheIndianluteormandolin;itisakintothesitaroftoday althoughsomewhatsmaller. ItshouldalsobenotedthatK.G.soriginalpassagehere wasderivedfromtheAnguttaraNikya,103intheBookofthe Threes,A3.103. 3.Page10, TheMasterapproachedthepotterHere beginsthecoreincidentofourtale;itisderivedmostlyfromthe storyofPukkusti,intheDhtuvibhangaSutta,M140,printed initsentiretyasAppendix2.Accordingtotheancient commentariesPukkustihadbeentherulerofGandhra,a kingdomlocatednearKashmirinnorthernIndia(itnowliesin Pakistan)andhehadordainedhimselfasamonkwhenheheard oftheteachingsoftheBuddhafromhisfriendBimbisra,King ofMagadha.Oncehehadadoptedthehomelesslife,he immediatelysetoutonfoottofindtheMaster. CHAPTER3:TOTHEBANKSOFTHEGANG 1.Page13, MynameisKmantaThenameKmanta isnotcommoninthePliCanonthemainplacewhereit occursisintheKmantaJtaka,Jat.228,oneofthestoriesof theBuddhaspreviouslives.ItderivesfromthePliwordkma sensepleasureandwouldthustranslateintoEnglishas somethinglikeLovejoyorRandy. 2.Page13, IwasborninUjjenThiswasthecapitalcity ofAvanti;itisthemoderndayUjjainintheprovinceofMadhya Pradesh,northernIndia.Itisoneofthegreatholyplacesofthe HindureligionandtheKumbhMelareligiousfestivalisheld thereeverytwelveyears. EventhoughK.G.explicitlydescribesUjjenasbeing amongthemountains,itsitsat1600onwhatisnowcalledthe MalwaPlateauandavisitorwillbestruckbyhowveryflatthe landisaroundthatarea. 377

Theauthorwasprobablymakingahopefulguessaboutthe topographyastheRiverChambalrunsthroughtheancienttownand thereareindeedtheVindhyaMountainstothesouthhoweverthey arefaraway. Furthermore,onaccountofthemoderndaydustinessoftheIndian atmosphere,onecannotevenseethedistantmountainsfromthetown;at leastonecouldntinDecemberof2004. Theeditorsdiary,fromavisitmadeatthattime,reads: UjjenamongtheMountains asGjellerupputit turnsouttobe poeticmythindeed flatasapancake, Lincolnfens,Illinois andKansas. 3.Page13, theSacrificialCordTheYajopavita,in Sanskrit,iswornovertheleftshoulderandundertherightarm, itscolourandcompositiondenotethecastethatanindividual belongsto.Itissupposedtomakesacrificesprosperousandto beaspiritualbondunitingtheuniverseandallbeings. 4.Page13, ImusthavebeeneducatedinTaxilThis citywastheOxfordofancientIndia,itwaslocatedinGandhra (seeChapter2,note3). 5.Page16, itsfloodshavereflectedtheruinsofHastinapura Thisfollowingpassageisdescribingthescenarioofthe MahbharatathegreatestofallclassicalIndianepicpoems afullEnglisheditionrunstoaboutfourteenvolumes.Ahighly regardedversionofitwastranslatedbyRoyandGanguli,1970. Hastinapuraissituatedonthefloodplainbetweenthe GangandtheYamunRivers,althoughitisconsiderablycloser totheformer. 6.Page16, atabendofthebroadGang,laythecityof KosambEitherK.G.waseitheremployingpoeticlicensehere orhedidnotcheckhisfactsverycarefully:inactualityKosamb liesontheRiverYamun(seemaponpagexix).Thissaid,there isnoneedtobetoofussyaboutthesemattersfor,asK.G.astutely 378

commentedinhisNotetotheFirstEdition:therequirementsof poetrypreempttherequirementsofgeography. 7.Page16, terraces,quaysandbathingghatsAghatis alandingstagewithmagnificentflightsofstepsforbathers. Ordinarilytheyarecrownedbyamonumentalarchorgateway. 8.Page17, IfeltasifIwaslookinguponacityofthe TvatimsaheavenThereferenceheretotheTvatimsa heavenisourfirstintroductiontothecolourfulsubjectof Buddhistcosmology.Accordingtotraditionthereareatotalof thirtytwodifferentrealmsofexistence,rangingfromthehells, atthelowerendofthespectrum,totheformlessabodesofthe highestBrahmgodsatthetopend.Theyaregroupedasfollows, countingfromthetopdown: A. THEFOURFORMLESSBRAHMREALMS(Arpaloka). 1) TheHeavenofDevasoftheSphereofNeither PerceptionNorNonPerception. 2) TheHeavenofDevasoftheSphereofNoThingness. 3) TheHeavenofDevasoftheSphereofInfinite Consciousness. 4) TheHeavenofDevasoftheSphereofInfiniteSpace. B. THESIXTEENLOWERBRAHMREALMS(Rpaloka). 1) TheHeavenofPeerlessDevas. 2) TheHeavenofClearsightedDevas. 3) TheHeavenofBeautifulDevas. 4) TheHeavenofUntroubledDevas. 5) TheHeavenofDevasnotFallingAway(Avih). 6) TheHeavenofUnconsciousDevas. 7) TheHeavenofVeryFruitfulDevas. 8) TheHeavenofDevasofRefulgentGlory. 9) TheHeavenofDevasofUnboundedGlory. 10) TheHeavenofDevasofLimitedGlory. 11) TheHeavenofDevasofStreamingRadiance(bhassar). 12) TheHeavenofDevasofUnboundedRadiance. 13) TheHeavenofDevasofLimitedRadiance. 14) TheHeavenofGreatBrahms. 15) TheHeavenofMinistersofBrahm. 16) TheHeavenofRetinueofBrahm. 379

 C. THETWELVEWORLDSOFSENSEDESIRE(Kmaloka). 1) TheHeavenofThosewhoDelightintheCreationsofOthers. 2) TheHeavenofThosewhoDelightinCreating. 3) TheHeavenoftheContented. 4) TheYmaHeaven. 5) TheHeavenoftheThirtythreeGods(Tvatimsa). 6) TheHeavenoftheFourGreatKings. 7) TheRealmoftheEarthSpirits. 8) TheHumanRealm. 9) TheAnimalRealm. 10) TheRealmoftheHungryGhosts. 11) TheRealmoftheJealousGods. 12) TheHellRealms. Inthevariousdescriptionsthataregivenoftheserealms intheancienttexts,theTvatimsaheavenbearsmostresem blancetotheclassicalimagesofheavenasdepictedinthe Christianworld.UnliketheheavenandhellofChristianthought, however,fromtheBuddhistperspectiveourexistenceinanyof theserealmsistemporary.Wearebornintothemaccordingto theresultsofouractionsand,whendeathcomes,consciousness isdrawntoyetanotherrealmeitherup,downoratthesame leveldependingonhowthatlifehasbeenlivedandtheweight ofpastactionsbeforeit. ClassicaldescriptionsofBuddhistcosmologycanbe foundinTheThreeWorldsAccordingtoKingRuang translatedbyF.E.&M.B.Reynolds,BerkeleyBuddhistStudies Seriesandonpp6396ofTheWordsofmyPerfectTeacher, byPatrulRimpochepublishedbyHarperCollins. 9.Page17, alsofrommyunwholesomekarmaaswell ThewordkarmaappearsmoreandmoreoftenintheEnglish languagethesedays.Inessenceitmeansaction,althoughit hasadoptedamuchbroaderanddifferentlycolouredsenseover theyears.IntheOxfordEnglishDictionaryitisdefinedas:The sumofapersonsactionsinpreviousstatesofexistence,viewed asdecidinghisorherfateinfutureexistences. Itsuseinourstoryherereflectsthestandardbeliefsof theBuddhastime,whichstillpersiststronglyinIndiatoday, 380

thatbadkarmaislikesomekindofinfectionorstainthatcanbe washedawaybythewatersoftheGang(theRiverGanges)or perhapsthroughcontactwithagreatguru.(SeealsoChapter8, note4). CHAPTER4:THEMAIDENBALLPLAYER 1.Page21, thelovesicknotesoftheKokilabirdThe KokilaistheIndiancuckoo,Cuculusmicropterus. 2.Page22, apoetlikeBharataThepoetheisreferringto wasalsoknownasVysathelegendarycomposerofthe divineIndianepic,theMahbharata. 3.Page23, theCurnapdaandtheGtamargaThese translateliterallyasThePowderyFootandThePathofSong inhisnotetotheFirstEditionK.G.acknowledgedthathe tooktheaccountoftheballgamefromDandinscycleofstories, theDasakumaracaritam.Bothofthesetypesofballplayare indeedmentionedinthisworkofDandin,anovelistandpoet ofthe15thCentury.TheformerisatDas.11.41andisdefinedas apeculiarmovement,walkingbackwardsandforwards; thelatterisatDas.11.43andgoeswiththephrase,Dasapada camkramnaliterallywalkingtoandfrowithtenfeet. 4.Page25, astheCakoralivesonlyupontheraysof themoonTheCakora,thelunarbird,isalsotheGreek partridge,Perdixrufa.Itismentionedinmanyplacesinthe Hinduscriptures,alongwithitslegendarypowersoflivingon moonlight,anditisoftenusedinthesamesymbolicwayasin thispassage;forexampleinTheOceanofRiversstories, Kathacaritasagara,bySamadeva,atKathas.76.11&77.50:His eye,liketheCakora,drinkingthenectarofhermoonlikeface. ItisalsomentionedintheworksofKabir,13981448,a mysticpoetandsaintofIndia,whoseliteraturegreatlyinfluenced thebhakti,devotionalmovementofIndia. Astheleafofthelotusabidesonthewater: sothouartmyLord,andIamThyservant. 381

 AsthenightbirdChakorgazesallnightatthemoon: soThouartmyLord andIamThyservant. SongsofKabir,XXXIV (RabindranathTagoretrans.) 5.Page26, hewasaspassionatelyaddictedtothedice aswasNlaNlaistheeponymousherooftheNlopakhynam orTheStoryofNlawhichisrecountedintheMahbharata toconsoleYudishthira(oneoftheheroesofthatepictale)about thesufferingcausedbygambling. Thestorygoessomethinglikethis:Nla,aprince,and Damayant,abeautifulyoungmaiden,fallinlovewitheachother eventhoughtheyhavenevermetitisaloveoftheunseen. Shethenmanagestopickhimoutofseveralsuitorsataselfchoice marriageceremony,despitethefactthattherearefourgods therewhoimpersonatehimtotryandtrickher.Shethenbecomes aperfect,faithfulwife,whoseloyaltyisflawlesseventhough sheisseverelytested. TheGoddessKl,togetherwithDvapara,adicedemon, resentDamayantschoiceofNlaandtheyconspiretoseparate them.KlpossessesNla,DvaparaentersthediceandNla gambleseverythingawaytohisbrother.Butherefusestostake DamayantandthepairgototheforestwhereNla,still possessed,leavesher.Aftervariousadventuresbothassume disguises,Damayantasalowcastechambermaid.Damayants fatherfinallyrecoversherandshecleverlytracksdownNla. HavinglearnedthesecretofdicefromtherepentantMotherKl, NlanowstakesDamayantandrecovershiskingdom. CHAPTER5:THEMAGICPORTRAIT 1.Page30, ButthisisVsitthThenameVsitthisalso notverycommoninthePliCanon.Themainplacewhereit appearsisintheThergth(TheVersesoftheElderNuns)at Thig.1338;awomanofthisnameleavesthehouseholdlifeafter thedeathofherchildandsubsequentlymeetingtheBuddha. Shebecameenlightened,anArahant,onlythreedaysafterher ordination.Itsinterestingtonotethatthereisnoconnection 382

betweenthenamesKmantaandVsitthintheTheravda Buddhistscriptures.(SeealsoChapter40,note4). 2.Page31, averseoffourlineswhichrelatedthe incidentofthegoldenballTheartofsuchsecretwritingis knownasmlecchitavikalpainSanskrit.Incidentallyitis#45on thelistofThe64artstobeknownbyawomancollectedinthe famousIndianhandbookoferotica,theKmaStra,writtenby Vatsyaynainthe4thCenturyC.E.ItwastranslatedintoEnglish bySirRichardBurtoninthe19thCenturyandwaswidely circulatedinEuropeatthetimethatKmantawaswritten. Alsoimportantly,thegentleblendofspirituality,artand romancethatisdescribedasbeingwovenintoKmantasverse isamixturewellknowntotheIndianmind.Forexample,hereis thefamous5thCenturypoetKlidsaalsoonthesubjectofa maidenballplayer: Hitbythehand,softasalotus,ofmymistress Youdrop,anddrop,andriseagain Littleball,Iknowyourheart, Itisasifyoufaileachtimetokissherlip. 3.Page33, thisfaironewiththebeautifulbrowsThis epithetisaliteraryallusionmadeinreferencetoHelenofTroy, thelegendarybeautywhopossessedthefacethatlauncheda thousandships. ThomasA.Hollweck,aGermanscholarattheUniversity ofColorado,Boulder,helpfullycommentedonthis,theword Schnbrauige[theepithetthatK.G.usedinhisoriginaledition] isagoodfitforareadingpublicthatwasthetypicalGerman educatedclass,theBildungsbrger.Tothemitwouldhave immediatelyconjuredupHomer. Furthermore,asclassicsprofessorNonaOlivia(alsoat Colorado),observedonthispassage,literaryallusionsare consideredmarkersfortheoriginal;asortoffingerpointingto themoon,ifDogenwillforgiveme.Thusbyemployingaterm thatevokesthislegendarybeautyofEurope,thereaderwillinfer thepresenceofcomparablelovelinessinthefairVsitth,our soontobeheroine.

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CHAPTER6:ONTHETERRACEOFTHESORROWLESS 1.Page37, Asokatreesandmagnificentfloweringplants TheAsoka,whichderivesitsnamefromA,without andsoka,sorrow,isawellknowntypeoftreeinAsia.Itis calledJonesiaasokabyWesternbotanists,alsoSaracaindica.See http://www.indianetzone.com/4/saraca_indica.htm ThetermHeartsease,whichJohnLogieuseslateronas atranslationforAsoka,shouldnotbeconfusedwiththewild pansy,Violatricolor,whichalsogoesbythesamename. 2.Page39, inaformerexistenceshehadbeenmyhearts companionAdiscussionofthisphenomenon,andother examplesofit,canbefoundinTheBiographyofVen.Ajahn Mun,pp1325&2147,publishedbyWatPahBahnDaht. 3.Page43, wewereasyetonlyatthebeginningofthe VasantaseasonVasantaisthefirstpartoftheAsianHotSeason, fromtheMarchtoMayfullmoons,correspondingtoourSpringtime. ThewordisnotrelatedtoVassa,thePliforRainySeason. 4.Page43, whichpeoplecalltheTripleUnionInthe timeoftheBuddhatheplaceoftheTripleUnionwascalled PaygatodayitisknownasAllahabad(orPrayag)anditis alsoasiteofthehugereligiousfestivals,calledtheKumbhMela, whichareheldthereeverytwelveyears.Noothersingleevent ofIndianpilgrimageisasimpressiveorasimportanttothe Hindufaith. Legendandbeliefhaveitthattobatheinthewatersat theTripleUnionbringsliberation;thewatersarebelievedto cleanseallbadkarmaandguaranteefortunaterebirths,especially attheprecisetimeofcertainastrologicalconfigurations. Approximately70millionpeopleattendedthelastsuch festivalin2007,atAllahabad;thiswastheworldslargestever religiousfestivalandalsotheworldslargestgathering.Needless tosay,peoplehaveoftendiedintherushtoimmersethemselves inthewatersatthemostauspiciousmoment. 5.Page43, theHeavenlyGangjoinsthemthereasathird riverInIndiatheMilkyWayisalsoknownasthecelestial 384

riverSarasvat,anditisstillregardedasjoiningtheGangesand theRiverJumnaatAllahabad. 6.Page43, ThenHastinapurawouldriseagainfromits ruinsOnceagain,allthesereferencesaretothecharacters andeventsoftheMahbharata.Itshouldbenoted,asmentioned above(atChapter3,note5),thatHastinapuraismuchclosertothe GangthantheYamun. 7.Page44, theperfumeoftheCoralTreeTheCoral TreeappearsinbothBuddhistandHindumythologies.Inthe formeritissupposedtogrowintheTvatimsaheavenandis calledthePricchatakakovilra.Legendhasitthatitonly blossomsonceeveryhundreddevayears(3,600,000human years),thatithasflowerslikeredlotusesandthat,whenin bloom,thedevasgoandsitbeneathitforfourdevamonths (12,000humanyears).Itseffulgencepervadesfiftyleagues aroundthetreeanditsperfumeforonehundred.Itismentioned ashavingsheditsflowersontheBuddhaashewaspassing away(D16.5.2,seeAppendix4),andthereisawholesection givenovertoitintheAnguttaraNikya,65intheBookofthe Sevens,A7.65. ReferencestoitintheHinduscriptures,whichK.G. seemstobecitinghere,arefoundinBook10oftheBhagavata PurnaandintheHarivamsa,atverse7169.Bothofthesetexts containmanystoriesoftheexploitsofLordKrishna. Thereisaninterestinglittleessayonthethemeofthe characteristicsexhibitedbytheCoralTree,entitledMemory, Karma,Smell,byEliotWeinberger,publishedintheliterary journalSulfurNo.36,EasternMichiganUniversity. BothBauhiniyavariegataandErythinaindicaareknownas theCoralTree,initsearthlyincarnations. 8.Page45, wearebothsplendidinstrumentsforthe godstoplayuponThouarttheDoer,Iamtheinstrument ispartofawellknownHinduprayer. 9.Page46, OhSorrowlessOne,ofthisheartstricken girl,heartheanguishedcry!Thispassageisfoundinthe Mahbharata,intheNlopakhynam.(SeeChapter4,note5). 385

 10.Page47, itiswrittenintheGoldenBookofLove Thisisalmostcertainlyalsoareferencetoapassageinthe KmaStra.(SeeChapter5,note2)

CHAPTER7:INTHERAVINE 1.Page49, asifIweretobeshownthateventhegreatest ofearthlypleasureshasitsbitternessThisstatement echoesapassagefromChapter3oftheMahbharata,The FishermansDaughter:Thepeopleweredeliriouswith happiness.Fate,allthewhile,wasplayingawaitinggame.The sightofunsulliedhappinessistoomuchforher.Shealways managestoaddabitterdroptothecupofjoy.(Kamala Subraniam,abridgedtrans.). 2.Page52, StgirawashishatednameStgirawas thenameofaneminentyakkha,orcelestialdemon.Heappears intheHemavataSutta,inthecollectionofpoeticdiscourses calledtheSuttaNipta,atSN153180. CHAPTER8:THEPARADISEBUD 1.Page55, abeautifulSimsapwoodTheSimsaptree isDalbergiaSisu. 2.Page57, Krishna,theSixteenthousandonehundredfold BridegroomThereferencetoLordKrishnabythisname comesfromthefamousstoryofhishavingsimultaneously wooedallthemilkmaids,knownasgopis,ofthetownof Vrindavn,bymakinghimselfappearinanequalnumber ofidenticalKrishnabodies.Thenumberofgopismentioned heresixteenthousandonehundredactuallyvaries greatlyfromonerecensionofthestorytoanother:froma fewdozenintheearliertextsto900,000inthelatest.Themost commonnumbercitedisactuallysixteenthousandonehundred andone.Eachofthewomenwasundertheimpressionthat shealonehadbeenchosenbyhim. 386

 ThestoryismentionedinmanyHinduscriptures,for example:inthe2nd6thCenturyworks,theVishnuPurnaat Bk.5,13andtheHarivamsa,verse75;intheBhagavataPurna, aworkfromaroundthe10thCentury,atBk.10,2933;andin theGtGovinda,ahighlybaroqueandflowerytext,writtenby Jayadevainthe12thCentury. 3.Page58, weshallfindoneanotherinParadiseItis averycommonbeliefaroundtheworldthat,givensufficient resolution,onecanbeunitedforeternitywithonesbelovd. Forexample,inAnthonyandCleopatrabyWilliam Shakespeare,theheroineisdeterminedtodieinordertobe togetherwithMarkAnthony.Astheserpentbiteshershecries: Husband,Icome!(Act5,Sc.2,l.290).Tothemodern,sceptical minditmightseemlikewishfulthinking,andbedifficultto imagine,thatacouplecouldbothbereborninthesameplace justfromanactofwill.However,theBuddhapointedout,toa devotedcouple,NakulamtandNakulapit,at55,inthe BookoftheFours:If,householders,bothwifeandhusband hopetobeinoneanotherssightsolongasthislifelastsand infuturelivesaswell,theyshouldhavethesamefaith,thesame virtue,thesamegenerosityandthesamewisdom;thentheywill beinoneanotherssightsolongasthislifelastsandinfuture livesaswell. PerhapsShakespearealsohadaworthyinsightintosuch matterswhenhesaid(inJuliusCsar,Act5,Sc.1,ll.1159): AndwhetherweshallmeetagainIknownot. Thereforeoureverlastingfarewelltake: Forever,andforever,farewellCassius! Ifwedomeetagain,whyweshallsmile; Ifnot,whythen,thispartingwaswellmade. (SeealsoChapter37,note4). 4.Page58, theinevitablestreamofkarmaalreadysurging towardsusAtthispointinthestorythecharactersallthinkin termsofthecustomarybeliefsystemsofIndiaatthattime.In themthereisthusthestronglydeterministicunderstandingof theconceptofkarmaitcloselyresemblesourEuropeanidea offate:Apowerregardedaspredeterminingeventsunalterably (O.E.D.). 387

 InBuddhistthoughtkarma(Skt.),(orkammainthePli language),isidentifiedsimplywiththeactionsanindividual makesandtheresultsthatfollowfromthem,accordingtothe lawsofcausality.ABuddhistthusseestheiractionsand experiencesaspreconditioning,ratherthanpredetermining thepresentmoment.Itshouldalsobeadded,however,thatall actionsareunderstoodnecessarilytohavesomeappropriate consequence,insomewayshapeorform.Forexample,inthe DhammapadatheBuddhasays: Thereisnoplaceintheworld neitherinthesky,theseanorinmountaincrevices whereanevildoercanhide, safefromtheconsequencesofhisaction. Dhp.127 5.Page59, WherethesunsetsliestheParadiseof InfiniteLightK.G.ishavingagrandoldtimeminglingmythical formshereand,inthislight,tobeginitisworthemphasising hisowncommentshere:Shouldanyonefamiliarwithancient Indianowbeinclinedtocastigatemebecauseofsomeinaccuracies, Iwouldnowliketoaskthemtoconsiderwhetherornothewho wroteThePilgrimKmantamightnotknowbestwhatliberties hehastakenandwhy.InsteadofthelaterSukhavati[whichappears onlyintheNorthern,MahynaBuddhistscriptures]Icouldeasily havechosentheHeavenoftheThirtyThreeGods,andwould haveremainedaccurateandcorrect.Butwhat,forheavenssake, shouldIhavedonewiththoseThirtyThreeGodswhenIdidnt evenhaveauseforAmitabhaBuddhainSukhavati? Insummary,therearetwoimportantthemesbeingintroduced inthisparagraph. Firstly,K.G.ispickingupthreadsofatraditioncoming fromtheMahyna,orNorthernSchoolofBuddhism.Inthe AmitbhaStraitisdescribedhow,ifonerecitesthenameof AmitbhaBuddhawithasincereheart,onewillcertainlybe reborninTheWesternParadiseofthePureLandaplaceof perfectbeauty,purityandbliss.Afterhavingspentmanyons inthisrealmtheindividualisassuredofrealisingenlightenment, nevertoreturntothehumanorlowerrealms.Thismethodof practiceiscalledPureLandBuddhism. Incidentally,Amitbhaisoneoffivecosmic,meditation 388

orDhyniBuddhasfoundintheNortherntraditionsofTibet andChina;hisparadiseisintheWest;thatofAmoghasiddhiis intheNorth;AkshobyasisintheEast;Ratanasambhvasisin theSouth;andVairocanasisatthecentre. IntheSouthernSchool,thereisasomewhatdifferent understandingofthenatureofthePureAbodes(Suddhvs). Theyareconsideredtobethefivehighestofthebrahmheavens inwhatistermedtheRpaloka(seeChapter3,note8)butthey havenoresidentBuddhapresidingoverthem.Rathertheyare theplacesinwhichoneisbornifthethirdstageofenlightenment (AngmiliterallyNonreturner)hasbeenreachedbythetime ofdeath.IntheTheravdatraditiononethushastohaveattaineda veryhighdegreeofspiritualmaturitytoberebornintheserealms i.e.itwouldtakemorethanjustthefirmintentionsofourheroine andheroinordertobereborntherealthoughbeingborninsome ofthelowerheavenswouldbeeasilypossibleinthisway. Asamatterofinterestthefirststageofenlightenment, Streamentry,resultsinareturntothehumanrealmnomore thanseventimes,andoneisguaranteednottobebornasan animal,asaghostorinhell;thesecondstageiscalledOnce returnerandleadstonomorethanonemorebirthasa human;thethirdstageiscalledNonreturner,asmentioned above;andthefourthstageisthatofenlightenment,Arahantship, whichresultsinnomorebirthinanystateofbeing.Inthe originalstoryofPukkusti(seeAppendix2),atthetimeofhis deathheisreborninthePureAbodecalledAvih;therehe becomesoneofahandfulofbeingswhorealiseenlightenment atthemomentofbirth. 6.Page59, ThefirstlongingforthatParadisecausesa budtoappearThisisthesecondthemebeingintroduced here,however,incontrasttothepreviousone,themythical patterndepictedseemstobeK.G.sowninventionitsan evocativepicturebutthereisnobasisforitintheTheravda teachings,althoughitmightpossiblybederivedfromtheHindu orNorthernBuddhisttraditions. Havingsaidthat,however,thereareplacesinthe TheravdatextswheretheBuddhausesasimilarimageofthe lotusanditswayoffloweringasasymbolfordifferenttypesof peopleandtheirfaculties.Forexample,intheAriyapariyesan 389

Sutta(TheDiscourseonTheNobleSearch)atM26.21,theBuddha describeshowsomelotusesarebornandgrowinthewater withoutrisingoutofit,somerestonitssurfaceandsomestand clear,unwettedbyitthesehethencomparestopeoplewith dullorkeenfacultiesrespectivelyThosewithmuch,orwith onlyalittledustintheireyes.Elsewherethewaydifferentpeople respondtohearingtheTeachingsaredescribedas:1)Thosewho heartheTeachingandthenrealiseenlightenment=lotuses bloomingabovethewater;2)ThosewhoheartheTeachingand thenleadawholesomelife=livingonthesurface;3)Thosewho heartheTeachingandthenonlypractiseitinpartorbriefly= blossomingbelowthesurface;andlastly,4)Thosewhohearthe Teachingandthenignoreitcompletely...theyendupasturtle food. CHAPTER9:UNDERTHECONSTELLATIONOFTHEROBBERS 1.Page64, ThisisAngulimla,thecruel,bloodthirsty banditchiefManyreferencesfromhereoninthischapter comefromtheAngulimlaSutta,inthecollectionofMiddle LengthDiscoursesitisoneofthemostdramaticinterludesin thePliscriptures.ThepassageherecomesfromM86.2.The wholeSuttaisincludedasAppendix3. AccordingtoTheravdatradition,Angulimla(which washisnomdeguerreandliterallymeansGarlandedwith Fingers)wasactuallybornintoanoblefamily.Hewastheson ofabrahminchaplaintoKingPasenadiofKosala.Atbirthhe wasgiventhenameAhimsaka,HarmlessOne.Hestudiedat Taxil,whereheexcelledinmanysubjectsandbecamethe teachersfavourite.Hisfellowstudentsbecamejealousofhim andpersuadedtheteacherthatAhimsakahadseducedhiswife. Inordertobringhimtoruin,theteacherthendemandedthat, inordertocompletehisstudiesandshowhistotalfaithinthe guru,heshouldbringhimathousandhumanfingers.Ahimsaka dulywentofftoliveintheforestandtrainedhimselftoattack whatevertravellerscameby.Hethencollectedafingerfromthe righthandofeachoneandstrungthemonagarlandaroundhis neck.Thegurusplanhadthedesiredeffect,since,inthisway, Angulimlaabsorbedhimselfinabloodyvortexofbanditryand 390

murder,bothhuntingandbeinghunted,andseeminglysealed hisfutureasoneofaviolentdeathindisgracefromsociety.In thesameaccount,intheancientcommentaries,Angulimlais alsomentionedashavingindeedbeenbornunderthe ConstellationoftheRobbers. Aninteresting,academicanalysisofAngulimlasstory, andinparticularhisreligiousaffiliations(whichhappentomatch K.G.sdepiction),isfoundinthebookHowBuddhismBegan: TheConditionedGenesisoftheEarlyTeachings,byRichard Gombrich(publishedbyLondon&AtlanticHighlands,N.J.: Athlone). 2.Page66, Angulimlasbandbelongedtotheclanof robbersknownasTheSendersThecustomsofTheSenders aredescribedexactlyasK.G.depictsthemintheVedabbhaJtaka, Jat.48.InthePaliTextSocietyeditionRobertChalmers,thetranslator, namesthemtheDespatchers;theyarealsomentionedinthePnya Jtaka,Jat.459. 3.Page68, theterribleGoddessKlKl,whosename meansTheBlackOne,isnearlyalwaysdescribedashavinga horrifyingappearance.Herhairisdishevelled,herfangssharp, herbreastspendulous,herstomachshrunkenandherdemeanour fierce.Sheisusuallysaidtobenakedexceptforagarlandof severedheadsandagirdleofseveredarms.Herhabitsareequally fearsome:sheispleasedbybloodandinhermythsistypically describedasbecomingintoxicatedbydrinkingthebloodofher victimsonthebattlefield.Herfavouritedwellingplaceisthe cremationground,wheresheisoftendepictedseatedonacorpse. Shehasbeenassociatedforcenturieswiththievesand robbers,andisinfamousforhavingbeenthepatrongoddessof theThugsasecrethereditarycultdevotedtohumansacrifice, whofavouredrobbingandstrangulationofcarefullyselected victimsasthemeanstobesthonourHer. LikethegoddessDurgsheisoftendepictedasthe spouseofShivabutsherarelyplaystheroleofthemodelwife(!) InsteadshedominatesShivaandinciteshimtofrenzied, destructiveacts.InthepasttheworshipofMotherKlwasnearly alwaysaccompaniedbyanimalsacrifices. 391

 Intermsoficonography,themostcommonimagesof KlshowherstandingordancinguponShiva.Thisexpresses thenatureofrealityasacombinationofstasis(theproneShiva) andactivity,orthepersonifiedenergyofthedivine(Shakti). IntheactiveroleKlthusexpressesthecreativeaspects ofthedivineastheymanifestthemselvesinnature.Herdevotees addressherasMotherand,despiteherterribleappearance andherthirstforblood,sheisapproachedforprotection,fertility andprosperity.Thelogicofherworshipatthepopularlevel seemstobethat,ifsheisgivenblood,shewillbenourished sufficientlytobeabletogiveunstintinglytoherdevotees. HereisapassagefromDancingintheFlames,by MarionWoodmanandElinorDickson,whichdescribessomeof themoremysticalaspectsoftheGoddess:Atfirstglance,Kl comesacrossasafierceembodimentofthedevouringmother whogobblesupeverything,evenherownchildren.Acloser look,however,revealsagreathaloaroundherhead,ahalonot seeninearlydepictionsoftheGreatMother.Thehaloatteststo KlsstatusasGoddess,toherneedtobeunderstoodnotonly asdevourer,butalsoastransformer.Sheisblack,darkasthe matrix,darkasthevortex,fromwhichallcreationcomesandto whichitreturns.Toherdevoteessheislikeablacksapphire; radianceshinesthroughherblackness.Shedancesandlaughs withabandon,intoxicatedwiththemysterythatsheis. TheessenceofGreatGoddessworshipisthatthere mustbeadeathtotheegoself;theremustbeatransformation inwhichthereisalettinggoofallfalsevalues,ofallthethings thattheegotisticalnaturemistakenlyclingsto.Intheburial groundoftheheart,Klsenlighteneddevoteesseebeyond literaldeathtothedeathofvaluesrootedinfear.Whenthey cometoacceptdeathasanecessarystepintheirtransformation, thenKlcandanceherdanceofperpetualbecoming.Once hercyclesareaccepted,thosewholoveherarefreeofthe fearofdeath,freeoftheirownvulnerability,freetoliveher mystery. ThemysteryofKlisthatsheisperpetuallydestroying and,atthesametime,creatingdestroyinginordertocreate, creatinginordertodestroy,deathintheserviceoflife,lifeinthe serviceofdeath.Klistime,impermanence,ceaselessbecoming, natureasprocess.Asceaselessmotionthathasnopurposeother 392

thanitsownactivity,Klisasindifferenttothedemandsofthe egoassheistotheinstincttosurvive.Theoppositesoflifeand death,loveandhate,humilityandpride,povertyandriches,justice andtyranny,meannothingtoher,becausewithherthereisno polarity.ForKlallexperienceisonelifeaswellasdeath. SriRmakrishnaoncesaidofher:AfterknowingMother Realitydirectlyandintimatelyoneisnolongerlivinginan impermanent,deceptiveworld.OneislivingintheDivineand astheDivine.Whenyoufeedyourchild,youwillclearly perceivethatitisGodfeedingGod. Inshort,SheismuchmorethanjusttheGoddessof theRobbers. 4.Page68, thesacreddancers,knownasbhajaderes Bhajaderesareindeedperformersofsacreddancesinthetemples ofIndia.MariusPetipabasedhis1877ballet,LaBayadre,ontheIndian classicsbyKlidsa,SakuntalaandTheCartofClay.Thewordisa FrenchcorruptionofthePortuguesebailadeira,afemaledancer. 5.Page69, thepraiseworthyVjashravasVjashravasa wasthenameofthebrahminsacrificialpriestwhowasthefather ofNashiketas,thecentralfigureoftheKathaUpanishadan importantHinduscriptureincludedinDeussensworks,referred tobyK.G.(seeChapter10,note1). ThenameVjashravasisalsofoundinthelonglineage ofgurusdescendingfromtheSelfexistingBrahman,inthe BrihadranyakaUpanishad,Ch.6,5.3(p.544inProf.Paul DeussensSixtyUpanishadsoftheVeda,intheMotilal Banarsidassedition,translatedfromtheGermanbyV.M.Bedekar andG.B.Palsule).

CHAPTER10:ESOTERICDOCTRINE 1.Page73, ESOTERICDOCTRINEHereK.G.provideshis owncommentsforus,fromhisNote:Itneedscarcelybe remarkedthatthefewpassagesfromtheUpanishadsare quotedfromProfessorDeussensSechzigUpanishadsdesVeda. Tothesecondgreattranslationofthisexcellentandindefatigable inquirer,DieStrasdesVedanta,mytenthchapterowesitsorigin. 393

Ifthiscuriouspieceisinsubstanceapresentationof Indianbermenschentum[thedoctrineoftheAriyanMasterrace whichbecamethebasisofAdolphHitlersphilosophy,after K.G.stime]astheextremeantithesistoBuddhismitisin itsformapainfullyaccuratecopyoftheVedanticStrastyle, withtheenigmaticbrevityofthetext,thetrueprincipleofwhich asDeussenhasrightlyrecognisedconsistsingivingonly catchwordsforthememory,butneverthewordsthatare importanttothesense. Inthiswaythetextcouldwithoutdangerbefixedin writing,sinceitwasincomprehensiblewithouttheoral commentaryoftheteacher,whichthususuallybecameallthe morepedanticallyintricate.Indeed,theseKlStraslikethe wholeVjashravasepisodeareajocularfictionofmine butone,Ibelieve,whichwillbegrantedbyeverystudentof ancientIndia,tobewithintheboundsofthepossiblenay,of theprobable.Indiaisindeedthelandwhereeventherobber mustphilosophise. 2.Page74, IfIcutofftheheadofahumanbeingoran animalThereasoningthatisdescribedhereistaken,almost verbatim,fromoneofacollectionofdubiousreligiousand philosophicalviewpointsofspiritualteacherscontemporarywith theBuddha.Forexample,arangeofthesewererecountedto theBuddhabyKingAjtasattu,intheSmaaphalaSutta(The DiscourseontheFruitsoftheHomelessLife),atD2.26;theone quotedhereispartoftheteachingsofPakudhaKaccyana. 3.Page74, Who,whenslaying,believeshekillsThis passageisfoundatKathaUpanishad2.19.AnaccessibleEnglish versionofthisandotherUpanishadsisfoundinthePenguin Classicsedition,translatedbyJuanMascarothisverseison p.59.Itisalsoincludedatp.285intheMotilalBanarsidass editionmentionedpreviously. 4.Page74, Nowwhenbotharmiesweredrawnupin battlearrayThesepassagesaretobefoundintheBhagavad Gt,Book1,verses2447;aversionofthisisalsoavailableina PenguinClassicsedition,againtranslatedbyJuanMascaro theseversesareonpp.457. 394

 5.Page75, Whosoeverholdssomeonetobeakiller Thisverse,asfarasitspossibletotell,hasbeenpiecedtogether fromseveralversesinthesectionoftheBhagavadGtinBook 2,verses137(pp.4851intheaboveedition). 6.Page75, Whosoevercommitsacrimeorcausesitto becommittedAgain,thispassageislifteddirectlyfromthe collectionoferroneousanddangerousviewpointsrecountedto theBuddhabyKingAjtasattu(seenote2ofthischapter).This particularonedescribesthephilosophyofateachercalledPrana Kassapa;itistobefoundatD2.17andalsoatM60.13,inthe ApannakaSutta(TheIncontrovertibleTeaching). 7.Page76, Boththewarriorandthebrahmin,Heeats forbreadThisisfromverse25ofthesamepassage mentionedabove,atnote3ofthischapter. 8.Page77, Ieatthemall,butmetheydonoteatThis andthefollowingpassagescomefromtheBshkalaUpanishad, includedbyProf.PaulDeusseninthelastsectionofhisSixty UpanishadsoftheVeda,pp.9037intheMotilalBanarsidass edition.Theopeningparagraphcomesfromtheprose introductiontoMedhtithisverses. 9.Page77, Whoisitthatkillsandalsoprisonertakes? Thefirsttwoofthesethreequotesareverses18and19ofIndras replytoMedhtithi;thelastoneisfromverse5ofthesame passage. 10.Page77, itliesinusingotherstotheutmostandin crushingthemThephilosophyoutlinedherebearsaclose resemblancetothatoftheinfamousMarquisdeSade,whose workswerecirculatedwidelyinEuropeancirclesinK.G.sera. ThesepassagesalsoechosomeversesfromtheBookofWisdom intheOldTestament: Fortheysaidamongstthemselves,thinkingnotaright: Briefandtroublousisourlifetime,neitheristhereanyremedy formansdying,norisanyoneknowntohavecomebackfrom thenetherworld.Forhaphazardwereweborn,andhereafter 395

weshallbeasthoughwehadnotbeen;becausethebreathinour nostrilsisasmokeandreasonisasparkatthebeatingofour hearts,andwhenthisisquenched,ourbodywillbeashesand ourspiritwillbepouredabroadlikeunresistingair. Wisdom2.114. Come,therefore,letusenjoythegoodthingsthatare real,andusethefreshnessofcreationavidlyLetusoppress theneedyjustman;letusneithersparethewidownorrevere theoldmanforhishairgrownwhitewithtime.Butletour strengthbeournormofjustice;forweaknessprovesitself worthless. Wisdom6.1011. 11.Page78, althoughthewholeworldistheBrahman TheRigVedadoesindeedstatethatthehumanbirthisthemost sublime. 12.Page78, scripturefrequentlydeclarestheideaof Thatbelongstome,tobeadelusionThemostprominent placethisstatementismadeisintheBuddhasseconddiscourse aftertheenlightenment,theAnattalakkhanaSutta(The DiscourseonSelflessness).Itistobefoundinthebooksofthe Vinya,atMahvagga1.6,andat59intheCollectionofSayings ontheElements,S22.59. Chapter11:THEELEPHANTSTRUNK 1.Page82, theprisonerinquestionhadtobesawn throughthemiddlewithacrosscutsawAlthoughits notdirectlyrelatedtothecontext,K.G.simageryinthispassage wasprobablyinspiredbytheBuddhasfamousSimileofthe Saw,inwhichhegaveanexampleofhowcentralthepractice oflovingkindnessistothespirituallife.Hesays:Bhikkhus (monks),evenifbanditsweretoseveryousavagelylimbfrom limbwithatwohandledsaw,onewhogaverisetoamindof hatredtowardsthemonthataccountwouldnotbecarryingout myteaching. Hethenaddsthat,instead,onesmindshouldremain unaffected,filledwithcompassionforthewelfareofthosewho 396

aredoingthesawing:Weshallabidepervadingthemwitha mindimbuedwithlovingkindness;and,startingwiththem,we shallabidepervadingtheentireworldwithallencompassing lovingkindness.ThispassageisfoundintheKakacpama Sutta(TheDiscourseontheSimileoftheSaw)atM21.20.

Chapter12:ATTHEGRAVEOFTHEHOLYVJASHRAVAS 1.Page92, Solittlemayweavoidourkarmathefruit ofallourdeedsProbablythemostwellknownplacein theBuddhistscriptureswheretheBuddhaspeaksoftheprinciple ofinevitabilityoftheresultsofkarma,isattheopeningverses oftheDhammapada,themostpopularofallTheravdateachings (seealsoChapter8,note4): Mindistheforerunnerofallthings therulerofallthings thecreatorofallthings ifonespeaksoractswithanimpuremind sufferingwillfollow assurelyasthewheelofthecart followstheanimalthatdrawsit. Mindistheforerunnerofallthings therulerofallthings thecreatorofallthings ifonespeaksoractswithapuremind happinesswillfollow assurely asonesneverdepartingshadow. Dhp.verses12 Itshouldbenoted,however,thattheBuddhamadeit clearthatthereisnofixedkarmicresultofanyparticularaction. Ineverycasethereisaninconceivablycomplexwebofinfluences atplay,sowecanonlyrightlyspeakofthefactthatsomekind ofresultwilloccurthatmatchestheactexactlywhenandin whatformisnotdefinable.Therearesomeusefulpassageson thisprincipleintheMahkammavibhangaSutta,atM136.1721, andintheAnguttaraNikya,BookoftheThrees,99. 397

2.Page95, whenonehasattainedenlightenment,all onesworksdisappearEventhoughKmantaisnotyet speakingfromaBuddhistperspective,thislastsentenceisa fairlyaccuraterecensionoftheTheravdaunderstandingof enlightenment,butonlyinsofarasreferringtoanenlightened beingatthetimeofthedeathofthebody. FromaBuddhistpointofviewitiscertainlynotthecase that,atthemomentofenlightenment,suddenlytheresultsofall pastactionsandeventsevaporatethebodystillhasitslife and,whilsttheyareapartofthehumanrealm,anenlightened beingwillstillexperiencetheresultsofvariouspastactionsand dispositions(calledvsaninPli). Forexample,thedignifiedVen.Sriputta,throughout hislife,hadahabitofskippingoverpuddlesinthemonsoon season;thistrait,theBuddhaassuredthosewhoenquired, derivedfromtheVen.Sriputtasenjoymentofthispastimeina previousexistenceasamonkey.Also,lateroninthestory,we cometothissubjectagainwithreferencetoAngulimla. Chapter13:THECOMPANIONOFSUCCESS 1.Page99, mynativetownisfamedthroughout JambudvpaJambudvpa,TheLandofRoseapples,isthe ancientnameforthelandsnowknownastheIndiansubcontinent. ItissocalledaftertheubiquitousfruittreeEugeniajambos. 2.Page99, theneighingofhorsesandthetrumpeting ofelephantsthemusicofloverslutesandthesongs ofcarefreecarousersThoselistedherearesomeofThe TenSoundswhicharementionedfrequentlyinthePliscriptures. Theyaretakentobeindicativeofarich,prosperousand wellpopulatedcity,suchasKusvatwhichismentionedinthe MahparinibbnaSuttaatD16.5.18(seeAppendix4). TheremainingsoundsoftheTenarethoseof:carriages, kettledrums,sidedrums,cymbalsandgongs,andcriesofEat, drinkandbemerry!asthetenth. 3.Page99, inwhosereceptionroomsonemeetspoets,artists andactorsForexample:InthecourtofKingChandraguptaII, 398

(380413CE)whosecapitalwasUjjeni,weretheunsurpassedpoets oftheSanksritlanguage,theNavaratna(TheNineJewels),agroup whoexcelledintheliteraryarts.Amongstthesemenwasthe immortalKalidasawhoseworksdwarfedtheeffortsofmany otherliterarygeniuses,notonlyinhisownagebutintheages tocome.(FromWikipedia,Dec.2008) MuchofwhatisknownofthisGuptacourthasonlycome downtousbecauseofithavingbeenrecordedbytheChinese BuddhistscholarandmonasticpilgrimFahien. 4.Page100, Themanycolouredfloralcrownoftherock enthronedUjjenThisepithetwasprobablycreatedbyK.G. itisunknowninthePlitexts.Therewas,however,afamous courtesancalledPadumavat(LotusLand)whousedtolive inUjjen;shewasofsuchdazzlingbeautythatKingBimbisra hadhiscourtmagicianweavesomespellsandhadhisroyal personagecarriedtoUjjenthroughthehelpoftheyakkha Kumbhra.Sheeventuallyborethekingasoncalled Abhayarjakumra(PrinceFearless).Lateronhersonjoined theorderofbhikkhusandeventuallybecameenlightened.On hearinghimteachoneday,Padumavattoobecameinspiredto leavethehouseholdlife;shebecameanun(abhikkhun)and alsolaterachievedenlightenment.Becauseofthefameofher son,shebecameknownasAbhayamt(AbhayasMother). HerversesofenlightenmentaretobefoundinTheSongsof theElderNunstheThergthatThig.334. 5.Page104, Whatdoyousuppose,Kmanta,willbe playedtheretoday?Listsofsuchgamesaswerepopularin thetimeoftheBuddhaappearinafewplacesinthescriptures; forexampleinthebhikkhusrulesofconductatVin.Sang.8.1.2, andintheBrahmajlaSutta,atD1.1.14. 6.Page105, theKadambashrub,withitsgreatgolden blossomsTheKadambaflowerisNaucleacordifolia;itisalso knownasNaucleacadamba,andNpainSanskrit.LordKrishnasat inaNpatreetowatchthegopisbathing,accordingtothelegend. 7.Page106, teethlikepearls;andBimbalipsBimbadescribes theredfruitofaspeciesofamaranth,Momordicamonadelpha. 399

 BimbadevwasanamethatPrincessYashodhar,the BuddhasformerwifeandthemotherofRahula,wasoftencalled. 8.Page106, thestemoftheyoungPisangThePisangis theplantain,orbananatree.

CHAPTER14:THEFAMILYMAN 1.Page109, themandiesmiserablyforwhomthereis nosontoofferthesacrificespropertothedeadThe beliefthatonemusthaveasontoperformonesfuneral ceremoniesproperlyisstillwidelyheldanddeeplyrespectedin Indiatoday. 2.Page110, shehasanavelwhichsitsdeepandis turnedtotherightItissuspectedthatthesecharacteristics, andmanyoftheparticularsuperstitionsthatfollowinthe story,areanotherjocularfictionconjuredupbyK.G.simply forthenarrative;however,thedesirabilityofsons,andthe commonnessofbeliefinthesignificanceofsuchsigns,arealso stillwidespreadifnotubiquitousinIndia. 3.Page112, andfreshKusagrasscutKusagrass,Poa cynosuroides,isalsoreputedtobethesourceofthePliword kusala,meaningwholesome,sinceitwasonsomebundlesof KusagrassthattheBuddhawassittingwhenherealised enlightenment.Thiscouldjustbefolketymology,however. 4.Page114, therewasindeedthesoundofhissingin myhomeItisaspuriousurbanlegendthattheChinesepictogram forconflictisarenditionoftwowiveslivingunderthesameroof, however,thereisa(somewhatsexist)medivalEnglishproverb thatruns: Two wymen in one howse, Two cattes and one mowce, Two dogges and one bone, Maye never accorde in one. 400

 CHAPTER15:THESHAVENHEADEDMONK 1.Page119, theambercolouroftheKanikraflower TheKanikraisthetreePterospermumacerifolium.Itsfloweris takenasthetypicalemblemofthecolouryellowandbrightness; e.g.atD16.3.30. 2.Page120, Itrustthatyouwillnotstrikethishouse withyourasceticangerTheconceptofbeingcursedbya holymanmightseemstrangetous,buthereitcouldderive fromtwodifferentsources.Firstly,itseemsquitecommonin theancienttextsthatthegreatsagesandasceticsofIndiawere abletowielddestructivepower,andfrequentlydid. IntheMahbharataalonetherearemanyinstancesof this,forexample:whenthegreatsageMaitreyacursesPrince Duriyodhanaforbehavinginsolentlytowardshim;andwhenthe brahminBhrgavacurseshisstudentRadheya,whenhefindsout thatheisnotalsoabrahmin.EvenintheBuddhistscriptures suchactionsarealsospokenof,e.g.intheUpaliSutta,M56.13. Thereisalso,fromtheBuddhistcontext,whatiscalled Beingburnedwiththebhikkhusfire.AverseintheSamyutta Nikyagoesasfollows: Thoughblacktrailedconflagrationsburnupwoods, Yetshootsappearwhenafewdayshavepassed; Buthewhomvirtuousbhikkhusfireshallburn Willlackoffspring,noheirswillhavehiswealth: Suchhave,likepalmstumps,neitherchildnorheir. KosalaSamyutta1(S3.1) (Bhikkhunamolitrans.) Theexplanationisthis:whenabhikkhuisabusedand doesnotreactwithabuseinreturn,theinnatenatural consequenceisthattheabuserswilldrawpainfulkarmic repercussionstothemselvesonthepartofthebhikkhuthere isnointentionorwishtocauseharm. 3.Page120,asIpassedalongthestreetastoneflewat myheadThislatterpartoftheparagraphcomesverbatim fromtheAngulimlaSutta,M86.17(seeAppendix3);inthe 401

originalpassage,however,thecauseofhisbeingthusharmed isnotsomuchthatthepeoplehavebeenstirredupbyMra (althoughsuchtroublemakingbyhimdoesindeedoccuron otheroccasions,e.g.intheDiscourseontheRebuketoMra, atM50.13)theblowsandcutsandfallingtilesareseenmore asthenaturalkarmicretributionthatAngulimlahasinvited uponhimselfthroughhismanyyearsofviolentaction,priorto becomingabhikkhu. Theancientcommentariesassertthathedidnotlivefor verylongafterhisordination.However,fromtheBuddhist perspective,andfromthearrangementofthetextofthesutta,it isquitepossiblethatthesepainfuleventscameafterhis experienceofliberation.Thereisanequallyfamousaccountof thepursuitandmurderbybanditsoftheVen.MahMoggallna, theBuddhassecondmostseniordisciple.Eventhoughhehad beenenlightenedseveraldecadesbefore,thisviolentendwas apparentlyduetothestilllingeringkarmiceffectsofhimhaving murderedhisparentsinapreviousexistence.(Seealsothe comments,Chapter12,note2). 4.Page121, evenifrobbersandmurdererswereto severyousavagelylimbbylimbwithatwohandledsaw ThisfamousquotationisfromtheDiscourseontheSimileof theSaw,atM21.20.(SeeChapter11,note1).

CHAPTER16:READYFORACTION 1.Page133, redspittleuptothattimeIhadntchewed anybetelBetelnutisamildformofstimulant,similarto caffeine.Thenutischewedslowlyand,overaperiodoftime,it causesamildlypleasantnarcoticeffect.Alongwiththisitalso stimulatestheproductionofalotofsaliva,ofacharacteristic deepredcolour,whichthechewerneedstospitoutoccasionally. ThegreatmajorityofIndianandSoutheastAsianpeoplestill chewbetelnutdaily. 402

CHAPTER17:TOHOMELESSNESS 1.Page140, Asabirdfliesbearingonlyitswingsand iscontentwiththeseThisfirstofthedescriptivephrases ofthisparagraphcanbefoundintheClahatthipadopamaSutta (TheShorterDiscourseontheSimileoftheElephantsFootprint) atM27.14. 2.Page140, Thehouseholdlifeiscrowdedanddusty ThissecondquoteisextremelycommonintheTheravda scripturesandcanalsobefoundinthesamediscourseas mentionedinthepreviousquotation,afewparagraphsearlier, atM27.12. 3.Page142, Administerthehouseandfortuneuntilmy sonattainstomanhoodThepassageherebearssomething ofaresemblancetotheaccountoftheleavinghomeof BhaddKapilnandherhusband,PipphaliKassapa.Afterthey hadshavedtheirheadsandgoneforththeybothmettheBuddha andbecameleadingdisciplesofhis:Bhaddasthenunwho wasforemostinrecollectingherpastlives,andMahKassapaas theforemostinundertakingtheausterepractices,andalsoasthe convenorandpresidingElderattheFirstCouncil,afterthe Buddhaspassingaway.Theaccountistobefoundinthe commentaryto11oftheCollectiononKassapa,S16.11,also inChapter3ofTheGreatDisciplesoftheBuddha,by NyanaponikaTheraandHelmuthHecker,publishedbyWisdom, pp10912. Thereaderwillalsopossiblyguessfromthispassage that,atthattimeinIndia(andstilltoalargeextenttheretoday), itwasunthinkablethatwomenshouldownoradminister property.UndertheVedicobservances,theManusmrti,The LawsofManu,awomanhadtobeundertheguardianshipof eitherherfather,herhusbandor,lackingthese,herson. Theselawswerecomposedatsometimebetween200BCE and200CE,probablyinNorthernIndia.Theyrepresenta somewhattightersocialorderingthanseemstohavebeenin playduringtheBuddhasownlifetime,however,manyofthe customstheycodifiedwerepresent,atleastinagerminalstate,inthe erathatthisstoryisset. 403

 CHAPTER18:INTHEHALLOFTHEPOTTER 1.Page145, AndtheLordBuddhaalsosatsilently HereK.G.isonceagaingentlyechoingthestyleofmuchofthe Theravdascriptures:thereisanenormousamountofverbatim repetitionintheancienttextssince,originally,theywerenot writtendownbutwereallcommittedtomemoryand,forthe purposesofmemorisation,havingstockphrasesmakeslifea loteasierthanhavingcomplicatedeleganceandvariety. Theywerefirstcommittedtowritingaboutfourhundred yearsaftertheBuddhastime,in79BCE,whentherewasagreat famineinSriLankaanditwasfearedthattheDhammateachings woulddieoutcompletelyiftheywerenotthuspreserved. 2.Page146, Tobeseparatedfromwhatweloveis sufferingThisisaquotationfromtheBuddhasfirstdiscourse, theDhammacakkappavattanaSutta(TheDiscourseonthe SettinginMotionoftheWheelofTruth).Itistobefoundin oneofthebooksofmonasticdiscipline,theMahvagga,atMV 1.6,andalsointheSamyuttaNikya,whereitis2inthe CollectionontheTruths,atS56.2.Thephrasequotedhereis recitedeverydayinTheravdanBuddhistmonasteriesand householdsaspartofthetraditionalmorningchanting. 3.Page146, WhatistheSelf?Whatistheuniverse?The firstfourofthesequestionsareassembledfromsomeofthe elementsofafrequentlyappearinglistoftenphilosophical propositionsthattheBuddharefusedevertospeakon.They appearinmanyplacesthroughoutthediscourses:e.g.inthe BookoftheTens,95,andintheDiscoursetoVacchagottaon FireatM72.312.Itseemsasthoughtheywereastocksetof issuesthatallreligiousauthoritieswereexpectedtohavesome firmbeliefabout.Theywere: 1)Theuniverseiseternal; 2)Theuniverseisnoteternal; 3)Theuniverseisfinite; 4)Theuniverseisinfinite; 5)Theself(attainPli,tmaninSanskrit)isthesameasthebody; 404

 6)Theselfisonethingandthebodyanother; 7)AfterdeathaTathgataexists; 8)AfterdeathaTathgatadoesnotexist; 9)AfterdeathaTathgatabothexistsanddoesnotexist; 10)AfterdeathaTathgataneitherexistsnordoesnotexist. TheBuddhasawthattryingtodiscoveranddefinethe Truththroughholdingontoanysuchkindofspeculativeview, wasnecessarilyboundupwithconfusionandattachmentand didnotleadtowardsenlightenment;thusherefusedtoenter intosuchquestions.Theyareknownastheundeclaredissues. TheBuddhaalsoexpoundswithgreateloquenceand humouronthiskindofunwiseattentionintheSabbsavaSutta (TheDiscourseonAlltheOutflowsoftheMind)atM2.78; andsomeofthetroublesomeresultsthatKmantaexperienced werealsofoundbyVen.Meghiya,at3intheBookoftheNines andatUd.4.1. 4.Page146, ifthehighestBrahmispureandperfect happinessThequestionsinthelasttwosentencesofthis paragraphareofamuchmoreEuropean,JudoChristian flavourandnotsofamiliarintheBuddhisttexts.Theyperhaps embodysomeofthemajorreligiousquestionsofK.G.sera hislifeexactlyspannedthecrisisoffaithintheChristianchurch attheendofthe19thCenturyandtheyreflecthispositionasa somewhatdisaffectedChristiantheologianatthetimethathe wroteKmanta. 5.Page147, itisasifoneweretopursuethehorizon ThisstatementoftheBuddhasomewhatechoeshisexchange withthedevaRohitassa,intheSamyuttaNikya,16inthe CollectionontheSonsoftheDevas,andintheAnguttaraNikya, BookoftheFours,45. ItseemsthatinformertimesRohitassahadbeenan accomplishedyogi,askywalkerwhocouldstepfromthe easterntothewesternseaofIndia.HesaidtotheBuddha:In me,Lord,therearosethewishIwillgettotheendofthe worldbywalking.Iwalkedthusforahundredyearswithout sleeping,andpausingonlytoeatanddrinkandanswerthecalls ofnature.EventhoughIexertedmyselfthusforahundredyears, 405

IdidnotreachtheendoftheworldandeventuallyIdiedon thejourney. TothistheBuddhareplied:Itistruethatonecannot reachtheendoftheworldbywalkingbut,unlessonereaches theendoftheworldonewillnotreachtheendofsuffering (dukkha).Itisinthisfathomlongbody,withitsperceptions andideas,thatthisworld,itsorigin,itscessationandtheway leadingtoitscessationaretobefound: Onewhoknowstheworldgoestotheworldsend. Onewholivestheholylife, Withheartserene,theyunderstandtheworldsend Anddonothankerforthisworldoranother. 6.Page147, wanderaloneliketherhinocerosThe rhinoceroswasoftenusedasasymbolofthesolitarylifee.g.in theKhaggavisnaSutta(TheDiscourseontheLoneRhinoceros) inthefirstsectionoftheSuttaNipta,SN3575. 7.Page148, Justas,Obelovd,amanwhohasbeenled blindfoldedThispassagecomesverbatimfromShvetaketu intheChndogyaUpanishad,Ch.Up.6.14.Initscompleteformit concludeswithoneofthemostoftquotedphrasesofallthe Hinduscriptures: Thatinvisibleandsubtleessence istheSpiritofthewholeUniverse. ThatisReality. ThatisTruth. THOUARTTHAT TATTVAMASI. ThiscanbefoundintheMascarotranslationonp.118 andinDeussensSixtyUpanishadsoftheVedasonp.171. 8.Page148, TheMasterdoesnotcravedisciplesEven thoughthisstatementisknownasoneofthesayingsof Confucius(itis,forexample,quotedinChapter2,74ofThe RomanceoftheWesternChamber,byMasterTung,p.69inthe Columbiaedn.)noonethattheeditorhasconsultedhas,asyet, beenabletoverifythisasastatementabouttheBuddha. 406

9.Page149, HeistheBlessdOneThesearesomeof TheNineQualitiesoftheBuddhaaformularepeatedvery ofteninthePliscriptures,e.g.intheSmaaphalaSutta,at D2.8,anddailyinthemorningandeveningchantingin Theravdacountries.Theexchangedescribedinthesenextfew paragraphsalsooccursbetweenPukkustiandtheBuddha,at M140.5(seeAppendix2). 10.Page149,Justbeyondthetownistherichlywooded JetavanaparkThisdescriptionoftheJetavana,andthe storyofitsbeingofferedtotheBuddha,canbefoundinoneof thebooksofmonasticdiscipline,theClavagga,atCV6.4.

CHAPTER19:THEMASTER Thiswholechapterandtheonefollowingithavebeeningeniously crafted,almostintheirentirety,byK.G.fromvariouscanonical dialoguesoftheBuddha.Thereislittleherethathasnotcome directlyfromthePli. 1.Page153, ThatTeachingistheUnveiling,the RevelationoftheFourNobleTruthsThesearepassages liftedalmostverbatimfromtheBuddhasfirstdiscourseafterthe enlightenmenttheDhammacakkappavattanaSutta(The SettinginMotionoftheWheelofTruth)alsomentioned above(seeChapter18,note2). Thesefirstfewparagraphscontaintheheartcoreofthe BuddhasTeaching:withinthemareembodiedthethemesthat runthrougheverysubsequentprinciplethattheBuddhaever expounded. Furthermore,ineverycountryandcultureintowhich Buddhismhasspread,fromLatviatoJapanandfromMongolia toSriLanka,whatisexpressedheretheexpositionofthe FourNobleTruthsandtheMiddleWayisregardedasthe uniqueandinviolablequintessenceoftheBuddhasinsightinto Truth.EvensuchelementsoftheBuddhasTeachingasare onlyfoundintheNorthernTraditione.g.theHeartStra (whichexploresthenatureofemptiness),andtheFourVast BodhisattvaVows(whichdescribetheattitudeoffollowingthe 407

BuddhasPathexplicitlyforthesakeofrelievingthesuffering ofallbeingsandnotjustoneself)theseexpressionstooderive directlyfromtheoriginalFourNobleTruths. Itmightseemanunglamorouscoinage,anddevoidof bothpoeticcharmandpromisesofglory,butitsimportantto understandthatitwastheBuddhasexplicitintentiontounderstate thecase.AsamatteroffacttheformatoftheFourNoble Truthsexactlyfollowsthepatternofadiagnosisintraditional Ayurvedicmedicine,i.e.:symptom(suffering);cause(selfcentred desire);prognosis(sufferingcanendcompletely);treatment (theNobleEightfoldPath)anexpressionnotdesignedto plucktheheartstringsbyidealisingtheGoalofspirituallife, buthighlyeffectiveindescribingtheworknecessarytohelp usarrivethere. 2.Page154, BythesideofthepillarofthePrincipleof SufferingThesepassagesrefertotheteachingsonwhatare knownasTheThreeCharacteristicsofExistence:Anicca, DukkhaandAnattImpermanence,Unsatisfactoriness/ SufferingandSelflessnessthesebeingqualitiespossessed byallelementsofthephysicalandmentalworld.Themain discourseonthissubjectistheAnattalakkhanaSutta(see Chapter10,note12). 3.Page154, thefundamentallawofconditionality DependentOriginationDependentOrigination,Paticca samuppda,isthefineanalysisofhowignoranceandselfcentred desiregiverisetotheexperienceofdissatisfaction,andhow thisprocesscanbebroughttoanend.Theenlightenment experienceoftheBuddhawascentredaroundaprofoundinsight intothisprocesshedescribesitintheSamyuttaNikya,at 65intheCollectiononCausality,S12.65.Thesameandother closelyrelatedformulappearinmanyplacesinthescriptures, someoftheprincipalonesbeingintheMahnidnaSutta (TheGreatDiscourseonOrigination)atD15.122,andinthe MahpadnaSutta(TheGreatDiscourseontheLineage)atD 14.2.1821.ThebestbookintheEnglishlanguageonthis somewhatabstrusesubjectisDependentOriginationbyVen. P.A.Payutto,publishedbyBuddhadhammaFoundation, Bangkok. 408

 TheconceptofDependentOriginationisalsoclosely relatedtoIdappaccayat,causality,(literally:theconditionality ofrelationsbetweenthisandthat).Thisisasubject thathasbeenextensivelywrittenaboutbyVen.Ajahn Buddhadsa,aleadingBuddhistphilosopherandmeditation masterofthe20thCenturyinThailand. 4.Page155, introducedananalogybysuchmethod themeaningofmanyaprofoundutterancebecomes clearThisisaphraseusedmanytimesbytheBuddhaand hisdisciplesforexample,intheDiscourseontheRelayof Chariots,atM24.14. 5.Page155, ByattachmenttoexistenceThisquotation seemstohavebeendistilledbyK.G.fromacoupleofsources: thefirstistobefoundinthecollectionofdiscoursesknownas TheInspiredUtterances,theUdna,atUd.3.10;theotherisat verses7425oftheSuttaNipta,intheDvayatnupassanSutta. 6.Page155, MydeliveranceisunassailableThis phraseisfoundinnumerousplacesinthePliCanon,e.g.in theDhammacakkappavattanaSutta,at11oftheCollection ontheTruths,S56.11. 7.Page155, TheonewhohascomethusfarThis paragraphiscondensedfromtheDhtuvibhangaSutta,M140.25 6(seeAppendix2). 8.Page155, Andone,whofromtheverybeginning TheBuddhasownconsiderationsonthispointcanbefoundin theAriyapariyesanSutta(TheDiscourseonTheNobleSearch) atM26.13. 9.Page155, BirthisdestroyedYetanotherstock phrase;again,itistobefoundinnumerousplacesinthe scriptureswhenenlightenmenthasbeenrealised.Forexample, intheAngulimlaSutta,atM86.16(seeAppendix3). 10.Page156,Suchones,myfriend,arecalledFinishers Theseterms:Finishers,ObliteratorsandWeeders,seemtobe 409

theinventionofK.G.,althoughitisbynomeansunprecedented thattheBuddhashouldusesuchwordsinsuchacontext.For example,ononeoccasionhewasquitehappytobereferredto asbhnahuno,literallyawreckerofbeing,adestroyerof growthintheMgandiyaSutta,atM75.5;and,onanother occasion,whenbeingcriticisedbyabrahminfromVeraj(Vin. Par.1,andatBookoftheEights,11),hetookalongsuccession ofsupposedinsultsincludingbeingaccusedofbeingtasteless, ateacherofnihilism,promortification,andthathewasagainst rebirthand,sayingthattheywerealltrue,proceededtoturn eachonearoundandusetheterminologytopointtothehighest spiritualprinciplesinstead. AtM22.37,intheDiscourseontheSimileoftheSnake, hequitecategoricallystates,however,thatheisNOTan annihilationist:Ihavebeenbaselessly,vainly,falselyand wronglymisrepresentedbysomesamanasandbrahminsthus: TheSamanaGotamaisonewholeadsastray;heteachesthe annihilation,thedestruction,theexterminationofanexisting being.AsIamnot,andIdonotproclaimthis,Ihavebeen baselessly,vainly,falselyandwronglymisrepresented Bhikkhus,bothformerlyandnowwhatIteachissufferingand thecessationofsuffering.(SeealsoChapter45,note12,on TheQuestionsofUpasva). ItseemsasthoughK.G.wantedtocomeupwithepithets thathadaparticularlynegativeordestructivetonetothem,in orderfortheBuddhatoputKmantatothetest. 11.Page156,Solongastheyareinthebody,suchones areseenbygodsandhumansThereferencesusedinthis paragraphcomefromavarietyofdifferentplaces,allareseena fewtimesinthescriptures;allexceptfortheMotherNature theAllseeingphrasewhichseemstobeafreshcreationof K.G.Forexample,thefirstphrasecanbefoundinthe BrahmajlaSutta,atD1.3.73;thesecondoneSuchones haveindeedblindedtheeyeofMraisfoundintheNivpa Sutta(TheBait)atM25.1220andatM26.3442intheAriyapariyesan Sutta(TheDiscourseonTheNobleSearch);and lastlyNirvnaisreferredtoasTheIslandat39intheCollection ontheUnconditioned,S43.39. 410

 CHAPTER20:THEUNREASONABLECHILD 1.Page159, Youhavetoldmemuchofhowthemonk shouldmakeanendofsufferinginhislifetimeThe openingparagraphsofthischaptercloselymirroranumberof familiarexchangesbetweentheBuddhaandsomeofhisspiritual interlocutors:firstlywithawanderercalledUttiya(whichappears intheAnguttaraNikya,BookoftheTens,95)andsecondly withabhikkhucalledMlunkyaputta(intheCla MlunkyaputtaSutta,atM63.310). IneachcasetheypresstheBuddhatogivethemastraight answertothetenstandardphilosophicalquestionsmentioned above(seeChapter18,note3). Intheformerinstance,Uttiyaasks:ButwhydoesMaster GotamadeclinetoanswerwhenIaskhimthesequestions?What thenisansweredbyMasterGotama?Inaveinverysimilarto theresponsegiventoKmanta,theBuddhareplies:Iteach theDhammatodisciplesfromdirectknowledge,Uttiya,forthe purificationofbeings,forthesurmountingofsorrowand lamentation,forendingpainandgrief,forattainmentofthe truegoal,forrealisingNibbna. Inthelattercasethequestionereveninsists:IftheBlessd Oneknows...lettheBlessdOnedeclarethattome.Ifthe BlessdOnedoesnotknow...thenitisstraightforwardforone whodoesnotknowanddoesnotseetosayIdonotknow, Idonotsee.Tobothoftheseenquirers,however,hestoically responds:ThisisunrevealedbytheTathgata. Thereis,infactanentiresectionoftheDiscoursesRelatedby Subject(SamyuttaNikya)onSayingsConcerningtheUnrevealed (Avykata);itisfoundatS44. 2.Page159, Ashewalkedthroughthewoodhepicked upabundleofSimsapleavesThisisoneofthemost famousmetaphorsthattheBuddhaused.Theincidentisfound at31intheCollectionofSayingsontheTruths,S56.31.Itis alsoworthquotinghereanotheroftheBuddhaswellknown metaphorsonthesamesubjectthesocalledParableofthe Arrow,againfromM63(seenote1ofthischapter): Suppose,Mlunkyaputta,amanwerewoundedbyan 411

arrowthicklysmearedwithpoison,andhisfriendsandcompanions, hiskinsmenandrelatives,broughtasurgeontotreathim. Themanwouldsay:Iwillnotletthesurgeonpulloutthis arrowuntilIknowwhetherthemanwhowoundedmewasa nobleorabrahminoramerchantoraworker.Andhewould say:IwillnotletthesurgeonpulloutthisarrowuntilIknow thenameandclanofthemanwhowoundedme;...untilIknow whetherthemanwhowoundedmewastallorshortorofmiddle height;...whetherhewasofdarkorbrownorofgoldenskin;... fromwhichtownorvillagehecame;...untilIknowwhetherthe bowwasalongboworacrossbow;...whetherthebowstring wasfibreorreedorsineworhemporbark;...whethertheshaft waswildorcultivated;...whatkindoffeathersitpossessed, whetherthoseofvultureorcroworhawkorpeacockorstork;... whatkindofsinewtheshaftwasboundwith,whetheroxor buffaloorlionormonkey;...whatkindofarrowheaditwas, whetheritwashooftippedorcurvedorbarbedorcalftoothed oroleander... Allthiswouldstillnotbeknowntothatmanand meanwhilehewoulddie...Mlunkyaputta,whetherthereisthe viewTheuniverseiseternalortheviewTheuniverseisnot eternaletc.,therestillisbirth,thereisageing,thereisdeath, therearesorrow,lamentation,pain,griefanddespair,the destructionofwhichIprescribehereandnow. Therefore,Mlunkyaputta,rememberwhatIhaveleft unrevealedasunrevealed,andrememberwhatIhaverevealed asrevealed... AndwhathaveIrevealed?ThisisSuffering,itsOrigin, itsCessationandthePathLeadingtoitsCessation,thisIhave revealed.WhyhaveIrevealedthis?Becauseitisbeneficial,it belongstothefundamentalsoftheholylife,itleadsto disenchantment,todispassion,tocessation,topeace,todirect knowledge,toenlightenment,toNibbna.ThatiswhyIhave revealedit. 3.Page160, ifheshouldrevealtothemhisversionof theFinalTruthnamely,annihilationThisdeduction ofKmantasissomethingthattheBuddhawellunderstood. HereisapassagefromtheAlagaddpamaSutta,(TheDiscourse ontheSimileoftheSnake)atM22.20:Here,bhikkhu,someone 412

hastheview:ThisisSelf,thistheworld;afterdeathIshallbe permanent,everlasting,eternal,notsubjecttochange;Ishall endureaslongaseternity.HehearstheTathgataoradisciple oftheTathgatateachingtheDhammafortheeliminationofall standpoints,decisions,obsessions,adherencesandunderlying tendencies,forthestillingofallformations,fortherelinquishing ofallattachments,forthedestructionofcraving,fordispassion, forcessation,forNibbna.Hethinksthus:SoIshallbe annihilated!SoIshallperish!SoIshallbenomore!Thenhe sorrows,grievesandlaments,heweepsbeatinghisbreastand becomesdistraught.TheBuddhathenoutlinesthisasa mistakenviewofthingsandthen,throughthecontemplations onimpermanence,unsatisfactorinessandselflessness,leadshis listenerstothepathofAwakening.(SeealsoChapter36,note8). 4.Page161, WhenyousitatthefeetoftheTathgata ThisexchangehasbeenskilfullyliftedbyK.G.fromadialogue betweentheBuddhaandoneofhisbhikkhus,calledAnurdha. Itisoneoftheclearestexpressionsoftheprincipleknownas theunapprehendibilityoftheenlightened. IntheexchangewithAnurdha,theBuddhais commendinghimuponthefactthatheassertedthatnothing couldbesaidaboutthenatureofanenlightenedbeingafterthe deathofthebody.Ashepointsout:IftheTathgataishere andnowunapprehendiblebyyouastrueandestablished,how muchlesscantherebeanythingsaidaboutsuchaoneafterthe bodydies.ThewholeexchangeisfoundintheSamyuttaNikya, at2intheCollectionontheUnrevealed,S44.2.Asimilar dialogueisfound,betweenVen.SriputtaandVen.Yamaka,at S22.85. Thereisalsoaninterestingexpressionofthissame principlefound,asinthepreviousnote,intheAlagaddpama Sutta,(TheDiscourseontheSimileoftheSnake)atM22.36. HeretheBuddhaisspeakingaboutonewhoiscompletely liberated:Bhikkhus,whenthegodswithIndra,withBrahm andwithPajpatiseekabhikkhuwhoisthusliberatedinmind, theydonotfindanythingofwhichtheycouldsay:The consciousnessofonethusgone(Tathgata)issupportedby this.Whyisthat?Onethusgone,Isay,isuntraceablehere andnow. 413

5.Page162, itstillseemstometobeimpliedplainly enoughinthesilenceoftheTathgataTheperplexity feltbyKmantahereechoesthatfeltbythewandererUttiya (mentionedabove,innote1ofthischapter)andalsothatof anotherwanderer,Vacchagotta(at10intheCollectiononthe Unrevealed)who,whenaskingtheBuddhawhethertheSelf existedornot,wasansweredsolelywithsilence. Inbothcasesnanda,theBuddhasattendant,waseager tocomprehendandexplaintheBuddhasnonverbalresponse andwasworriedthatthequestionerswouldmisunderstandit. Itwasprobablyacommonproblem. WehavetouchedupontheprincipleofwhytheBuddha revealedcertainthingsandnotothers(seenote2,thischapter) butthereadermightstillbewonderingwhytheBuddhaseems tobegivingKmantasuchahardtime,whenheknowsallalong thathecouldmakehimhappysimplybytellinghimwhoheis (wecameacrossasimilaractofwithholdingofinformationby theBuddha,onpage146,para.2). InthislightitmightbeusefultounderstandtheBuddhas owncriteriaforchoosingwhattosayandwhen.Hedescribes theseintheDiscoursetoPrinceAbhaya,atM58.8;theyare: 1)Speechwhichisuntrue,incorrect&unbeneficial,andwhich isalsounwelcome&disagreeabletoothersthisisnotuttered byaTathgata. 2)Speechwhichistrue&correctbutunbeneficial,andwhich isalsounwelcome&disagreeabletoothersthisisnotuttered byaTathgata. 3)Speechwhichistrue,correct&beneficial,butwhichisalso unwelcome&disagreeabletootherstheTathgataknows therighttimetousesuchspeech. 4)Speechwhichisuntrue,incorrect&unbeneficialbutwhich iswelcome&agreeabletoothersthisisnotutteredbya Tathgata. 5)Speechwhichistrue&correctbutunbeneficial,andwhich iswelcome&agreeabletoothersthisisnotutteredbya Tathgata. 6)Speechwhichistrue,correct&beneficial,andwhichis welcome&agreeabletootherstheTathgataknowstheright timetousesuchspeech.Whyisthat?BecausetheTathgatahas compassionforalllivingbeings. 414

 Fromthisitcanbeseenthat,fortheBuddha,thesole criterionforsayingsomethingwaswhetheritwasjudgedtobe bothtrueandbeneficial,ifitwasnt,hewouldkeepsilent. 6.Page163, Whateverkindsofexistencethereare ThisisfromtheBuddhasthoughtsshortlyaftertheenlightenment inthecollectionofInspiredUtterancesatUd.3.10(see Chapter36,note8). 7.Page163, AndhowdoessuchaoneseethisReality? ThispassageappearsinthecollectioncalledtheSayingsofthe Buddha(Itivuttaka)atIti.49. 8.Page163, likeawatchdogthat,boundtoapostand tryingtofreeitselfThissimileappearsinthePacattaya Sutta(TheFiveandtheThree)atM102.12. 9.Page163, LetussaythatahouseisburningThis seemsaveryfamiliaranalogybutithasnotbeenpossibleto locateitineitherthePliCanonoritscommentaries.Itspossible thatitisasomewhatamendedversionofthefamousSimileof theBurningHouse,foundintheLotusStra,atextfromthe NorthernBuddhisttradition.Inthis,alovingparenthastocoax theirchildrenoutofaburninghousebyfalselypromisingthem morebeautifulandsplendidtoysthanthosetheyareplaying with,andwhichthechildreninitiallyrefusetoleavebehind. 10.Page164,youshouldactasifyourheadwere encompassedbyflamesThefirstsimileofthisparagraph appearsofteninthescriptures,e.g.at21intheCollectionon Devas,S1.21,andat34intheCollectionontheTruths,S56.34. 11.Page164,Theworldsetonfirebytheflameof desireofhateofdelusionThispassageprobably derivesfromacoupleofdifferentplaces:firstlyfromverse146 oftheDhammapada: Howcantherebejoyandlaughter Whenthewholeworldisaflame? Secondly,fromtheBuddhasthirddiscourseafterthe enlightenment,TheFireSermonmadefamousintheWest 415

byT.S.EliotsquotationofitinTheWasteLand.Itbegins:All isburning,bhikkhusThislatterpassageisintheMahvagga, MV1.21,andat28intheCollectionontheSixSenses,S35.28. 12.Page164,Thewholeworldisbeingconsumedby flamesthewholeworldrockstoitsfoundationsThis finalphraseseemsparticularlytoechotheclosinglinesofthe versesoftheElderNunSsupacl,atThig.2023: Thewholeworldsonfire Itellyou!Itsblazing,blazing! Thewholeworldsaflame flaring,shaking, thewholeworldrocks. Eventhesewordsareshaking thewholeworldsablaze! 13.Page165,LetusimaginethecaseofayouthThis passagecomesfromtheBrihadranyakaUpanishad,Br.r.Up.4.3.33.It occursinaconversationbetweenYajavalkyaandJanaka,the KingofVideha.Itistobefoundonpp.1378inthePenguin Classicseditionandatpp.4912inDeussen. ItisalsointerestingtonotethatintheMgandiyaSutta, M75,theBuddhausesasimilaranalogy,sayinghowuninterested inearthlysensepleasuresoneofthedevaswouldbe,sincetheir experiencesofpleasurearesomuchmorerefinedandacute. HethengoesontosaytoMgandiyathatthereason whyhe,theBuddhahasrenouncedsensepleasuresissimply because:...thereis,Mgandiya,adelightapartfromsensual pleasures,apartfromunwholesomestates,whichsurpasses divinebliss.SinceItakedelightinthat,Idonotenvywhatis inferior,nordoIdelighttherein.(M75.12). PerhapsiftheBuddhahadusedthisphraseologywith ourhero,thestoryofKmantamighthavebeenverydifferent. 14.Page165,imaginetherewasaninexperiencedchild Thelengthyanalogythatbeginshereseemstobeareworking byK.G.oftheMgandiyaSutta,M75.138;heusessomedirect quotesfromthatSuttahere(e.g.Healthisthegreatestofall giftsisatM75.19)andthegeneralthemeisverysimilar.Its possiblethathefeltthattheBuddhasuseofimagerysuchas 416

Suppose,Mgandiya,therewasaleperwithsoresandblisters onhislimbs,beingdevouredbyworms,scratchingthescabsoff theopeningsofhiswoundswithhisnailswasabittoo muchforgenteelEuropeansociety,andchosetheless challengingpictureofatoothacheinstead. 15.Page165,amiracleworkerfromthelandofGandhra TheGandhravijjismentionedintheKevaddhaSutta,atD11.5, asameansofeithermultiplyingonesbodyorbecoming invisible. TheBuddhamentionsitinthecontextofthekindsof trickeryusedtoconvinceothersthatonepossessespsychic powersi.e.Hesnotreallyabletoperformmiracles,hes justusingtheGandhracharm! 16.Page166,Kmantasatreducedtosilenceandsorely disturbedTherewereanumberofothersimilaroccasions whenpeopledebatedwiththeBuddhaandendedupinthis condition;forexampleahaughtybrahminpandit,Saccaka,once challengedtheBuddhatoaphilosophicalduel,onlytocome outfeelingsomewhattheworseforwear. ThestoryisrecountedintheClaSaccakaSutta,atM35; hereachesthisconditionbypara.22.Also,at24ofthe CollectiononMra,S4.24,thedisconsolateAdversaryisleft ...seatedcrossleggedontheearthnotfarfromtheBlessdOne, silent,dismayed,withshouldersdroopingandheadsunkdown onhischest,glumandwithnothingtosay,scratchingtheground withastick. 17.Page167,itoccasionallyhappensthatBuddhas smileItindeedonlyoccursafewtimesinthescriptures thattheBuddhasmiles;however,itisinterestingtofindthatthe smileofanenlightenedonehasitsownspecialcategoryof consciousnessitiscalledthehasituppdacitta. AnexampleoftheBuddhasmiling,andwhy,maybe foundintheGhatkraSutta,M81.2.Onthisoccasion,itseems, theBuddhawaswalkingthroughaplacewherehehadlivedin thetimeofthepreviousBuddha,Kassapa;atthattimehehad beenayoungbrahminbythenameofJotipla,andwasfriends withapottercalledGhatkra.Ghatkrawasadevoteddisciple 417

oftheBuddhaKassapabutJotiplawasnottheslightestbit interestedinevenmeetingthisBuddhacharacter. EventuallyGhatkrahadtodraghimbyhishairalong towheretheBuddhaKassapawasstayinganoutrageousact forahumbleartisantocarryoutonaloftybrahmin...Once JotiplahadfinallymettheBuddhaKassapa,however,great faitharoseinhimandhebecameabhikkhu.Itwasthememory oftheironyofthisoccasionthatbroughtthesmiletothe Tathgataslips. 18.Page167,No,brother,hereplied,Icannottruly saythatIhaveThisresponseabsolutelycrucialto KmantastaleisagainfirmlybasedintheTheravda scriptures.Thereisanexchangebetweenawiselaydiscipleof theBuddha,calledCitta(literallyHeart),andtheNigantha Ntaputta,thefounderandheadofanasceticspiritualgroup thatareknowntodayastheJains.CittaisaskedbyNtaputta: DoyouhavefaithintheteachingoftheBuddhathat thereismentalbalance(samdhi)withoutdirectedand sustainedthought,thatdirectedandsustainedthoughtcan cease? Herein,sir,Idonothavefaithintheteachingofthe Buddhathatthereismentalbalancewithoutdirectedand sustainedthought,thatdirectedandsustainedthoughtcan cease. TheNiganthaNtaputtaisheartilypleasedwiththis response,assumingthata)thiswellknowndiscipleofthe Buddhaispubliclyexpressingdoubtinhisteacher,andb)that heagreeswiththeNiganthaNtaputtasownbeliefs:How straight,guilelessandingenuousisCitta...Onewhobelieves thatthinkingcanceasemightaswellbelievethatthemindcan becaughtinanet,orthattheRiverGangcouldbeheldback withonesownfist. Cittathen,however,goesontodescribehisown experienceofthedeepstatesofmeditativeabsorption(jhna), inseveralofwhichthereisbothaperfectionofmentalbalance andacompletecessationofthinking;concludinghisdescription withthewords:Knowingandseeingthusformyself,why shouldIhavetobelievethewordsofanysamanaorbrahmin? Naturallyhisquestionerisnothappywiththisand 418

accuseshim:Howcrooked,howcrafty,howcounterfeitingis thishouseholderCitta!butCittahadbeenabsolutelytruthful allalong,theproblemwasthattheNiganthaNtaputtawas unmindfulofthewayinwhichheposedthequestion.The exchangeisfoundat8intheCollectiononCitta,S41.8. Ven.AjahnChahwasveryfondofreferringtothisprinciple. Forexample: VenerableSriputta,oneoftheBuddhasdisciples,was veryastute.OncewhentheBuddhawasexpoundingtheDhamma heturnedtothismonkandasked,Sriputta,doyoubelievethis? Sriputtareplied,No,Idontyetbelieveit.TheBuddhapraised hisanswer. Thatsverygood,Sriputta.Youareonewhoisendowed withwisdom.Onewhoiswisedoesntreadilybelieve;theylisten withanopenmindandthenweighthetruthofthematterbefore believingordisbelieving.(AjahnChah,FoodfortheHeart,p.54, WisdomPubs.) AjahnChahsstoryisafreeretellingoftheDhammapada CommentarybackgroundstoryonDhammapadaverse97,(whichin turnisrelatedtothediscourse,TheEasternGatehouse,atS48.44). ThirtybhikkhusfromavillagehadarrivedattheJetavana monasterytopayhomagetotheBuddha.TheBuddhaknewthatthe timewasripeforthosebhikkhustoattainArahatship.So,hesentfor Sriputta,andinthepresenceofthosebhikkhus,heasked,Myson Sriputta,doyouacceptthefactthatbymeditatingonthesensesone couldrealizeNibbna? Sriputtaanswered,VenerableSir,inthematterofthe realizationofNibbnabymeditatingonthesenses,itisnotthatI acceptitbecauseIhavefaithinyou;itisonlythosewhohavenot personallyrealizeditthatacceptthefactfromothers.Sriputtas answerwasnotproperlyunderstoodbythebhikkhus;theythought, Sriputtahasnotgivenupwrongviewsyet;evennow,hehasno faithintheBuddha. ThentheBuddhaexplainedtothemthetruemeaningof Sriputtasanswer.Bhikkhus,Sriputtasanswerissimplythis; heacceptsthefactthatNibbnaisrealizedbymeansofmeditation onthesenses,buthisacceptanceisduetohisownpersonalrealization andnotmerelybecauseIhavesaiditorsomebodyelsehassaidit. Sariputtahasfaithinme;healsohasfaithintheconsequencesof goodandbaddeeds. 419

 Theversethisisacommentarytois: Themanwhoiswithoutblindfaith,whoknowstheUncreated, whohasseveredalllinks,destroyedallcauses(forkarma,goodandevil), andthrownoutalldesires he,truly,isthemostexcellentofmen. Dhp.97,(Buddharakkhitatrans.) Interestinglyandwithsomewryirony,asthestoryhere hingesuponmisunderstoodordoublemeaningsthePaliofthis versepresentsaseriesofpuns,andiftheundersideofeachpun weretobetranslated,theversewouldreadthus: Themanwhoisfaithless,ungrateful, aburglar,whodestroysopportunities andeatsvomit he,truly,isthemostexcellentofmen. 19.Page167,thedoctrineoftheBuddhaisblissinthe beginningthemiddleandtheendThesewordsare anotherstockphrasefoundthroughoutthePliscripturesin referencetothequalitiesoftheTeaching,(e.g.atM27.11);itis alsopartofthetraditionaldailychanting.ThewordthatKmanta generouslyrendersblisshereiskalyna,whichcanalsobe translatedaslovely,beautifulorgood. 20.Page168,helaidhimselfdownonhismatinthepostureof thelionThisisthepostureandmannerinwhichtheBuddha alwayslaydown,andwhichherecommendedtoallthefollowers ofhisTeachingasthebestwaytorestfullyandawakenatthe desiredtimewithaclearmind.Examplescanbefoundat16in theBookoftheThrees,andatM36.46,D16.4.40andatS4.13. AninterestingoccasionisdescribedintheClavagga, atCV7.4,wheretheBuddhasmaleficentcousinDevadatta imitatesthismethodbutfallsasleepunmindfully,andlosesa largeproportionofhisdiscipleswhilehesunconscious.

CHAPTER21:INMIDCAREER 1.Page172, howmanygenerationspassandhaveno BuddhaThisobservationappearsafewtimesinthe scripturesforexample,whenthelatterlyfamousBuddhist 420

philanthropistAnthapindikafirstheardthattherewasaBuddha intheworld,atCV6.4;and,morepreciselyintheDevadta Sutta(TheDiscourseontheHeavenlyMessengers)atM130.28. 2.Page173, thepolishedhornwhichdrovedeepinto hissideThisisindeedhowPukkustimeetshisendinthe DhtuvibhangaSutta(seeAppendix2).Hewasoneofagroup offourmenmentionedintheBuddhistscriptureswhoalldied inthiswayatdifferenttimes;theotherswereBhiyaDrucriya, Tambadthika,andSuppabuddhatheLeper. Thestorygoesthatinapreviouslifethefourofthem hadmurderedandrobbedabeautifulcourtesanthattheyhad takenoutfortheday;she,thuswrongedandenraged,returned asayakkhinademonessintheformofacrazedcowand pursuedthemeachtotheirdeathsthroughahundredlives. Theymustalsohavemadeconsiderablegoodkarma alongtheway,however,astheywereallabletomeettheBuddha inthispresenttime.BothPukkustiandBhiyaweresamanas (wanderingasceticmendicants),Suppabuddhawasaleperwho beggedforhisliving(hemettheBuddhabecausehesawabig crowdgatheredinthetownandthoughtthattheymightbe distributingfreefood,onlytofinditwastheBuddhateaching, sohestoppedtolisten),andTambadthikahadbeenthestate executioner. AfterhearingtheBuddhasteaching,Bhiyabecamean Arahantinstantly(thefastestofalltheBuddhasdisciplestodo so);PukkustibecameanAngmi,aNonreturner,andwas rebornintheAvihBrahmrealm;Suppabuddhabecamea Sotpanna,aStreamentererandwasrebornintheTvatimsa heaven;andTambadthikawasrebornintheTusitaheaven. Asfortheyakkhinunfortunatelywearenottoldwhat becameofherafterallthegoringswereover.Herstoryisfound atDhp.A.2.35,thecommentarytoverse66oftheDhammapada. Asamatterofinterest,theteachingthattheBuddhagave toBhiya,whichenabledhimtorealisetheTruthsoquickly, wasasfollows: Intheseenthereisonlytheseen, intheheardthereisonlytheheard, inthesensedthereisonlythesensed, inthecognisedthereisonlythecognised. 421

 Thusyoushouldseethat indeedthereisnothinghere, this,Bhiya,ishowyoushouldtrainyourself. Since,Bhiya,thereisforyou intheseen,onlytheseen, intheheard,onlytheheard, inthesensed,onlythesensed andinthecognised,onlythecognised, andyouseethatthereisnothinghere, youwillthereforeseethat indeedthereisnothingthere. Asyouseethatthereisnothingthere youwillseethat youarethereforelocated neitherintheworldofthis, norintheworldofthat, norinanyplace betwixtthetwo. Thisaloneistheendofsuffering. Ud.1.10 (SimilarprinciplesarealsoexpoundedatUd.8.4andIti.94). 3.Page176, ThedisciplewhoresemblestheMaster ThisepithetwasindeedgiventotheVen.Sriputta;thePli wordforitissatthukappa(see,forexample,M24.17).Inthe incidenthere,however,adifferentslantseemstohavebeen grantedbyK.G:thetitlegiventoVen.Sriputtawasmeantto implyaspiritualexcellence,notaphysicalresemblance.Itwas Nanda,ahalfbrotheroftheBuddha,whowasknownforthis lattercharacteristic. Astoryrelatingtothisresemblanceisfoundinthe accountoftheorigintoPcittiyaRule92,intheVinya,the bookofthemonksdiscipline:Ven.Nandawasbeautiful,good tolookupon,charming,fourfingerbreadthslessinheightthan theLord.HeworearobethesamemeasureastheTathgatas robe.MonkswhowereelderssawtheVen.Nandacomingfrom afar;seeinghim,theysaid:TheLordiscoming... 422

 4.Page178, Well,Sriputradidthecompanyofyoung monksunderyourleadershipThistypeofexchangeis foundinmanyplacesthroughoutthescriptures(Nowitisthe customforBuddhas,AwakenedOnes,toexchangefriendly greetingswithincomingbhikkhus.MV7.2).Forexample,at Ud.5.6:Areyouwell,bhikkhu?Areyouingoodhealth?Are youfatiguedbythejourneycominghere?Didyouhaveany difficultyobtainingalmsfood? 5.Page179, Foolishasanunreasonablechildwasthe pilgrimKmantaItwasbynomeansunheardofforthe kindofreactiondescribedinthispassagetooccurinthehearts ofthosewhocametolistentotheBuddha.IntheMlapariyya Sutta(theveryfirstinthatmostsignificantofcollections,the MiddleLengthDiscourses)aftertheBuddhahasexplainedahost ofsubtleandcomplexaspectsofhisteachingtoagroupofhis monks,itconcludeswiththewords:Butthosebhikkhusdidnot delightintheBlessdOneswords,M1.194. TheancientcommentaryexplainsthattheBuddha deliveredthisdiscoursetodispeltheconceitthathadarisenin themindsofthosemonksonaccountoftheireruditionand intellectualmasteryofhisteachings.Itseemsthattheyhad formerlybeenbrahminslearnedinVedicliteratureandthe Buddhaswordsmaywellhavebeenintendedtochallengethe brahmanicviewstowhichtheystilladhered.Thustheydidnot delightinhiswordsbecausethediscourse,liketheBuddhas wordstoKmantainourtale,probedtoodeeplyintothetender regionsoftheirownconceit.Happilythecommentarytellsusthat, atalatertime,theBuddhaexpoundedtothemtheGotamakaSutta (A3.123)inthecourseofwhichtheyallattainedenlightenment. IronicallyatthispointintheDhtuvibhangaSutta,M 140.36,(seeAppendix2),theBuddhaactuallypraisesPukkusti: Bhikkhus,theclansmanPukkustiwaswise.Hepractised inaccordancewiththeDhammaanddidnottroublemein theinterpretationoftheDhamma. K.G.doesbringusbackagaintosomethingofacorres pondencebetweenthetwostories,however,inthatPukkusti issaid(at50intheCollectionontheDevasthatonGhatkra 423

atS1.50)tohavereappearedintheAvihBrahmrealm andthathewasenlightenedassoonashewasbornthere.This isoneofthePureAbodes,correspondingtothePureLandsof theNorthernBuddhisttradition(seeChapter3,note8and Chapter8,note5). CHAPTER22:INTHEPARADISEOFTHEWEST 1.Page181, Wrappedinaredmantle,whoserich drapingsfloweddownabouthimItshouldbementioned that,inhisdepictionofthisparadise,K.G.haswoventogether strandsofscriptureandmythfromHinduaswellasSouthern andNorthernBuddhisttraditions,togetherwithliberalhanks ofhisownimagination. Therealmasdepictedinthisstoryis,inmanyways,very liketheWesternParadisedescribedintheAmitbhaStra(see Chapter8,note5,above);however,thereisanoticeableabsence hereofa)AmitbhaBuddhahimself,b)thegreatmultitudesof enlighteneddisciples,andc)thepresenceoftheDharma Teachings.IntheAmitbhaStra,eventhearraysofrareand wonderfulvaricolouredbirdsaresaidtoconstantlybringforth thesoundoftheDharma. InhisNotetotheFirstEdition,K.G.commentsonthese apparentinconsistenciesbetweenthepatternofcelestiallifehere andthattobefoundinscripturaltexts;further,heclearlynames theversionofTheParadiseoftheWestcontainedinthisstory ashisowninvention:what,forheavenssake,shouldIhavedone withthoseThirtyThreeGodswhenIdidntevenhaveausefor AmitabhaBuddhainSukhavati? Itsperhapsalsoworthmentioningherethat,inthecosmo logicaltexts,thedescriptionoflifeintheTheravdanversionofthe PureLands,whicharehighBrahmworlds,isthatofanexistence infinitelymorerefinedthanK.G.paintsforKmantaintheParadise oftheWest.Whatisportrayedhereindeedbearsmoreresemblanceto theTvatimsaheaventheHeavenoftheThirtythreeGodswhich isinthemidstrataofwhatareknownastheSevenHeavensofSense Desire(seeChapter3,note8). 424

2.Page182, massycloudletsonwhichreclinedlovely gandharvas,celestialmusiciansGandharvasareoneof theseveraltypesofcelestialbeingdescribedintheBuddhist scriptures;asismentionedheretheyaretheheavenlymusicians. Someofthetypesofotherworldlybeingshavebeenmentioned already:theBrahmsthegreatgodswhoaretheoccupants ofallthehighestheavenlyrealms;devaswhowould correspondtoangelsandarchangelsinWesterncosmology; asurstheyareknownastheJealousGodsorthetitansof theBuddhistworldtheyareverypowerfulcharactersand relentlesslyjealousandresentfulofthedevasbeautyand happiness,thustheyregularlygotowarwiththelatter;ngas whoaredragonlikebeingswhocanbeeitherbenevolentor malevolent;yakkhasthesearemostlyfierce,demonicbeings butcanbekindandprotectivealso(theyareoftendepictedin grandstatuesatthegatestoBuddhisttemples,representing guardiandeitiestofrightenoffother,moremalevolentintruders) similartothegargoylesofthecathedralsofEurope. Alongwiththismaingrouparelesserknownbeingssuchas garudswhoaregiantauspiciousbirds(althoughoftenatwar withthengas...);kinnariswhoaresometimesrepresentedas beingfairylike,flowerlovingbeings,andsometimesashalfbird andhalfhuman;andfinallykumbhandaswhoaregenerally malevolent,potbelliedgnomelikebeings. DowninthelowerstrataoftheBuddhistcosmologicalscheme ofthings,therearetobefoundtherealmofpetas,HungryGhosts, whohavetinymouthsandhugebellies,combinedwithinsatiable appetites(symbolisingtheworldofaddictionandcraving);andbelow them,atthebottomofthecosmicheap,arethegreatvarietyofhell realmsandtheirdenizens.Thesewewillhearmoreoflater(see Chapter34,note5). Inallthis,thereadershouldberemindedthattheone crucialfactorinallBuddhistcosmologyisthatnostateis permanent.Abirthinaparticularrealm,beitwiththehigh brahms,thekinnaris,theanimalsorinhell,willonlylastsolong, thentherewillbeabirthinanewdomain,movinguptheladders ordownthesnakesaccordingtothequalitiesofonesactions. (SeealsoChapter3,note8). 425

3.Page183, themysteriousperfumeoftheCoralTreeThis isthesameCoralTreespokenofabove(seeChapter6,note7). Chapter23:THEROUNDELAYOFTHEBLESSD 1.Page187, Hewanderedonthroughcharminggroves Togivethereaderasenseofcomparisonbetweenacanonical versionofsuchaparadiseandthatportrayedbyK.G.,hereisa descriptionoftheTvatimsaheavenfromtheTalesofthe HeavenlyMansionstheVimnavatthuitisfoundatVim. 3.10,TheCoralTreeMansion: Yourejoice,withtheflowersoftheCoralandEbonytrees, charminganddelightful,threadingheavenlygarlands andsinging. Whileyouaredancing,heavenlysoundsstreamforth delightfultotheear. Whileyouaredancing,heavenlyscentsarewaftedaround fragrancessweet,bewitching. Whileyouareswayingyourbody,thesoundoftrinketsinyour braidedhairislikethemanykindsofmusic. Thesoundofyourjewelledearringstremblinginthebreeze islikeafivefoldmelody. Andtheperfumeofthosesweetlyscentedgarlandsonyourcrown blowshereandthereinalldirections. Youbreathethatsweetscent,youseeunearthlybeauty. ThereisalsoaninterestingaccountofVen.Anuruddha, themostaccomplishedvisionaryoftheBuddhasdisciples, meetingwithasimilargroupofDevatsofLovelyForm.They tellhimthattheycanassumeinatriceanycolourwelike,produce anysoundwedesireandobtainanyhappinessalso.Ashethen wishes:Maytheyallbecomeblue,dressedinblue,deckedin finerywhichisblue,theybecomeso,thensotoowithyellow andthenwhite.Theythenstarttoplaytheirmusicalinstruments allatoncesweetandcharming,alluring,loveableand delightful.Ven.Anuruddha,beinganArahant,remained composedanddidnotshowexcitementatallthis.Thedevats thenassumed:MasterAnuruddhaisnotenjoyingthis,and immediatelyvanished.Thepassageisat46intheBookof theEights. 426

CHAPTER24:THECORALTREE 1.Page195, Hispastlifelayopenbeforehim Recollectionofpastlivesisalsoregularlycitedamongstthelist ofabilitiesthataccruetothosewhocultivatethepathof meditation;forexampleintheSmaaphalaSutta(Discourse ontheFruitsoftheHomelessLife)atD2.934,andinDiscourse onFearandDread,atM4.27: Whenmyconcentratedmindwasthuspurified...I directedittoknowledgeoftherecollectionofpastlives...One birth,twobirths,three...five...ten...twenty...fifty,ahundred births,athousandbirths,ahundredthousandbirths,manyons ofuniversalexpansion,manyonsofuniversalcontraction... Iunderstood:ThereIwassonamed,ofsuchaclan...suchwas myexperienceofpleasureandpain;andpassingawayfrom thereIreappearedelsewhere.Thuswiththeirdetailsand particularsIrecollectedmymanifoldpastlives. Incidentally,thereisnomentionintheTheravda scripturesoftheCoralTreehavingthismiraculousabilityof evokingmemoriesofpastlives.Itspossiblethatsuchpowers areascribedtoitintheHindulegends(seeChapter6,note7). CHAPTER26:THECHAINWITHTHETIGEREYE 1.Page207, Iwouldkillmyselfbypersistentlyrefusing allnourishmentThethreattostarveyourselftodeathunless yougotyourwaywasevidentlyafairlycommonpracticeinthe timeoftheBuddha.IntheverylastoftheVersesoftheElder NunstheThergth,(Thig.456516)SisterSumedh recountshowshewasdriventothisextremeintheefforttoget herparentstoallowhertoleavethehouseholdlifeandtobecome anun. Anotherofthemostfamousinstancesofthesame circumstanceismentionedintheRatthaplaSutta,atM82.7 11,whereayounganddearlybelovdonlyson,Ratthapla,

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liesdownonthebarefloorandrefusestoeatuntilhisparents givehimpermissiontoentertheBuddhasmonasticorder. CHAPTER27:THERITEOFTRUTH 1.Page214, therehungawreathoftheredKanavera blossomsTheKanavera,oroleander(Neriumodorum), wasindeedthetraditionalgarlandwornbycriminalsinNorth Indiaontheirwaytotheplaceofexecution. 2.Page215, bewitnessnowtotheRiteofTruthA RiteofTruth,saccakiriya,isasolemndeclarationordeclaration onoath.Suchasseverationsappearinafewplacesinthe Buddhistscriptures,forexampleinthecollectionofBirthStories, theJtaka,at1.214&1.294,andat4.31&1.142.Theprinciple invokedisthattruthfulnesshasapowerthatreachesbeyondthe ordinarylimitsofthematerialworld.InoneoftheBirthStories theBuddhadescribeshow,inapreviouslifeasahumblelittle quail,hemanagedtoturnbackaforestfire: DependingonthepowerofTruth Imadethisasseveration Herearewingswhichdonotfly, herearefeetwhichdonotwalk, andmotherandfatherhavedeparted JatavedatheFire:Goback! ThisactofmineImadewithTruth; thegreatblazingcrestedflames avoidedsixteenmeasuresofland, likefirethathasreachedthewatersedge. Perhapsevenmorepoignantly,thereisanotherexample intheAngulimlaSuttaitself(atM86.145,seeAppendix3) wherethereisaversetoblessexpectantmothersandtheirbabies. Bothoftheseversesarestillusedtodayasprotectiveblessings.

CHAPTER28:ONTHESHORESOFTHEHEAVENLYGANG 1.Page222, hereinthestreamoftheHeavenlyGang,worlds arerolledandpropelledalongThispassagewasperhapsinspired bythefamouslines: 428

Worldsonworldsarerollingever Fromcreationtodecay, Likethebubblesonariver Sparkling,bursting,borneaway. Worldsonworldsarerollingever PercyByssheShelley 2.Page223, Isitpossible,thenforeternalhappiness toexistwherethereislimitation?TheBuddhaanswered thisquestioninoneofhismostfrequentlyrecountedphrases, reciteddailyinmanyTheravadancountries: Sabbesankhranicc sabbesankhrdukkh sabbeDhammanattti Allconditioned,limitedthingsareimpermanent, allconditionedthingsareunsatisfying, thereisnoselftobefound ineithertheconditioned ortheUnconditioned,UltimateReality. AsimilaranalysisisalsofoundintheAnattalakkhana Sutta(mentionedabove,e.g.atChapter10,note12): Ismaterialformpermanentorimpermanent,bhikkhus? Impermanent,VenerableSir. Isthatwhichisimpermanentultimatelysatisfyingor unsatisfying? Unsatisfying,VenerableSir CHAPTER29:AMIDTHESWEETNESSOFTHECORALBLOSSOMS 1.Page225, rodehiswarelephanttoHastinapuratoaid hisfriends,thePndavaprincesHere,onceagainare scenesfromtheMahbharata. 2.Page225, shehadascendedthefuneralpyreinfront ofthepalaceThispassagedescribesthepracticeofsati whereafaithfulwidowwasexpectedtoimmolateherselfon herhusbandsfuneralpyre.Thecustomhasallbutdiedout 429

inIndia,havingbeenbannedinthe19thCenturybythe BritishRaj. 3.Page226, AgniandIndra,toVarunaandMitra ThesearesomeofthegodsoftheVedas,themostancientIndian scriptures.Indrawasthegodofwar,thunderandoftheEast, VarunawasthegodoftheseaandoftheWest,Agniwasthe godoffireandMitrathegodofthesun. 4.Page228, theyevengrewastwopalmsonanisland IntraditionalBuddhistcosmologythereisnomentionofany possibilityofrebirthasatreeoraplant;thereare,however, manyreferencestotheexistenceoftreespirits,rukkhadeva, thesearedirectlyanalogoustothedryadswhoregularlyappear inGreekmyths.Forexample,thereisthementionofarukkha devaofagreatbanyantreecalledSteadfast(Suppatitthita)to befoundat54oftheBookoftheSixes. 5.Page229, WeareasoldastheworldTheBuddha madeitveryclearthatthecyclesofbirthanddeatharenotjust protracted,theyarebeginninglessBhikkhus,Samsra,the roundofbirthsanddeaths,isbeginningless.Ofthebeingsthat travelandtrudgethroughthisround,shutinastheyareby ignoranceandfetteredbycraving,nofirstbeginningis describable.Itisnoteasytofindabeingwhohasnotformerly beenonesmother,father,brother,sister,daughterorsonduring thislong,longtime.ThispassageisfoundintheCollectionof SayingsontheBeginning,atS15.1419.(SeealsoChapter8,note3). CHAPTER30:TOBEBORNISTODIE 1.Page231, wehavereachedaplacewherethereisnomore passingaway,whereeternaljoyisoursweetpossessionThe suppositionthattheheavenlyrealmthatonehasarrivedatiseternal seemstobeaverycommonone.AsTennysonexpressedit,inhis poembasedonanincidentintheOdyssey,(atIX,82ff.): O,restye,brothermariners,wewillnotwandermore. TheLotoseaters Alfred,LordTennyson 430

AnotherVictorianpoet,ChristinaRossetti,putitlikethis: Thousleepestwheretheliliesfade Thoudwellestwheretheliliesfadenot; Sweet,whenthyearthlypartdecayed Thyheavenlypartdecayednot. Seasons ChristinaRossetti Wewillcomeacrossthismistakenimpressionagainafew moretimesinourtale. 2.Page231, itsredcolourseemedtohavelostsomething ofitsfreshnessandglossWhatfollowsinthischapterisa depictionofthetraditionalfivesignsdenotingtheageingand deathofdevas:1)theflowersoftheirgarlandswiltandlose theirfragrance;2)theirclothesbecomedirty,dullanddrab;3) theirarmpitsstarttosweat;4)theirbodieslosetheirradiance, becomewitheredandtired;and5)theirheavenlythronesbecome hot,hardandrigid,theyfeeldiscomfortintheirhandsandfeet andtheycannotsitstill. Thesefactorsarereferredtoin83oftheItivuttaka,and alsointheancientThaicommentary,TheThreeWorlds AccordingtoKingRuang,(mentionedatChapter3,note8), onpp2423oftheBerkeleyedition.Theyarealsofoundinthe ShurangamaStra,atthebeginningofthefinalsectionThe FiftySkandhaDemonStates,(Vol.8,pp.123intheBuddhistText TranslationSocietyedition). 3.Page232, TobebornistodieThisversecouldeasilyhave comefromthePli,butitisprobablyK.G.sowninvention,ashinted atinhisNotetotheFirstEditionitmatchestheflowofhisplot suspiciouslywell. Thereseemstobenopassagethatmatchesitexactlyin theTheravdascriptures,eventhoughithastherighttoneand itbearssomepassingresemblancetoapassageintheSallaSutta, atSN5757: Abeing,onceborn,isgoingtodie,andthereisnowayoutofthis. Whenoldagearrives,orsomeothercause,thenthereisdeath. Thisisthewayitiswithlivingbeings. Whenfruitsbecomeripe,theymayfallintheearlymorning. Inthesamewayabeing,onceborn,maydieatanymoment. 431

Justastheclaypotsmadebyapotterendupbeingshattered, Soitiswiththelifeofmortals.

CHAPTER33:ANGULIMLA 1.Page258, LiketheEarth,youshouldexerciseevenness oftemperThisstatementoftheBuddhawasactuallymade tohisson,thenoviceRhula.HewasbornjustbeforetheBuddha leftthelifeoftheroyalpalaceandtookupthewayofthe homelessspiritualseeker.AftertheenlightenmenttheBuddha returnedtohishometown,Kapilavatthuand,alongwithmany othersoftheSkyaclan,hegaveRhulaordinationintothe Sangha.Traditionhasitthathewaseighteenyearsoldwhen thisdiscoursewasgiven.ItiscalledTheGreaterDiscourseon AdvicetoRhula,theMahRhulovdaSuttaitisatM62.13. 2.Page258, youspeaknotwiththerobber,butwith theupsaka...AngulimlaThetermupsakameansliterally Onewhositscloseby;itisthewordusedformalelayfollowers oftheBuddha.Upsikisthefemaleequivalent. 3.Page259, WhoisthisBuddha?Asimilartonetothatof thisretortisfoundintheexchangebetweenJotiplaandGhatkra (mentionedaboveatChapter20,note17).Wheninvitedtocome andmeettheBuddhaKassapa,Jotipla(theBuddhatobe)snorts: EnoughGhatkra!Whatstheuseofseeingthatbaldpatedrecluse? 4.Page259, Eventohearthenameofhimwhomtheycall TheWelcomeOneThereisapassageneartheendoftheLotus Stra,oneofthemostimportanttextsoftheNorthernSchoolof Buddhism,whereitstatesthatevenjusttooverhearthenameofthe Buddha,orpassbyaBuddhistshrineinthedistance,issufficientto guaranteeonewilleventuallyrealisecompleteandperfect enlightenment.Furthermore: Ifmen,withmindsdisturbed Enterastupaoratemple AndcallNamoBuddhya, Buddhahoodtheywillattain. ThewordthatK.G.translateshereasTheWelcomeOne isSugataitisanothermemberofthestandardlistofnine 432

qualitiesoftheBuddha,someofwhichwerequotedonpage 232,para.12.Thewholelistwasalsoenumeratedonpage149, para.1(seeChapter18,note9). CHAPTER34:THEHELLOFSPEARS 1.Page261, Ithenbecameawareofasolitarytraveller Allthewaythroughthischapterwehavereferencestothe AngulimlaSutta,M86(seeAppendix3);thispassage,together withthosefollowingit,appearsalmostverbatimatM86.37. Incidentally,thismeetingbetweenAngulimlaandthe Buddhaistraditionallyplacedonlytwentyyearsafterthe enlightenment,i.e.twentyfiveyearsbeforetheBuddhasold ageandtheeventsdepictedinthisstory. 2.Page262, thiswandererherecomesonalonelikea conquerorJinaorTheConquerorwasindeedoneofthe epithetsgiventotheBuddha. 3.Page263, Icouldntgainanotherstep,althoughIranwith allmymightandheseemedtobewalkingquiteleisurely forwardK.G.wouldalmostcertainlyhavebeenstruckbythe similaritybetweenAngulimalasexperiencehereandthatdescribed byParsifal,theeponymousheroofWagnersopera,onthewayto theGrailCastlewithGurnemanz.Hesays: Iscarcelymove, Yetswiftlyseemtorun. Towhichhiscompanionreplies: Myson,thouseest HereSpaceandTimeareone. Parsifal, RichardWagner (QuotedinTheGrailLegendbyEmmaJung&MarieLouise vonFranz,PrincetonUniversityPress,1998) ThiscommentdoesnotappearinquitethisforminWolframvon Eschenbachs13thCenturyCEoriginal.However,attheopeningofBookV itsays:Thehorsepulledthedraggingreinsthroughmarshyland,forno oneshandguidedit.Thestorytellsusthatonthatdayherodesofarthat abirdcouldonlywithdifficultyhaveflownallthatway.Thedragging reinsimagesuggestsadoloroustrudgeratherthanaheadlonggallop, 433

thusitisamysteriouscounterpointtothehugedistancecovered.Perhaps WagnersfamiliaritywithBuddhistscriptures,viahisassociationwith Schopenhauer,inspiredhimtoequatethisstrangetemporalillogicality withAngulimlasexperience,andexpandittospecifythefusing/ dissolutionofordinarytimeandspacearoundtheGrailCastle. 4.Page266, asthoughitwereamatterofgoingfrom onehousetoanother...ThissimileisusedintheMah SakuludyiSutta,atM77.345. 5.Page266, Givemeyourhand,hesaidThemanuvre thatisdescribedinthisparagraphissimilartoonethatthe Buddhausedafewtimesalwaystohelpbringsomeoneto greaterunderstandingortohelpthemmakestrongereffortsin thepracticeofmeditation.Forexample,averysimilartripto hellisundertakenintheNimiJtaka,541intheCollectionof StoriesofPreviousBirths;heretheLordMtali,adevaprince, takestheBuddhatobe(KingNimiinthatparticularlife)tovisit thelowerrealmsonachariotdrawnbyathousandthoroughbred horses.TheincidentisalsomentionedatM83.13,inthe MakhdevaSutta. Onaslightlydifferenttack,atUdna3.2,theBuddhatakes hiscousin,thenewlyordainedbhikkhuNanda,offtotheTvatimsa heaventointroducehimtothecelestialnymphstheresothathe wouldstopthinkingabouthisformergirlfriendJanapadakalyn. Asaskilfullure,theBuddhapromisedhimfivehundred oftheTvatimsanymphs,whoallhadbeautifuldovelikefeet, ifhewouldcommithimselfwithvigourtohismeditation.Nanda settowithawill,butwhenhisfellowbhikkhusfoundoutthat hisnewfoundzealwasonaccountofthepromiseofthecelestial maidens,theyroundlycriticisedhimandhebecameembarrassed byhisownfoolishworldliness.Hecontinuedwithhismeditation practiceregardless,however,andnotlongafterarrivedat completeenlightenment.HethenwenttotheBuddhaand releasedhimfromhispromise. ThereisalsomentionofthepathtothegodsintheKevaddha Sutta,atD11.67,andanincident,intheCollectiononBrahms,atS6.5, wheretheBuddha,MahMoggallnaetal.gotovisitabrahmgodto humbletheconceitedopinionhehadofhimself. Incidentally,thereadershouldnotethatthisinterlude 434

inthestoryisK.G.sowninventiontheBuddhadoesnot actuallydothisintheAngulimlaSutta;intheoriginalstory faitharisesandAngulimlaaskstogoforthasabhikkhuwithout thebenefitofasoberingtriptotheunderworldtherelevant passageoccursatM86.6(seeAppendix3). 6.page267, This,HonouredSir,istheHellofSpears FromtheviewpointofBuddhistcosmology,lifeinthevarious hellrealmsbearsaverycloseresemblancetothatdescribedin manyotherreligioustraditionsand,asinmostothertraditions, itsatopicofgreatpopularinterest.Oneofthemostvivid descriptionsoflifeinthehellscomesintheDevadtaSutta (TheDiscourseontheHeavenlyMessengers)M130;a comparablepassageisfoundat35oftheBookoftheThrees. TheHellofSpearsitselfiscalledtheSattisla,Sattihati orLagtihasalaNirayaitistheeighthauxiliaryhellofMah Avci,thelowestandworstoftheEightGreatHells.Itis mentionedin522oftheStoriesofPreviousBirths,the SarabhangaJtaka,andisparticularlyreservedforthieves, robbers,defraudersandfalseaccusers. Thepassageinourstorybearsastrikingresemblance totheexperiencesofMahMoggallna,theBuddhassecond discipleafterSriputta,ashedescribesthemintheMratajjanya Sutta(TheRebuketoMra)atM50.22.Heisrecounting totheMraofthecurrentagethekarmicresultofhisownabuse ofthechiefdiscipleoftheBuddhaKakusandha,whenhe(Mah Moggallna)hadbeentheMraofthatage(actuallytheuncle oftheMratowhomhewasspeaking!)Ashesays:Then,Evil One,thewardensofhellcameuptomeandsaid:Goodsir, whenstakemeetsstakeinyourheart,thenyouwillknow:I havebeenroastinginhellforathousandyears.Thissituation initselfisaninterestingcommentaryonBuddhistcosmology, where,withinthespaceofafewlifetimes,onecangofrombeing theembodimentofeviltobeingaparagonofvirtueandwisdom. Theevolutionofthespiritualpathisalsobynomeansalinear flowalongwithhismanylivesofcultivationofgoodness, MahMoggallnahadbeenMranolessthanthirtyseventimes. Forthereadersinterest,someoftheotherhellscharacteristics areasfollows: 1.SajvaNirayaTheHellofThoseWhoAreKilledbut 435

ReviveContinuously.(Lifespan=500hellyears.Onedayand night=9,000,000humanyears) 2.KlasuttaNirayaTheHellWiththeFloorMarkedby BlackRope.(Lifespan=1000hellyears.Onedayandnight= 36,000,000humanyears) 3.SanghtaNirayaTheHellofCrushingandSmashing. (Lifespan=2000hellyears.Onedayandnight=144,000,000 humanyears) 4.RoruvaTheHellofScreaming.(Lifespan=4000hell years.Onedayandnight=576,000,000humanyears) 5.MahroruvaTheHellofGreatScreaming.(Lifespan= 8000hellyears.Onedayandnight=2,304,000,000humanyears) 6.TapanaTheHellofFiercelyBurningFire.(Lifespan= 16,000hellyears.Onedayandnight=9,216,000,000humanyears) 7.MahtapanaTheHellofGreatFiercelyBurningFire. (Lifespan=manykalpas.Onedayandnight=severalkalpas) 8.MahAvciTheHellofSufferingWithoutRespite. (Incalculableperiodsoftime) SomegruesomenessesoftheSajvahellanditsauxiliaries are:redhotironfloors;saltyriversfullofknivesandrazorsharp lotusleaves;beingtornapartbydogs,crowsandvultures; hotcoalspouredoveryourhead;beingdunkedinpotsof molteniron;headtwistedoffbyredhotironropesand thenfried;clearriversturningouttobeboilinghotandother riversofbloodandpusbeingtheonlyfoodavailable. Themostfamousofalloftheseretributionsisthe LohasimbliNiraya(TheKapokTreeofLovers)heremen andwomenwhohavedeceivedtheirspousesareplacedwith theirbelovd,oneatthebottomandoneatthetopofakapok tree,coveredwithknifelikespines.Seeingtheobjectoftheir desiresattopofthetree,theyareirresistiblycompelledtoclimb, despitethetremendousagony. Oncetheyreachthetop,howeverBOOF!the positionschange,andtheotherissuddenlyatthebaseofthe tree,feelingcompelledtoclimb Thisisaveryterriblekindoftribulation,saysthetext, asifwehadntguesseditalready.Italsostates,afterhaving describedallthesemiseriesofjusttheSajvahell,(i.e.level1), thatthesevenlevelsbelowthiswillnotandcannotbedescribed. 436

Theyaremuchmoreterriblethananyofthosethathavealready beenconsidered. Oneofthebestsourcesforthiscosmologyis,onceagain, TheThreeWorldsAccordingtoKingRuang,translatedbyF.E. &M.B.Reynolds,BerkeleyBuddhistStudiesSeries. 7.Page268, theJudgeoftheDeadofthattimepondered deeplyThisparagraphhasbeenliftedverbatimbyK.G.from theDevadtaSutta,M130.28.Itisalsosimilartoapassage spokenbyKingBimbisra,intheMahvagga,atMV1.22,onhis meetingtheBuddhaforthefirsttimeaftertheenlightenment. 8.Page268, evenasinthislandofJambudvpathere aretobefoundonlyafewsmilinggrovesThisparagraph andthosefollowingitareabridgedfrom19oftheBook oftheOnes,A1.19;thispassagealsobearsaresemblanceto 96oftheBookoftheSixes,A6.96. 9.Page269, Come,disciple!AtthispointintheAngulimla Sutta,atM86.6,theBuddhaactuallygiveshimthefull ordinationasabhikkhu,ratherthanjustinvitinghimtobean upsaka.TheBuddhafrequentlygaveordinationbythesimple utteranceoftheformula,Ehi,bhikkhuCome,bhikkhu e.g.atMV1.7,inthedescriptionofayoungmancalledYasas goingforth;or,moreparticularlyintheAngulimlaSutta,atM 86.6(seeAppendix3). Inourtaletheexchangehasbeenrenderedas,Come, disciple(whichincidentallyisnotaformfoundanywherein thePliCanon)sinceAngulimladoesnotyettakeonthe bhikkhuprecepts. 10.Page269,ThePerfectOnehadenteredthewoodlike anelephanthunterThissimileoccursinanexpandedform intheDantabhmiSutta(TheGradeoftheTamed)atM125.12.

CHAPTER35:APUREOFFERING 1.Page274, onsuchbeautifulmoonlitnightsthemonks staytogetherinspiritualdiscussionTheBuddha 437

encouragedgatheringsofthelayandmonasticcommunitieson thelunarquarters,whenpeoplewouldmeditateandlistento talksontheDharma.ThispracticeisstillfollowedintheSouthern BuddhistcountriesofThailand,BurmaandSriLanka,andeven intheWest,insomecountriestowhichtheTheravdatradition hasspread.Theoriginofthecustomisdescribedinthebooks ofmonasticdiscipline,atMV2.2.1. Spiritualdiscussionswere,andalsoare,commonamong membersofthemonasticcommunity.Thereisaparticularly lovelyaccountofsuchoccasions,whichtheauthorhasborrowed fromhere,tobefoundintheMahgosingaSutta,atM32.4. 2.Page276, Istoodthereinfearfuluncertainty undecidedwhethertogoonortoturnbackAsimilar incidentisdescribed(atCV6.4)inreferencetothegreat benefactoroftheSangha,Anthapindika,whenhefirstwentto meettheBuddha.Hewassoeagertoseehimthathewokeup threetimesinthenight,thinkingitwasalreadydawn. Finally,illuminedbyaneeriebrightness,hegottothe SvakaGateofthecityandsomecelestialbeingsopeneditfor him.Assoonashewasoutofthegatethestrangelightlefthim andhewasindarknessagain.Hewasawestruckandbecame filledwithfear.Hewantedtoturnback,butthespiritSvaka spoketohim: Ahundredelephants,ahundredhorses, Ahundredchariotsdrawnbymules, Ahundredthousandmaidensdeckedwithgems Andearringsallthesearenotwortheven Asixteenthpartofonestepforwardnow. Goforward,householder,goforward. Bettertogoforwardthanturnback. CV6.4 3.Page278, Whatdoyouthink,bhikkhus,whichare morenumerousAsmentionedabove(seeChapter20,note2) thispassageisfoundatS56.31. 4.Page279, Andwhat,friends,haveIdeclaredtoyou? ThereferencehereistotheClaMlunkiyaputtaSutta,M63.710. TheBuddhamakesthisstatementafterthebhikkhu 438

MlunkiyaputtathreatenedtodisrobeandleavetheSanghaif theBuddhawouldnotanswerhislistoftenphilosophical questions(seeabove,Chapter18,note3).TheBuddharefuses toanswerthese,seeingthatthesequestionsareallmissingthe essentialpointofspirituallife.(SeealsoChapter20,note1). Apassageofasimilarspiritoccursinthediscourse knownasTheSevenCausesofWelfare,at21inTheBookof theSevens:Solong,bhikkhus,asyouappointnonewrules anddonotabolishtheexistingones,butproceedaccordingto thecodeoftraininglaiddown,solongmaytheSanghabe expectedtoprosper,nottodecline(A7.21). 5.Page280, TheyareheirsofTruth,notheirsofmaterial thingsThissentencecomesfromtheDhammadydaSutta (TheDiscourseonHeirsofTruth)atM3.2andisthemain themeofthatdiscourse.Thereisanotherwellknownpassage relatedtothisprinciple,atIti.100,wheretheBuddhastates Therearethesetwokindsofofferings:theofferingofmaterial thingsandtheofferingoftheDhamma.Ofthesetwokindsof offering,thisistheforemost,namely,theofferingofthe Dhamma. 6.Page280, For,ifpeopleknewthefruitsofgivingasI knowthemThissentencecomesfrom26intheItivuttaka. 7.Page280, Icallapureofferingthatwithwhichthe giverispurifiedandthereceiveralsoThissentence,and thosethatmakeuptherestofthisparagraph,comesdirectly fromtheDakkhinvibhangaSutta(TheDiscourseonthe ExpositionofOfferings)atM142.13. 8.Page281, yetanallbutabsolutesilencereignedinthe circleAsimilarquietudeisdescribedintheSmaaphala Sutta,whenKingAjtasattuisbroughttomeettheBuddhain theAmbavana,JvakasMangoGrove.Alarmedandintimidated bytheprofoundsilenceofthemeditatingassembly,theKing askshiscompanion:Howisitthatfromthisgreatnumberof onethousandtwohundredandfiftymonksnotasneeze,acough orashoutistobeheard?ThepassageistobefoundatD2.10. 439

 CHAPTER36:THEBUDDHAANDKRISHNA 1.Page284, He,thetrulylivingamidthisrestlessand delusorylifeofthelifelessThislastsentenceofthe paragraphechoesthefamouspassagefromtheDhammapada, Dhp.21,quotedatChapter1,note8. 2.Page284, Hespokeofthetempleonthestepsof whichhesatThisDharmatalkbytheBuddha,onthe themeofKrishnaandhislife,isentirelythecreationofK.G.Its debatablewhetherthelegendsofKrishnaslifeexistedinthe timeoftheBuddha,atleastintheforminwhichtheyexist now;thereis,however,aninterestingreferencetosomeone calledKanha(whichisthePliequivalentoftheSanskritword Krishna,bothwordshavingthemeaningblack)whomthe Buddhapraisesasamightysageofagespast,whowentto thesouthcountry,learntthemantrasofthebrahminsand acquiredgreatpsychicpowers.Thisreferencetohimisfound intheAmbatthaSutta,atD3.1.23. 3.Page285, SomewhowishedharmtotheTathgata oncesetlooseasavageelephantThisstorycomesdirectly fromtheVinya,thebooksofmonasticdiscipline,andrecounts oneoftheattemptsbytheBuddhasambitiouscousin,Devadatta, tokillhimandthentakeoverleadershipoftheSangha.Devadatta wasinleaguewithKingAjtasattuandpersuadedhimtoallow hisgreatbullwarelephant,Nlgiri,tobemadedrunkandenraged, andthentohavehimreleasedontothestreetwheretheBuddha waswalkingonhisalmsround.ThestoryoccursatCV7.3. Perhapsitshouldalsobementionedthatanotherreason whytheBuddhamightnotbeafraid,isthatitissaidtobe impossibleforaBuddhatobekilledbyaviolentactthey onlydiewhentheyvoluntarilyrenouncethelifeprinciple althoughhecouldhavesustainedsevereinjuryandpain. 4.Page288, FormealonehastheSamanaGotama declaredthisteachingThisphraseistakenverbatimfrom TheGreaterDiscoursetoSaccaka,M36.45;intheoriginaltext, 440

however,theBuddhaqualifiesitinasomewhatlessexplicit waythanisdonehereinourstory.Hesays:Butitshouldnot beregardedso;theTathgatateachestheDhammatoothers onlytogivethemknowledge. 5.Page289, LordKrishnaalthoughhehimselfwas theSupremeGodItisdoubtfulthattheHinduscriptures actuallypresentthecareerofKrishnainquitesuchanobviously Christianway.K.G.hadhimselfbeenaChristiantheologian and,duringtheyearsthathewroteKmanta,hehadbecome somewhatdisaffectedfromthattradition.Itseemsclearthathere heistryingtomakeadistinctcontrastbetweenJesusChrist andtheBuddhawiththelatterbeingaccordedspiritual superioritywithoutsayingitinsomanywords. Havingsaidthat,however,itshouldbenotedthat similarstatementsarefoundintheBhagavadGt(e.g.atBook4, verses67)whereKrishnagoessofarastoproclaim: AlthoughIamunborn,everlasting,andIamtheLord ofall,Icometomyrealmofnatureandthroughmy wondrouspowerIamborn. Whenrighteousnessisweakandfaints,and unrighteousnessexultsinpride,thenmyspiritarises onearth. 6.Page289, IreasonedthusThisTruththatIhave realisedisprofoundandhardtoseeIntheseparagraphs wehavetheBuddhasownaccountofthebeginningofhis teachingcareer.ItisverbatimfromtheVinyatexts,atMV1.5. 7.Page290, theMastertoldusofthoseheroicdeedsof KrishnaThestoriesmentionedinthisparagraph,together withmanyothersthathavealreadybeenquoted,aretobefound intheHinduscriptures;ParticularlyinBook10oftheBhagavata Purna,andintheHarivamsa. 8.Page292, neitherexistencenornonexistencecould besaidtodescribetherealityofLifeThissentenceisa usefulandprofoundteaching,ifsomewhatabstruse;K.G. probablyderiveditfromtheInspiredUtterances,Ud.3.10: Thisworldisanguished,beingexposedtocontact, 441

Evenwhattheworldcallsselfisinfactunsatisfactory; Fornomatteruponwhatitconceives(itsconceitsofidentity), Thefactiseverotherthanthat(whichitconceives). Theworld,whosebeingistobecomeother, Iscommittedtobeing,isexposedtobeing,relishesonlybeing, Yetwhatitrelishesbringsfear,andwhatitfearsispain. Nowthisholylifeislivedtoabandonsuffering. Whatevermonksorbrahminshavedescribedliberation frombeingtocomeaboutthrough(loveof)being,none,Isay, areliberatedfrombeing.Andwhatevermonksorbrahminshave describedescapefrombeingtocomeaboutthrough(loveof) nonbeing,none,Isay,haveescapedfrombeing.Throughthe essentialsofexistence,sufferingis;withallclingingexhausted, sufferingisnomore. Whateverstatesofbeingthereare, ofanykind,anywhere, allareimpermanent,painhaunted andsubjecttochange. Onewhoseesthisasitis thusabandonscravingforexistence, withoutrelishingnonexistence. Theremainderlessfading,cessation,Nirvna, comeswiththeutterendingofallcraving. Anotherpassage,fromTheSayingsoftheBuddha,Iti. 49,mightalsohelptoilluminatethissubtlesubject:Bhikkhus, heldbytwokindsofviews,somedevasandhumanbeings holdbackandsomeoverreach;onlythosewithvisionsee. Andhow,bhikkhus,dosomeholdback?Devasand humansenjoybeing,delightinbeing,aresatisfiedwithbeing. WhenDhammaistaughttothemforthecessationofbeing, theirmindsdonotenterintoitoracquireconfidenceinitor settleuponitorbecomeresolveduponit.Thus,bhikkhus,do someholdback. How,bhikkhus,dosomeoverreach?Nowsomeare troubled,ashamedanddisgustedbythisverysamebeingand theyrejoicein(theideaof)nonbeing,asserting:Inasmuchas thisself,goodsirs,whenthebodyperishesatdeath,is annihilatedanddestroyedanddoesnotexistafterdeaththis ispeaceful,thisisexcellent,thisisreality!Thus,bhlkkhus,do someoverreach. 442

 How,bhikkhus,dothosewithvisionsee?Hereina bhikkhuseeswhathascometobeashavingcometobe. Havingseenitthus,hepractisesthecourseforturningaway, fordispassion,forthecessationofwhathascometobe.Thus, bhikkhus,dothosewithvisionsee.(SeealsoChapter20,note 6.) 9.Page292, likeonewhohearsanewsongutterly unlikeanyotherVsitthsreferencehere,returningtothe counterpointwiththeChristiantradition,soundsvery reminiscentofthewordsofPsalm149,verse1:Praiseyethe Lord.SinguntotheLordanewsong 10.Page293,ashimmerofsomethinginfinitelyhigher hadshoneinmyeyesVsitthsexperiencehereisakinto thatexpressedbytheBuddhatoMgandiya,atM75.12,(quoted atChapter20,note13). CHAPTER37:THEBLOSSOMSOFPARADISEWITHER 1.Page298, ifallthiswerelastinganddidnotpass away,therecouldbenothinghigherThisphrase resonatesoneofthemostimportantpassagesinthecollection ofInspiredUtterances,Ud.8.1:ThereisanUltimateReality: Unborn,Uncreated,UnconditionedandUnformed.Iftherewere not,therewouldbenoescapepossiblehereforonewhois born,created,conditionedandformed.But,sincethereisthis UltimateReality:Unborn,Uncreated,Unconditionedand Unformed,escapeispossibleforonewhoisborn,created, conditionedandformed. ItalsoiscloseinspirittotheteachingthattheBuddha gavetothedeludedBrahmgodBaka,whowasunderthe impressionthathewastheCreatorandinthehigheststateof beingwewillcomeacrossreferencestothisincidentafew moretimesbeforeourtaleisdone.ThestoryisfoundatM49.26 andatS6.4 2.Page298, beyonditthereisthatwhichknowsneither genesisnordecayThispassagealsocomesfromtheInspired 443

Utterances,atUd.8.3:Thereisthatsphereofbeingwhere thereisnoearth,nowater,nofirenorwind;noexperienceof infinityofspace,ofinfinityofconsciousness,ofnothingness orevenofthestateofneitherperceptionnornonperception; thereisthereneitherthisworldnoranotherworld,neithermoon norsun;thissphereofbeingIcallneitheracomingnoragoing norastayingstill,neitheradyingnorareappearance;ithasno basis,noevolutionandnosupport:itistheendofsuffering. 3.Page298, whattheMastercallsjoyinthetransient ThisisaquotefromtheSalyatanavibhangaSutta,M137.11: When,byknowingtheimpermanence,change,fadingaway andcessationofforms,sounds,odours,flavours,tangiblesand mindobjects,oneseesasitactuallyiswithproperwisdomthat formsetc.bothformerlyandnowareallimpermanent,unsatis factoryandsubjecttochange,thenjoyarises.Suchjoyasthis iscalledjoybasedonrenunciation. Thereisalsoapassagethatbearssomeresemblanceto itintheDhammapada,atDhp.277: Allistransient onewhoseesthis hastranscendedsorrow. Thisawareness istheclearandopenPath. 4.Page299, samanaswhofixedheartandmindupon returningtoexistenceinthekingdomoftheHundred thousandfoldBrahmThereisapassageintheSankhrupapatti Sutta(TheDiscourseonReappearancebyAspiration)atM120.18, whichisparticularlypertinenttoourtaleK.G.definitelyhad thisashissourceforthemiseenscneofthelatterpartofhisbook; becauseofthisitisworthquotingatlengthhere. TheBuddhadescribesthewayleadingtoreappearance intheworldoftheHundredthousandfoldBrahmthus: Bhikkhus,Ishallteachyoureappearanceinaccordancewith onesaspirationAgain,abhikkhupossessesfaith,virtue, learning,generosityandwisdom.HehearsthattheHundred thousandfoldBrahmislonglived,beautifulandenjoysgreat happiness.NowtheHundredthousandfoldBrahmabides intentonpervadingaworldsystemofahundredthousand 444

worlds,andheabidesintentonpervadingthebeingsthathave reappearedthere.Justasanornamentoffinestgold,very skilfullywroughtinthefurnaceofaclevergoldsmith,lyingon redbrocade,glows,radiatesandshines,sotheHundred thousandfoldBrahmabidesintentonpervadingaworldsystem ofahundredthousandworlds,andheabidesintenton pervadingthebeingsthathavereappearedthere.Thebhikkhu thinks:Oh,thatonthedissolutionofthebody,afterdeath,I mightreappearinthecompanyoftheHundredthousandfold Brahm!Hefixeshismindonthat,establishesit,developsit. Theseaspirationsandthisabidingofhis,thusdevelopedand cultivated,leadtohisreappearancethere. Averysimilarteachingisrecountedat35oftheBook oftheEights;theBuddhaalsostressingthere,however,that thisisforthevirtuous,notfortheunvirtuousforthemental aspirationofthevirtuousprospersbecauseofitsfreedomfrom passion.(A8.35). Incidentally,althoughourheroandheroineare obviouslynotawareofit,accordingtotraditionalBuddhist cosmologythereareanotherseventeenbrahmrealmshigher thantheonetheyareaimingfor(seeChapter3,note8). 5.Page299, Longingsforafuturebeing,fillingheart andmindatdeathEventhoughK.G.goestothetrouble ofexplicitlyascribingthisquotation,aSanskritscholarconsulted bytheeditorwasoftheopinionthat:Thisdoesnotsoundlike theBhagavadGt!Itbearsacloseresemblancetosome passagesintheTibetanBookoftheDeadbut,asW.Y.Evans Wentzhadnotyetmadehistranslationin1906,thiscannothave beenK.G.ssource.Itmay,therefore,likeanumberofother poeticalpassages,simplybeacreationofK.G.sinthespiritof someofthescripturesthathehadread. 6.Page299, aviolenthurricanesweptthroughthegroves andoverthelakesThiswholechapter,andparticularlythe passagesfromheretotheend,notonlyreflectstheendingofthe lifeofadeva(theywoulddiesinglyratherthanallatonceinthe normalrunofthings)butitalsodepictsthesymptomsoftheending ofanon,whentheforcesofnaturerendallthingsfromexistence inalltherealmsbelowthoseofthebhassarbrahmgods. 445

 Hereisadescriptionofthepatternofdestructionbythe FourGreatElements,fromtheVisuddhimagga,XI102: Theconflagrationsflameburstsup outofthegroundandraceshigher andhigher,righttotheBrahmheaven, whentheworldisburntupbyfire. Awholeworldsystem,measuring onehundredthousandmillionswide, subsides,aswithitsfuriouswaters theflooddissolvestheworldbeside. Onehundredthousandmillionleagues, awholeworldsystemsbroadextent, isrentandscattered,whentheworld succumbstotheairelement. (Bhikkhunamolitrans.) AdescriptionoftheendingofanonfromtheTibetan traditioncanbefoundonpp.3940ofTheWordsofmyPerfect Teacher,byPatrulRimpoche(publishedbyHarperCollins). 7.Page299, Butlikeonewho,allbutsuffocatedintheclose andperfumeladenatmosphereofaroomTennysoncaptured thissuffocatingqualitywellinhispoem,Aspirithauntstheyears lasthours: Theairisdamp,andhushd,andclose, Asasickmansroomwhenhetakethrepose Anhourbeforedeath; Myveryheartfaintsandmywholesoulgrieves Atthemoistrichsmelloftherottingleaves, Andthebreath Ofthefadingedgesofboxbeneath, Andtheyearslastrose. Heavilyhangsthebroadsunflower Overitsgraveitheearthsochilly; Heavilyhangsthehollyhock, Heavilyhangsthetigerlily.

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CHAPTER38:INTHEKINGDOMOFTHEHUNDRED THOUSANDFOLDBRAHM 1.Page303, KmantaandVsitthenteredagain intoexistenceasthegodsofadoublestarAs you,gentlereader,mighthavesuspectedwhentheconceptwas firstmentionedonpage299,thenotionofbrahmgodsbeing embodiedasstarsisafictionofK.G.sthereisnobasisforit intheBuddhisttradition.Heprobablyacquiredtheidea, however,fromtheGreekandRomanmyths. Inthesetraditions,toascendafterdeathandtobefigured foreverinthestarsasAndromeda,CastorandPollux,Pegasus orwhoeverwasoftenhowmeremortalsattainedto immortality. InrespecttothisDante,inhisDivinaComedia,referstoa passagefromPlato: Hesaysthesoulreturnstoitsownstar believingittohavebeenseveredhence whennaturehasbestoweditasaform. Paradiso,CantoIV52ss ThereferenceistoPlatosTimus,v.ix.p.326: TheCreator,whenhehadframedtheuniverse,distributed tothestarsanequalnumberofsouls,appointingtoeachsoulits severalstar. DantementionsthisagaininhisConvito,TheBanquet: Unlikewhatherethouseest, ThejudgmentofTimus,whoaffirms Eachsoulrestoredtoitsparticularstar; Believingittohavebeentakenthence, Whennaturegaveittoinformhermold. ConvitoIV.xxi, DanteAlighieri AndagaininTheDivineComedy,whentheFourCardinal VirtuesspeakinPurgatory: Herewearenymphs,andinheavenstars Purgatorio,XXXI106 Lastly,JohnBarthsnovelChimeracontainssome interestingexplorationsofthistheme(plusquiteagalaxyof others).QuotedbelowwehavethenewlyestellatedPerseus, talkingtoMedusaattheendofBarthsPerseid:whatIhold 447

aboveBetaPersei,Medusa:notserpents,butlovelywomans hair.Imcontent.Sowiththisissue,ournetestate:tohave become,likethenotedmusicofourtongue,thesesilent,visible signs;tobethetaleItelltothosewitheyestoseeand understandingtointerpret;toraiseyouupforeverandknow thatourstorywillneverbecutoff,butnightlyrehearsedas longasmenandwomenreadthestarsImcontent.Till tomorroweveninglove. Goodnight. Goodnight.Goodnight. 2.Page303, theflashingofwhoseraystheyinstantly caughtandreturnedTheimagethatiswoveninthisand thenextparagraphisderivedfromamixtureofinfluences,the principalonesbeingthoseofIndrasNetandtheDanceofShiva. TheformerreferstotheNorthernBuddhisttradition,basedonthe TheEntranceintotheRealmofRealitychapteroftheAvatamsaka Stra,ofallthebeingsoftheuniverseexistinglikejewelsstrung togetherinavastnet:multidimensionalandasimmeasurableas thecosmos.Eachjewelisnotonlyconnectedtoallothers,butit alsoreflectsinitssurfacethecharacteristicsofalltheotherjewels intheinfinitenetitistheprincipleofintrinsicinterrelatedness ofallbeingsandallthings. InthewordsofSirCharlesEliot: IntheHeavenofIndra,thereissaidtobeanetworkof pearls,soarrangedthatifyoulookatoneyouseealltheothers reflectedinit.Inthesamewayeachobjectintheworldisnot merelyitselfbutinvolveseveryotherobjectandinfactIS everythingelse.Ineveryparticleofdust,therearepresentBuddhas withoutnumber.Interestingly,thisimagebearsastrikingresemblance tosomemodelsoftheuniverseespousedbymodernphysicists,notably theHadronBootstraptheory. ThelatterinfluenceonthispassageisaHindutradition, representingtheuniverseastheembodimentofShivaNatarja heisthecosmicdancerwhosemusicandmovementisallcreatures andallworlds.Fromthetirelessstreamofdivineenergythecosmos isseentoflowinendless,gracefulreenactment. 3.Page304 othersystemswhichformedthemselvesinto chainsofsystems;andbeyondtheseyetotherchains,and 448

ringsofchains,andspheresuponspheresofchainrings OnceagainK.G.seemstohavebeensomewhatpropheticinhis imaginativeflourishes: Galaxiesareboundbygravitytoformclustersof20 toseveralthousand330millionlightyearsacross Chainsofadozenorsogalaxyclustersarelinkedlooselyby Gravityandmakeupsuperclusters,whichcanbeupto200million lightyearsinextent.Superclustersinturnarearrangedinbroad sheetsandfilaments,separatedbyvoidsofabout100millionlight yearsacross.Thesheetsandvoidsformanetworkthatpermeates theentireobservableuniverse.(Universe,p.27,MartinReesed., DKLtd.) TheAndromedagalaxy,wasthefirstcelestialobjecttobe recognizedasbeingseparatefromtheMilkyWay,ourowngalaxy. Thiswasestablishedin1929,byEdwinHubble,23yearsafterKG wrotethispassage.TheAndromedagalaxyis2.5millionlightyears awayandisthefurthestdistancethatcanbeseenbythenakedeye. Page304, thatwhichwasharmonyofmovementhere appearedtobeaharmonyofsoundThemysterious soundmentionedinthispassagesometimesreferredtoas Brahmnda,TheNdaSoundorTheSoundofSilence hasbeenthesubjectofmanytheoriesandbeliefsoverthe centuries.Thelisteningtoitcanbecultivatedasaprofound formofmeditationpractice.Somecurrentbookswhichdeal withitare:ThePathtotheDeathless,byAjahnSumedho (Amaravat),TheWayofInnerVigilance,bySalimMichael (Signet),andTheWorldisSound:NadaBrahmamusicand thelandscapeofconsciousness,byJoachimErnstBerendt (Destiny). ThereisalsoaninterestingsayingbyPlotinus,theancient Greekphilosopher:Allmusic,baseduponmelodyandrhythm, istheearthlyrepresentativeofheavenlymusic. 4.Page305, TheOnewhoseimmeasurablebrightness permeatedallthegodsofthestarsThisimagecomes bothfromtheHinduaswellastheBuddhisttradition;for example,inBk.5oftheKathaUpanishaditsays:FromHis lightallthesegivelight,andHisradianceilluminesallcreation. (SeealsoChapter37,note4). 449

 5.Page305, theoriginalformsofallthatceaselessly comesintobeingandpassesawayWerebackinEurope againnow;thereferencetooriginalformsissuggestiveofthe philosophyofPlato: AccordingtoPlato,eachtypeofsensibleentity(ajust act,arockingchair,oneofanything)reflectsorparticipates inanindependentlyexistingFormwhichisanimmutable, eternalandapprehensibleentitythatistheessenceoftheentity orqualityinquestion(justice,chairness,thenumberone).The changelessFormsareobjectsofknowledge,whereassensible entitiesareobjectsofopinion.PlatofirstmentionstheTheory ofFormsinTheSymposium,hearguesforandusestheTheory inthePhdo,andalsoutilisesitinTheRepublic. 6.Page306,AndthiseternitywasadelusionInthe Buddhistscripturesthebrahmgodsareoftenrepresentedas beingpureandradiantbutalsosubjecttoconsiderabledelusion andconceit. MahBrahm(representedinthesechapterswiththe titleTheHundredthousandfoldBrahm)hisministersandhis retinueactuallyonlyoccupythethreelowestofthetwenty brahmheavensafactthatTheGreatOneisunawareof,his beliefbeingthatheisbotheternalandTheSupreme. Thereisagoodexampleofthistendencyofthebrahm godstogetlostinthesenseoftheirownperfectioninthediscourse calledtheBrahmanimantanikaSutta(DiscourseontheInvitation ofaBrahm)M49.Therootdelusionabouttheirstateofbeing, echoedbyKmantainhisassumptionaboutthestarsonpage 299,isexpressedas:Thisispermanent,thisiseverlasting,this iseternal,thisistotal,thisisnotsubjecttopassingaway;for thisneitherisbornnoragesnordies,norpassesawaynor reappears,andbeyondthisthereisnoescape.(M49.2). Thesameincidentisalsodescribedat4ofthe CollectiononBrahms,atS6.4.Indealingwiththissituation theBuddhaemploysthesameinsightasvoicedbyVsitthon page298(seeChapter37,note1,alsoChapter36,note10). Thesedelusionsofeternalityandomnisciencearise because,althoughthebrahmshavebeenbornlikeallother beings,theirlifespanissolongthattheymistaketheirstateof 450

beingfortheUltimateReality,theUnconditioned. Itsalsoworthnotinghowcloselythischapterdoes representthetraditionalHinduexpressionofthings;forexample, againfromBk.5oftheKathaUpanishad:ThereisoneRuler, theSpiritthatisinallthings,whotransformsHisownforminto many...HeistheEternalamongthingsthatpassaway,pure Consciousnessofconsciousbeings,theONEwhofulfilsthe prayersofmany.

CHAPTER39:THEDUSKOFTHEWORLDS 1.Page309, THEDUSKOFTHEWORLDSThetitleof thischapterWeltendmmerungintheoriginalGerman obliquelyreflectsK.G.sinterestinthephilosopherSchopenhauer andthethoughtthatwasinfluencedbyhim. ThefinaleofthegreatoperaticcycleTheRing,byRichard Wagner(who,alongwithFriedrichNietzsche,wasknowntoreferto SchopenhauerasTheMaster)iscalledGtterdmmerung,The TwilightoftheGodsthetermreferstoRagnarok,thedayofdoom intheNorsemyths,whentheoldworldandallitsinhabitantsare annihilated.Outofthedestructionanewworldisborn,aworld atpeace. Incidentally,itseemsthatDeussen(sobelovdofK.G.)was alsoadiscipleofSchopenhauer:hisSixtyUpanishadsoftheVedais dedicated:TothespiritualancestorsofArthurSchopenhauer,the epigraphisaquotefromhimandheisgivenacentralplaceinthe Forewordtothatvolume. 2.Page309,AfterhehadobservedtheBrahmforfive millionsofyearsInBuddhistcosmology,thelifespanofbeings getslongerandlongerasoneascendsintoworldshigherthanthe humanstate,justasitgetslongerthedeeperintothehellsone descends(seeChapter34,note6).Forexample: AdayintheTvatimsaheaven=100humanyears;alifespan, 36,000,000humanyears. AdayintheYmaheaven=200humanyears;alifespan, 144,000,000humanyears. AdayintheHeavenoftheContented=400humanyears; alifespan,576,000,000humanyears. 451

 AdayintheHeavenofThoseWhoDelightinCreating=800 humanyears;alifespan,2,304,000,000humanyears. AdayintheHeavenofThoseWhoDelightintheCreations ofOthers=1600humanyears;alifespan,9,216,000,000humanyears. Thelifespansofthoseinthebrahmrealmsrangefroma paltry83Greatons(Mahkalpa)forthelowestlevelsofthe WorldsofForm(Rpaloka),to16,000Greatonsatitstop;the livesofthoseintheFormlessRealms(Arpaloka)meanwhile,go fromadecent20,000Greatonsatitslowestlevel,toafull84,000 forthoseinthemostrefinedrealmsofall. OurHundredthousandfoldBrahmwouldthusexpectto havealifeofabout250Greatons,oroneIncalculablePeriod (Asankheyyakalpa).Apassagethatmentionsthesefiguresforsome oftheupperrealmsisfoundat114oftheBookoftheThrees, A3.114. 3.Page311, Upwardtoheavenssublimestlight,life pressesthendecaysOnceagain,liketheverseonthe FlowersofParadise(seeChapter30,note3)thishasthelookof anutteranceoftheBuddhabutisnotknowninthisforminthe Pliscriptures,itisthuslikelytobeanotherofK.G.screations.In theTibetantraditionthereisaparallel,however,inatextcalledThe TreasuryofQualities: EvenBrahm,Indra,Shambhuandtheuniversalmonarchs HavenowaytoevadetheDemonofDeath. 4.Page312, Wherewantis,therenoiseis;butabundanceis tranquilThisphrasecomesfromtheSuttaNipta: Listentothesoundofwater. Listentothewaterrunningthroughthechasmsandtherocks. Itistheminorstreamsthatmakealoudnoise; thegreatwatersflowsilently. Thehollowresoundsandthefullisstill. Foolishnessislikeahalffilledpot; thewisemanisalakefullofwater. SN72021,VenH.Saddhatissatrans. 452

Itisalsoreminiscentof: OnhearingtheTeachings, thewisebecomeperfectlypurified likealake;deep,clearandstill Dhp.82 5.Page313 asiftheGodwithahundredgiantarmswereseek ingtheinvisiblefoewhowasbesettinghimInthisreaction,the deityishandlingthesituationverydifferentlythanKingPasenadi,as describedintheSimileofMountains,atS3.25. TheBuddhaasksthekingwhathewoulddoifheheardthat fromeachofthefourquarters,agreatmountain,highastheclouds wasapproachingcrushingalllivingbeings? Thewisekingresponded:Ifsuchagreatperilshould arisewhatelseshouldbedonebuttolivebytheDhamma,tolive righteously,andtodowholesomeandmeritoriousdeeds. Iinformyou,greatkingageinganddeatharerollingin onyou.Whenageinganddeatharerollinginonyou,greatking, whatshouldbedone? KingPasenadithenrespondsbysayingexactlythesameashe didbefore:whatelseshouldbedonebuttolivebytheDhammato liverighteously,andtodowholesomeandmeritoriousdeeds. (BhikkhuBodhitrans.) CHAPTER40:INTHEGROVEOFKRISHNA 1.Page315, Enormouscrowdsofpeopledemanded threateninglythatKingUdenaIntheoriginalsuttaitis KingPasenadiwhoisappealedtothusbythemobsincethis incidentisplacedinthekingdomofKosala;thecapitalcitythere wasSvatthi(seeM86.8,Appendix3).KingUdenawastheruler ofVams,thecapitalofwhichwasindeedKosamb. 2.Page319, KingUdenamountedhisstateelephant,the celebratedBhaddavatikThiswasindeedthenameofa famouselephantbelongingtoKingUdena.Heusedhertoelope withhisbelovedPrincessVasuladatt,whenwinningherfrom theprotectionofherfather,KingCandapajjota. Bhaddavatiksstoryismentionedintheprologuetoone oftheBirthStories,theDalhadhammaJtaka(Jat.409). 453

 3.Page319, AttheentrancetothewoodThiswholesection, fromthisparagraphuntiltheendofthechapterminusthe interpolatedcharactersofVsitthandStgira,andwith KingPasenadiinsteadofKingUdenaappearsatM86.913; (seeAppendix3). 4.Page322, and,theverynextday,Ishavedmyhead andbecameabhikkhunAccordingtotheVinya,the monasticrule,awomangenerallyneededbothtohavebeena probationer(sikkhamn)foratleasttwoyears,andanovice (smaner)forawhile,beforethefullordinationwasgranted. However,justaswithmenbeinggiventheEhi,bhikkhu ordinationbytheBuddha,withoutanyotherkindofceremony (seealsoabove,Chapter34,note8),itappearsthattheBuddha alsoallowedcertainwomentogoforthwithouttheusual preliminaries. Interestinglyenough,theElderNunVsitthwhose SongofEnlightenmentappearsatverse51intheThergth, (Thig.1338)seemstohavebeengivenordinationinthis way.OthernotableElderNunswhoweresimilarlyhonoured wereBhaddTher,(whowasordainedbytheBuddhasaying Ehi,Bhadd,Thig.108)SujtTherandAnopamTher. VersesoftheTherVsitth: Outofmymind derangedwithloveformylostson. Outofmysenses. Nakedstreaminghairdishevelled Iwanderedhereandthere livedonrubbishheaps inacemetery,ontheroadway Iwanderedthreewholeyears desolation hungerandthirst. TheninblessdMithil IsawtheBuddha banisheroffear. Withcompassionhecalmedme teachingmetheDharma. 454

Iheededallhesaid, thenlefttheworld withallitscaresbehind. Followingwherehetaught: thePathtogreatgoodfortune. Nowallmygriefshavebeencutout uprooted theyhavereachedtheirend fornowatlast Iknowthegrounds fromwhichsprangallmymiseries.

CHAPTER41:THESIMPLECONTEMPLATION 1.Page325, OnedayItookmystandThetypeof incidentdescribedinthisparagraphoccursafewtimesinthe PliCanon.Oneofthemostnotableisthatofthevisitbythe bhikkhuRatthaplatothehouseofhisparents.Theyhadbeen loathtolethimgoforthand,whenhecametotheirhousefor alms,theyfailedtorecognisehimandthought:Ouronlyson, dearandbelovd,wasmadetogoforthbythesebaldpated wanderers,andtheyhurledabuseathim.Nearbyaslavewoman wasthrowingawaysomestaleporridgesoRatthaplasaid: Sisterifthatstuffistobethrownaway,thenpouritintomy bowlhere.Shethenrecognisedwhoitwasandalertedthe household.Whenhisfathertrackedhimdown,andbeggedhim tocomeandeatattheirhouseinstead,hereplied:Iwentto yourhousebutreceivedtheirneitheralmsnorapoliterefusal; insteadIreceivedonlyabuse.Hethendeclinestheofferofa meal,sayingthathehasnowhadhisfoodfortheday. Heisinvitedforthemealnextday,butwhenhegoesto hisparentshouseheisconfrontedwithavastpileofgoldcoins andbullion,togetherwithallofhisformerwivesarrayedin sumptuousfinery.Allofthesehedeclineswithasteadfastheart, eventuallyretorting:Householder,ifthereisamealtobegiven, thengiveit.Donotharassme.Beforehetakesleavefrom themheutterssomespontaneousverses,endingwiththewords: Thedeerhuntersetoutthesnare Butthedeerdidnotspringthetrap; 455

Weatethebaitandnowdepart Leavingthehunterstolament. M82.1725 Fromthisaccountonecanseewhataworkoutsuch visitscanbe! 2.Page326,Sister,theSimsapwoodisdelightful Theselattersentencesaretaken,almostverbatim,fromthe MahgosingaSutta,atM32.4(seeChapter35,note1).Inthe original,however,thestatementismadebytheElderSriputta tonandaandthetreesarethefragrantSla,ratherthanSimsap. 3.Page328, toreceiveathemeofcontemplationwhich wouldbeaspiritualguideThisisaninterestingpicture wovenherebyK.G.:theresnoevidenceofsuchatradition ofeachdisciplereceivingaspecialthemeofcontemplation eitherintheTheravdatextsorincommonusageinthe TheravdanBuddhistcountries.Itstruethatwhentheteacher isabouttogooffonhis/hertravels,manyofamonasterys residentsandsupporterswillcometopaytheirrespects,and perhapsatthattimereceivesomeparticularlycogentorpersonal pieceofadvice(knowingthatanypartingcanmeanGoodbye forever)butsuchasystematic,onetoonecontactisunknown. Thepatterndescribedherehasalmostcertainlybeen derivedfromtheZenBuddhisttradition;originallyfromChina andlaterestablishedinKoreaandJapan.Inthistraditionthere isaparticularmethodofmeditativeinquiryknownasInvestigating thekonwherethelatterwordreferstoastory,aquestion orconundrumthatthemeditatorusestohelpopenupthemind andhearttorealitiesgreaterthanourconditionedthinkingand emotionsnormallyallow.ThepracticebeganinChinaandwas particularlydevelopedintheChanmonasteriesofthegreat masterLinChi.InJapanthewordChanbecameZen,and LinChibecameRinzai.Thewordkon(orkunganin Chinese)literallymeanspublicrecordandreferstothistype ofmeditation;thesubstanceoftheenquiryiscalled,inChinese, thehuatou. HereisthegreatChinesemasterHsYn(18391959) describingthepractice:Therearemanyhuatous,suchas:All thingsarereturnabletoOne,towhatisthatOnereturnable?; 456

Beforeyouwereborn,whatwasyourrealface?;butthehua tou:WhoisrepeatingtheBuddhasname?iswidelyinuse today[1953].Whatishuatou?(Literallywordhead).Wordis thespokenwordandheadisthatwhichprecedestheword. Forinstance,whenonesaysAmitbhaBuddha,thisisaword. Beforeitissaiditisahuatou(oranteword).Thatwhichis calledahuatouisthemomentbeforeathoughtarises.Assoon asathoughtarises,itbecomesahuawei(lit.wordtail).The momentbeforeathoughtarisesiscalledtheUnborn.Thatvoid whichisneitherdisturbednordull,andneitherstillnoronesided iscalledtheUnending.Theunremittingturningofthe lightinwardsononeself,instantafterinstant,andexclusiveof allotherthings,iscalledlookingintothehuatou,ortaking careofthehuatou.(FromMasterHsYnsDiscoursesand DharmaWords,translatedbyCharlesLuk). So,whenthemastergivesakontothediscipleforthem toworkon,thewordsofthekonarethetailandthehead alwaysthebusinessendofthingsistherealisationof Truththatthestudentawakensto.Thegivingofsuchkonsto eachindividualdiscipleisaveryimportantpartofspiritual traininginRinzaiZenmonasteries. Otherfamousexamplesofkonsare:Whatisthesound ofonehand?Whatisit?andWhoamI? 4.Page328,Wherethereislove,thereisalsosuffering ThereareseveralplacesintheTheravdascriptureswherethis insightoftheBuddhaappears.Firstly,inanincidentwhere Viskh,adevoteddisciple(andgrandmothertofourhundred children!),comestotheBuddhaingrieffromlosingoneofher belovedgranddaughters.Afterheasksher:Wouldyouliketo haveasmanygrandchildrenastherearepeopleinSvatthi? shereplies:Ohyes,indeed.Hethenpointsoutthat,hadshe somany,notadaywouldpasswithoutherhavingtoattenda funeralforoneoranotherofthem.Theincidentisrecountedin theInspiredUtterances:Viskh,thosewhohaveahundred dearones,theyhaveahundredsorrows;thosewhohave ninetyeightyfiftytwentytenthreetwoonedear one,butonethingbelovd,theyhavebutonesorrow;thosewho havenothingbelovd,theyhavenosorrowsorrowlessare theyandpassionless,serenearethey,Ideclare. 457

Whatevergriefsandlamentationsthereare Andallkindsofsorrowintheworld Itisbecauseofsomethingdearthattheseexist; Ifthingsarentdear,thesedontcomeintobeing. Ud.8.8 SomeversesincludedintheDhammapadaalsocamefromthe sameincident: Clingingtowhatisdearbringssorrow. Clingingtowhatisdearbringsfear. Toonewhoisentirelyfreefromendearment Thereisnosorroworfear. Sorrowspringsfromaffection. Fearspringsfromaffection. Toloosenthosebonds Istobefreefromsorrowandfear. Dhp.2123(Ven.nandaMaitreya,trans.) Hefollowsasimilarchainofreasoning,analysingthe effectsofdesire,affectionandlonging,inaconversationwith Bhadragaka,avillageheadmanat11intheCollectionon Headmen(S42.11).TheBuddhaleadshiminexorablytothe conclusion:Whatsoeversufferingariseswithinmeallthatis rootedindesire(chanda),joinedtodesire.Desireisindeedthe rootofsuffering. Lastly,inthePiyajtikaSutta(TheDiscourseonBorn FromThoseWhoAreDear)M87,onmeetingadistraughtman whohadjustlosthisonlyson,theBuddhastates:Sorrow, lamentation,pain,griefanddespairarebornfromthosewho aredear,arisefromthosewhoaredear. Themantakesoffenceatthisandretorts:Venerable Sir,happinessandjoyarebornfromthosewhoaredear,arise fromthosewhoaredear.Thedebatebetweenthesetwopoints ofvieweventuallygetspickedupbyQueenMallikandKing Pasenadi,theformersidingwiththeBuddha. Aftermuchwrangling(Mallik,nomatterwhatthe SamanaGotamasays,youapplauditBeoff,Mallik,away withyou!)theKingisfinallybroughtroundtotheoutlookof theBuddhawhenheseesthatanydegeneration,sicknessor deathamongstallthethingsthathelovesofhischildren, wives,generals,hiscity,hiskingdomwouldbringsorrow, lamentation,pain,griefanddespair:theseedsofpainbeingin 458

 hisattachmenttoandpossessivenessofallthatheloves. K.G.alsoseemstohavebeeninfluencedbytheGreek philosophersinapproachingthethemeoflove;hereisabrief outlineoftheareafromasomewhatdifferentangle: AccordingtoSocrates,thedivinemadnessofloveistobe honouredandpraised,foritislovethatcanmostpowerfully awakenthesoulfromitsslumberinthebodilyworld.Thelovers soulisstirredbythesensuousbeautyofthebelovedinto remembering,howeverfaintly,themorepure,genuine,beauty oftheeternal,bodilessIdeaswhichitonceknew.Thusreminded ofitsowntranscendentnature,thepreviouslydormantsoul beginstosproutwings,andsoonaspirestorisebeyondthis worldofceaselessbecomingtowardthatchangelesseternal realmbeyondthestars: Itistherethatthetruebeingdwells,withoutcolouror shape,thatcannotbetouched;reasonalone,soulspilot,canbehold it,analltrueknowledgeisknowledgethereof. Phaedrus,247c(R.Hackforthtrans.), quotedbyDavidAbram,inTheSpelloftheSensuous, pp1212,Vintage 5.Page328, Seekrefugeinyourself,Vsitth;takerefuge intheDharmaThislineisparaphrasedfromoneofthe mostfamousquotationsoftheBuddha.ItoccursintheDiscourse ontheBuddhasLastDays,theMahparinibbnaSutta,atD 16.2.26(seeAppendix4):Therefore,nanda,youshouldlive asislands,aslightsuntoyourselves,beingyourownrefuge, withnooneelseasyourrefuge;withtheDhammaasanisland, alight,withtheDhammaasyourrefuge,withnootherrefuge. 6.Page328, youaretheveryselfofthedisciples;youarethe livingDharmaTheseepithets,ifnotpreciselyrenderedhere, areatleastreminiscentoftheexclamationmadeabouttheBuddha bytheenlightenedElderKaccna,intheMadhupindikaSutta (TheSweetMorsel)atM18.12:heisvision,heisknowledge, heistheDhamma,heistheholyone. 7.Page330,AssoonasIhadreturnedfrommyalmsround andhadeatenmymealThisscenarioisrecounted 459

innumerabletimesinthediscourses;forexample,inthe ClahatthipadopamaSutta,atM27.1726. 8.Page330, ThatInowdidAcertainbhikkhucalled MeghiyaendsupinasimilarpickletothatdescribedbyVsitth intheseparagraphsalsobecausehismindisillpreparedfor solitarymeditation.Thestoryisfoundat3oftheBookofthe Nines(seealsoChapter18,note3): Meanthoughts,trivialthoughts cometemptingthemindtoflyaway; notunderstandingwhatthesethoughtsare, theheartstrayschasingthembackandforth. (Ud.4.1;A9.3)

CHAPTER42:THESICKNUN 1.Page333, AftersometimeAngulimlasturncame Itistruethatthemonksusedtotakeitinturnstoinstructthe nuns(e.g.intheNandakovdaSutta,M146.3)butK.G.seems tobeemployingsomepoeticlicensehere;itisveryunlikely, consideringtherealitiesofmonasticlife,thatAngulimlawould havebeenallottedthedutyofcomingtoteachthenuns. AccordingtotheVinyadisciplineabhikkhumusthave beenordainedforatleastfiveyearsbeforehewouldtakeon regularteachingdutiesatall,andforonetobeabletoqualify asabhikkhusuitabletobeanofficialinstructorforthe bhikkhuns,averystrictsetofcriteriaisemployed. Itistruethatthesestandardstechnicallyonlyapplyto themonkwhocomesandgivesthenunstheirobligatory Exhortationonthefullandnewmoondays,however,inthe spiritofthis,Angulimlawoulddefinitelyhavebeenconsidered anunsuitableteacher. ToqualifyassuchanExhorter,thebhikkhumust:1) havebeenordainedforatleasttwentyyears;2)beconversant inalltherulesofboththemonksandthenuns;3)bescrupulously virtuousandneverhavecommittedaserioustransgressionagainst thediscipline;4)beeloquentandwellversedintheTeachings; 5)bewelllikedbythebhikkhuns;and6)havenever,beforehis ordination,rapedormolestedabhikkhun,orafemalenovice. 460

 AngulimlawouldthusnotbeallowableasanExhorter ofNunsfallingshortonpoint1)andalmostdefinitelyon point5)heregularlysufferedassaultandinjuryonaccount ofpeoplesmemoriesofhimasamurdereroftheirfriendsand families(seeChapter15,note3).Therewouldthusbemany nunswho,ifnotaggressivetowardshim,wouldhavebeen fearfulandsuspiciousnonetheless. Havingsaidthis,itshouldbeaddedthatisallowablefor abhikkhutovisitthedwellingplaceofabhikkhun,ifsheis sickandcannotjointheothernunsforthefortnightlyinstruction bytheElder.Thisistheonlyreasonwhyabhikkhucanvisit thedwellingplaceofanun;insuchsituationsbothheandthe nunwouldneedtohaveachaperonepresentasitisalso unallowableforabhikkhuntobealonewithamanandfora bhikkhutobealonewithawomaninaprivateplace.The allowanceismadeinthebhikkhustrainingrule,Pcittiya23, althoughsuchvisits,andalsotheExhortation,shouldnottake placeafternightfallthisisproscribedinPcittiya22. 2.Page335, unfittingandprofanetouseamonkinsuch awayasagobetweenThisisinreferencetooneofthe moreseriousofthebhikkhustrainingrules,Sanghdisesa5, whichprohibitsamonkfromactingasagobetweenoran arrangerofmarriages. 3.Page336, itwasnotseemlyforanuntotravelalone Oneoftheweightierrulesinthedisciplineforthebhikkhunsis thatanunshouldnevertravelalonesheshouldalwayshave anotherbhikkhunwithher.TheruleisNunsSanghdisesa3. 4.Page338, Acrowded,dustycornerisdomesticlife ThisphraseisanotherofthoseoftrepeatedintheTheravda scriptures(K.G.alsouseditbeforeonpage140,para.5).Itis thestockexpressionofdissatisfactioninthehouseholderslife andprefacesthestatementofthedesiretogoforth.Forexample, seetheClahatthipadopamaSutta,atM27.12. 5.Page339, howsplendiditwouldbetoroamthrough exquisiteregionsThispassageisveryreminiscentofthe SongofKludyinvitingtheBuddhatovisithishometown, Kapilavatthu,forthefirsttimesincehisleavingthepalacelife. 461

 Theoccasionwasattheendofthefirstwinterseasonafterthe enlightenment. ItisfoundintheTheragth(TheVersesoftheElderMonks): Lord,therearetreesthatnowlikeembersburn; Hopingforfruit,theyhavelettheirgreenveilsdrop Andblazeoutboldlywithascarletflame: Itisthehour,GreatHero,TasterofTruth. Treesinhighbloomthatareamindsdelight, Waftingscentstothefourwindsofspace, Theirleavestheyhaveletfall,expectingfruit; Itistime,OHero,tosetoutfromhere. Nowisapleasantseason,Lord,fortravel, Foritisnottoocold,noroverwarm. LettheSkyansandtheKoliyansseeyou Facingthewest,crossingtheRohinRiver. Thag.5279(Bhikkhunamolitrans.) 6.Page339, therainyseasonimposedastilllonger trialforourpatienceItisagainstthedisciplineofboththe monksandnunstotravelformorethansixdaysduringthe RainsRetreat.Afterthattimeonemustreturntothemonastery ofresidence.TheruleismentionedatMahvagga3.1. 7.Page339,Justaswheninthelastmonthoftherainyseason ThispassageistakenalmostverbatimfromtheMahdhamma samdnaSutta(TheGreaterDiscourseonWaysofUndertaking Things)atM46.22;acomparablepassageisatIti.27. 8.Page339, thatsunofallthelivingTheconnectionof theBuddhatotheimageofthesunisnotjustanApollonian flightoffancybyK.G.orapoeticnicetyhere.TheSkyaclan, intowhichtheBuddhawasborn,claimeditsancestryfromthe SunGoddiccaviaanancientking,Okkka. TheBuddhawasalsoknowninhislifetimebytheepithet diccabandhuKinsmanoftheSunandalsoAngirasa, meaningemittingraysofvarioushues. 462

 CHAPTER43:THEPASSINGOFTHETATHGATA 1.Page341, theGeneralsoftheDharmaaswenamed themThistitleDhammasenpatiwasactuallyonly ascribedtotheVen.Sriputta.Asanexample,anincidentwhere itwasemployedcanbefoundintheInspiredUtterances,atUd.2.8, whereadelightedmother,SuppavsdeclaresMyson isconversingwiththeGeneraloftheDhamma!(Shemightwell havebeentreblyinspiredsince,accordingtothestory,thechild hadonlybeenbornafewdaysbeforeand,furthermore,she hadhadatroublesomesevenyearpregnancywithhim. Obviouslyaprodigiouschild,heeventuallywasordainedas BhikkhuSvalandbecameoneoftheBuddhasmosteminent disciples). InapassageintheMiddleLengthDiscourses,thereisa dialoguebetweenabrahmincalledSelaandtheBuddha.Selaasks: Whoisyourgeneral,thatdisciple, WhofollowsintheMastersownway? Whoisitthathelpsyoutoturn Thewheelsetinmotionbyyou? Thewheelsetinmotionbyme, TheBlessedOnereplied, ThatsamesupremeWheelofDhamma, SriputtatheTathgatasson Helpsmeinturningthiswheel. M92.189, (Bhikkhunamoli&BhikkhuBodhitrans.) 2.Page342, arichwomanwhomadeitherspecial caretoministerineverypossiblewaytotheneedsof themonksandnunsThispassagebringstomindwhat areknownasTheEightBoonsthatthegreatlaydiscipleViskh requestedoftheBuddha.Shewasagoodexampleofthe motheringprinciple(shehadtendaughtersandtensons,each ofwhomhadthesame,andsoondowntothefourthgeneration shewasmentionedabove,atChapter41,note4).Shelived inSvatthi(notVesli)andwaschiefamongthefemalelay disciplesoftheBuddha. 463

 Onetimesherequestedtheopportunitytoalwaysoffer: foodforarrivingbhikkhusandbhikkhuns;foodforbhikkhus andbhikkhunssettingouttravelling;foodforthesick;foodfor thosewhotendthesick;medicineforthesick;adailysupplyof riceporridgefortheSangha;andbathingclothsforboththe ordersofbhikkhusandbhikkhuns.Thepassagementioning thisisfoundatMV8.15. 3.Page342, theMasterhimselfforetoldthathewould enterFinalNirvnainthreemonthstimeFromthis pointonwereferoverandoveragaintotheMahparinibbna Sutta(TheDiscourseontheBuddhasLastDays,D16)the midportionofthesuttaisincludedasAppendix4.Theexchange describedhereisanotheroftheverywellknownincidentsof theBuddhaslife.Thespeakerrecountsitasacondensed versionofwhatisfoundatD16.3.248. 4.Page345, IntheSlagroveofBhoganagaraThisis mentionedatD16.4.13. 5.Page345, ImmediatelyafterthemealtheBlessdOne wastakenwithaviolentillnessThiswastheBuddhaslast meal,itwasindeedofferedtohimbyasmith,calledCunda. ThepassagerecountingtheeventisatD16.4.1420. 6.Page346,ThisKusinris,Iexpect,notmuchmore thanavillageIntheoriginalthiscommentisactuallymadeby nanda,atD16.5.17:Lord,maytheBlessdOnenotpassawayin thismiserablelittlewattleanddaubtown,outinthejungleinthe backofbeyond!ThereareothergreatcitiessuchasCamp,Rjagaha, Svatthi,Sketa,KosamborVrnas.Inthoseplacesthereare wealthywarriornobles,brahminsandhouseholderswhoare devotedtotheTathgata,andtheywillprovidefortheTathgatas funeralinproperstyle.(SeealsoAppendix4). 7.Page349, Thisveryday,peopleofMallThiscomes almostverbatimfromD16.5.19. 8.Page349, amonkleaningagainstthedoorpostofa smalllodging,weepingThispassageappearsatD16.5.13. 464

 9.Page351, abouttodisappearfromthesightofgods andhumansThisexpressionwasalsousedbytheBuddha attheendofChapter19;itisthemostthatiseversaidabout whatbecomesofanenlightenedbeingafterthedeathofthe body.AnexampleofitsuseisfoundintheBrahmajlaSuttaat D1.3.73(seealsoChapter19,note11,andChapter45,note11). 10.Page351,Iknowwell,nanda,thatyouwere weepingThispassageisacombinationofD16.5.13&14. 11.Page351,Dontletthattroubleyou,nandaThisis basedonD16.5.10. 12.Page352,Itmaybe,disciples,thatyourthoughtis Thisisacombinationoftwowellknownsayings:thefirstcomes atD16.6.1;thesecondone,(asaboveinChapter41,note5)is atD16.2.26.Thelattersentencereflects,asbefore,theambiguity ofthePli:thewordsforlightandislandareidentical:dpa. 13.Page352,Thushespoke,andgavetoeveryonethe opportunityofspeakingThisisbasedonD16.6.5. 14.Page353,Youhavespokenoutofthefullnessof yourfaith,nandaThiscomesverbatimfromD16.6.6.The standardthreecharacteristicsofonewhohasreachedthefirst stageofenlightenmentare:1)theyhaveletgoofidentification withthebodyandthepersonality(sakkyaditthi);2)theyare notattachedtoreligiousorotherconventions(slabbataparmsa); 3)theyhavenodoubtsabouttheTeachingorthewaytopractise it(vicikicch). SuchaonehasenteredthestreamtoNibbna,theyare nomoresubjecttorebirthinthelowerworlds,theyarefirmly established,destinedtofullenlightenment.Afterhavingpassed throughtheroundofrebirthsamongheavenlyandhumanbeings amaximumofsevenmoretimes,theywillcertainlyputanend tosuffering. 15.Page353,Allcreatedthingsareofthenaturetopass awaymindfullyfareonwardstotheGoalThiscomes 465

verbatimfromD16.6.7.Prof.RhysDavids,thefounderofthe PliTextSociety,probablyproducedthemostwellknown renderingofthelasttwoPliwords,withhisphrase:Workout yoursalvationwithdiligence. CHAPTER44:VSITTHSBEQUEST 1.Page355, Ifeltasatravellerstandingonthebrinkof apondThisimageisreminiscentofonecommonlyusedin thesuttasbytheBuddhatodescribethe3rdjhna,oneofthe levelsofmeditativeabsorption(e.g.atD2.80andM39.17):Just asinapondofblue,redorwhitelotuses,somelotusesthatare bornandgrowinthewaterthriveinthewaterwithoutrising outofit,andcoolwaterdrenches,steepsfillsandpervadesthem totheirtipsandtheirroots,sothatthereisnopartofallthose lotusesunpervadedbycoolwater;sotooabhikkhumakes happinessdrench,steep,fillandpervadethisbody,sothat thereisnopartofhiswholebodyunpervadedbythathappiness. Itisalsoverysimilartoanimageusedinthe Visuddhimagga(ThePathofPurification),todescribethe differencebetweenhappinessandbliss:Ifamanexhaustedina desertsaworheardaboutapondontheedgeofawood,he wouldhavehappiness;ifhewentintothewoodsshadeand usedthewater,hewouldhavebliss.(ThepassageisatVsm.IV 100).Lastly,theimageisusedin194oftheBookoftheFives inaconversationbetweentwobrahmins,Kranapliand Pingiyni:Justasaman,torturedbyheat,exhaustedbyheat wearied,cravingandthirstymightcometoapoolclear, sweet,cool,limpid,alovelyrestingplaceandmightplunge therein,batheanddrinkandallayallwoeandfatigueandfret; evenso,whenonehearstheDhammaofMasterGotama,all woe,fatigueandfretarewhollyallayed(A5.194). 2.Page355, Onewhohasseenthegreater,myfriend,is notmovedbythelessCuriouslyenoughthissayingalso seemstohavecomefrom194oftheBookoftheFives.The exactwordsthereare:Justasaman,wellsatisfiedwithsome delicioustaste,doesnotlongforworsetastes;evenso,when onehearsMasterGotamasDhamma,onedoesnotlongforthe talksofothers. 466

 Itisalsoechoedat22oftheCollectionofSayingson Cause(S12.22):Itisnotbythelowthatthehighestisattained. Itisbythehighestthatthehighestisattained.(SeealsoChapter 20,note13,Chapter36,note10andChapter37,note1). 3.Page356, Thenyouknowofsomethinghigherthan thisbrahmworld?Wereturnagaintothetheme mentionedinChapter38,note6.Muchofwhatfollows,and threadsofasimilarhue,canbefoundintheBrahmanimantanika Sutta,(TheDiscourseonTheInvitationofaBrahm) atM49.727;andinasimilarincidentat5oftheCollection ontheBrahms,S6.5. 4.Page356, ButthereisthatwhichdoesnotpassThis paragraphiscomposedfromseveraldifferentsources;in particular(asinChapter37,note1)fromthecollectionof InspiredUtterances,Ud.8.1;alsofromtheCollectionofSayings ontheUnconditioned(Asankhata),S43. 5.Page357, Thatweshallriseagaintherecannot trulybesaidofthatrealmThefirstsentencehereisa condensedversionofaverysignificantexchangebetweenthe BuddhaandawanderercalledVacchagotta;itoccursintheAggi VacchagottaSutta(ToVacchagottaonFire)atM72.1622. Afterbeingaskedaboutwhereanenlightenedbeing reappearsafterdeath,theBuddhamakesitclearthattheterms reappearsanddoesnotreappeardonotapply,therebyleaving poorVacchagottasomewhatbewildered.TheBuddhagoeson toexplain:Whatdoyouthink,Vaccha?Supposeafirewere burningbeforeyou.WouldyouknowThisfireisburning beforeme? Iwould,MasterGotama. Ifthatfireweretobeextinguished,wouldyouknow Thisfirebeforemehasbeenextinguished? Iwould,MasterGotama. Ifsomeoneweretoaskyou,VacchaWhenthatfire wasextinguished,towhichdirectiondiditgo:totheeast,the west,thenorthorthesouth?beingquestionedthuswhat wouldyouanswer? Thatdoesnotapply,MasterGotama.Thefireburned 467

dependentonitsfuelofgrassandsticks.Whenthatisusedup, itisreckonedasextinguished. Thatistosay:thewayheaskedthequestionpresumed arealitywhichdidnotexist,thereforethedesignationsdidnotapply. Furthermore:Anenlightenedoneisprofound, immeasurable,unfathomableliketheocean...andsuchaoneis liberatedfrombeingreckonedintermsofmaterialform(the body),feelings,perceptions,ideasandemotions,andbystates ofconsciousness.(SeeChapter20,note4).Alsoworthyofnote onthisissueistheconversationbetweentheElderNunKhem andKingPasenadi,foundat1intheCollectiononthe Unrevealed(S44.1),andtheBuddhascommentsatM120.37 (TheDiscourseonReappearancebyAspiration). 6.Page357, Imusthavemurderedabrahminatsome timeThefullstoryofPukkustiandhiskarmichistoryis foundintheMajjhimaNikyaCommentaryforSutta140.(See alsoatChapter21,note2). 7.Page358, EvenwhenthegreatandholyUpagupta UpaguptadoesnotappearinthePlitexts;intheNorthern Buddhisttradition,however,heisnamedastheFourthPatriarch aftertheBuddha.ThefirstwasMahKassapa,thesecondwas nanda,thethirdwasSanakavsa. TheincidentK.G.describeshere,withUpaguptawailingand griefstricken,crying:Damnthispitilesstransiencyisonlyone partofthissignificantencounter. UpaguptawasaverypopularDharmateacher.Whenever hegaveatalkhundredsofpeoplewouldcometolisten.Mra,the LordofDelusion,wasjealousofUpaguptasfameandpopularity, particularlyasheknewthatUpaguptawashelpingtospreadthe teachingoftheBuddha.ToseethewordsoftheBuddhafillingthe heartsandmindsofthepeopleannoyedhimdeeplyashesawthat thiswouldenablemoreandmorebeingstoescapehisinfluence. MrathusconceivedaplantostophisUpaguptasstudentsfrom listeningtohim. Ononeoccasion,whenUpaguptawasteaching,Mrafirst showeredtheassemblywithpearls,thengold,thenheconjured upamusicalshowrightnexttotheDharmaHall,completewith colourfullycostumedcelestialdancersandspiritedmusic.Itwasso 468

compellingeveryonesoonforgotabouttheteachingandwent overtoenjoythemuchmoreinterestingperformance. Upaguptasawthepeopledriftingaway,thenhealsodecided tojointhecrowdtoseewhatwasgoingon.Contemplatingallofthis, themonkdecidedtoteachMraalesson. Oncetheperformancehadended,UpaguptaofferedMra anexquisitegarlandofflowers. Thatwasagreatshow,saidUpagupta.Mra,ofcourse,was flatteredbythisandgladlyacceptedthegarland,placingitproudly aroundhisownneck.Suddenlythegarlandchangedintoacoilof rottingcarcasses;itwasrevealedtobemadeofthedecayingbodies ofasnakeandadog,andevenahumancorpse.Itreallystank. Eventhoughitwassorepulsive,Mrafoundthat,nomatter howhardhetried,hecouldnottakethefesteringgarlandoffhis neck. Pleaseremovethisftidgarland,hebegged. Iwilldothatonlyundertwoconditions,saidUpagupta. ThefirstisthatyoumustpromisenottodisruptBuddhistteachings inthefuture.Thesecondisthatyoushowmetherealimageofthe Buddha.Iknowthatyouhaveseenhimonmanyoccasions,but Ihaveneverdoneso.IwouldliketoseeanimageoftheBuddha thatisexactlylikehim. MrawasverypleasedwiththisideaandagreedwithUpagupta readily.But,ifIchangemyselfintotheimageoftheBuddha,said Mra,youmustpromisethatyouwillnotworshipme,forIamnot worthyofsuchreverence. UpaguptapromisedthisandMratransformedhimselfintoan imagethatlookedexactlyliketheBuddha.WhenUpaguptasawit, deepdevotionaroseinhisheartandhefelltohiskneesLikeatree cutoffattheroot,andbowedreverentiallytotheBuddhaimage. MrafeltthatthemonkhadbrokenhispromisebutUpaguptatried toreassurehim: .IbowdownbeforethatSage ButIdonotrevereyou! Howisit,repliedMra,thatIamnotreveredwhenyouthus bowdownbeforeme? Ishalltellyou,saidtheelder Justasmenbowdown toclayimagesofthegods knowingthatwhattheyworship 469

isthegodandnottheclay, soI,seeingyouhere, wearingtheformoftheLordoftheWorld, bowdowntoyou, consciousoftheSugata, butnotconsciousofMra. Divyvadna,p363 JohnS.Strong,TheLegendandCultofUpagupta, pp11011,MotilalBanarsidass K.G.suseofthismotifalsohasechoesofthelegendof PygmalionandGalata:theformerwasasculptorwhomade astatuesobeautifulthathefellinlovewithit.Suchwasthepain ofhisunrequitedlonging,thatthegodstookpityonhimandbrought thestatuetolifeshebecameknownasGalata.GeorgeBernard Shawbasedhisfamousplayonthistheme. Thereisalsoapoignantpassage,intheCollectionof SayingsontheFaculties(S48.41),wherewehear:TheBlessd Onehadarisenfromretreatintheeveningandwasseated warminghisbackintheraysofthesettingsun.TheVen.nanda wentuptohimandpaidhisrespects.Whilehewasmassaging theBlessdOneslimbshesaid:Itisamazing,Lord,itis incrediblethecolouroftheBlessdOnesskinisnolonger clearandbright;allhislimbsareflaccidandwrinkled,hisbody isbentforwardandthefacultiesofeyes,ears,nose,tongueand bodilysensationarealldegenerating. Soitis,nanda,soitis.Youthhastoage,healthhas tosicken. Shameonyou,sordidAge! Makerofugliness. Agehasnowtrampleddown Theformthatoncehadgrace. (Bhikkhunamolitrans.) 8.Page359, Asoneunfurlsthesheafofleavesthatmakeup thetrunkofaplantainandonefindsbeneathitnosoundwood Thissimile,fortheinsubstantialnatureofthings,isoftenfoundin thePliCanon.Forexampleitisusedtorepresentthecorelessness ofthesixsensesatS35.234,andtheemptinessofmentalformations (thoughts,emotions,memoriesetc.)inthefamousLumpofFoam discourseatS22.95: 470

Formislikealumpoffoam, feelingawaterbubble; perceptionisjustamirage, metalformationslikeaplantain, consciousness,amagictrick sosaystheKinsmanoftheSun. Howeveronemayponderit orcarefullyinquire, allappearsbothvoidandvacant whenitsseenintruth. Ateachinginasimilarspirit,butusingachariotspartsrather thanthesheathedleavesofaplantain,isgivenbythenunVajir atS5.10: Justas,withanassemblageofparts, Thewordchariotisused, So,whentheaggregatesexist, Thereistheconventionofabeing. 9.Page360, Thisisnotme,thisdoesnotbelongtome, thisisnotmyselfThisphraseisderivedfromthediscourse thatbroughtabouttheenlightenmentoftheBuddhasfirstfive disciples,intheDeerParkatSaranath,nearBenares:theAnatta lakkhanaSutta(TheDiscourseonSelflessness).Itisfoundin theMahvagga,atMV1.6,andat59intheCollectionofSayings ontheElements,S22.59(seealsoChapter10,note12).Itis alsofound,mostappropriately,intheDhtuvibhangaSutta,at M140.148,(seeAppendix2). 10.Page360,Asonecrossingastreambymeansofa raftThissimileistakendirectlyfromafamousoneusedby theBuddhaintheAlagaddpamaSutta(TheDiscourseonthe SimileoftheSnake)atM22.13.Hedescribeshowapersonputs togetheraraftinordertogetfromthisshore,whichisfullof danger,tothefurthershore,wherethereisperfectsafety.Then, havingarrivedsafely,thatpersonconsiders:Thisrafthasbeen veryhelpfultome,supposeIweretohoistitontomyheador shoulderandthengowhereverIwant. TheBuddhathenasks:Whatdoyouthink;bydoingthis,is 471

thatpersondoingwhatshouldbedonewiththatraft?Hethenpoints outthatitwouldbethewiserthingtodotohaultheraftontodryland, ortosetitadrift,andthengoaboutonesbusiness;adding,most importantly:SoIhaveshownyouhowtheDhammaissimilartoaraft, beingforthepurposeofcrossingover,notforthepurposeofgrasping. 11.Page360,Thusthereisperfectunderstandingatlast Thereisanotherinstanceofthisabstrusewayofreferringtothe realisationoftheTruth,whichoccurswhenabhikkhucalled SonaKolivisagoestoinformtheBuddhaofhisattainmentof enlightenment;itisfoundinthebooksofmonasticdisciplineat MV5.28.TheBuddhacongratulateshimonthewayhespeaks ofhisexperience,explainingthathepraiseshimbecause TheGoalisspokenof,yetnosenseofselfisimplied. 12.Page360,ThenVsitthflungherowncorporeal substanceintotheastralmassofthevisionAccording totheBuddhistunderstandingofthings,theonlyinstancewhere suicidewouldbeanentirelywholesomeactiswhentheperson isanArahantacompletelyenlightenedbeing.Therearea fewinstancesmentionedintheTheravdatextswhereArahants tooktheirownlives;almostinvariablytheywereterminallyill andactedtolessentheburdenofpainanddifficultyonthose aroundthem.Onesuchincident,describingthelastdaysofthe bhikkhuVakkali,isfoundat87intheCollectionofSayings onElements,S22.87. CHAPTER45:NIGHTANDMORNINGINTHESPHERES 1.Page363, Kmantawasleftbehindalone,in universalnightIntheMaitriUpanishad,atverse6.17,it saysAttheendoftheworlds,allthingssleep;Healoneis awakeinEternity.HerethetextisreferringtoBrahman,the SpiritSupremeoftheHinduscriptures. 2.Page364,ButwhatcanlifebetomewithoutVsitth Onasimilartheme,hereisRichardWagner,aEuropeanvoice oftheauthorsvintageandalsoagreatdevoteeofSchopenhauer. ThisishisoriginaldraftfortheendingofTheTwilightofthe 472

 Gods,(apparentlyitwasneverusedbecausehiswife,Cosima, didnotapproveofitsoanewversionwaswritten): WereInolongertofaretoValhallasfortress, doyouknowwhitherIwouldfare? Idepartfromthehomeofdesire, Ifleeforeverfromthehomeofdelusion; theopengatesofeternalbecoming Iclosebehindme. Totheholiestchosenland, freefromdesireanddelusion, thegoalofworldwandering, redeemedfromrebirth, theenlightenedonenowgoes. Theblessdendofallthingseternal: doyouknowhowIattainedit? Grievinglovesdeepestsuffering openedmyeyes: Isawtheworldend. 3.Page364, ThereisanEternalandawaytothe EternalTheentireCollectionofSayingsonthe Unconditioned(S43)beginswithstatementsphrasedinthis way;e.g.IwillteachyoutheUnconditioned/Unfading/ Deathless/Releaseetc.andthepaththatleadstoit.Inthis CollectiontherearenumeroussynonymsusedbytheBuddha forthegoalofthespirituallife. 4.Page364, roundabouttheheartarespunahundred finearteriesThisprinciplewhichwasmentionedbeforeonp.95, para.1comesfromtheHinduscriptures.Itismentioned,forexample, intheChndogyaUpanishad8.6,intheKathaUpanishadat1.6.16and intheBrihadranyakaUpanishadat4.4.8theseareonpp.1956,299 and497ofDeussensSixtyUpanishadsoftheVeda. 5.Page365, Sandhyas!Sandhyas!Sandhyas!Thisis aSanskritwordmeaningtwilight,theperiodbetweenons, 473

aperiodofjunction.Thedailyprayersrecitedatdawn,noon, sunsetandmidnightarecalledSandhyas. 6.Page365, Wakeup,allyoubeings!Therearesome interestingparallelsandinterrelationshipsdepictedhere:both HinduandBuddhistcosmologiesarestructuredaroundtheidea ofanendlesscycleofuniversescomingintobeing,expanding toalimitandthencollapsingintoaspaceless,timelesscosmic night;onlytoburstforthagainintobeing.Theimagethatthe authorpresentshere,fromthebrahmspointofview,isvery closetothetraditionalHinduscriptures.Thepatternofthesame events,fromKmantasperspective,representstheBuddhist takeonthings. Thereareacoupleofverynotablepassagesthatoutline theBuddhasunderstandingofthis:intheBrahmajlaSutta (TheAllembracingNetofViews)atD1.2.26,andinthe AggaaSutta(OntheKnowledgeofBeginnings)atD27.10. Thisquotationisfromtheformer:Therecomesatime, bhikkhus,soonerorlaterafteralongperiod,whenthisuniverse contracts.Atatimeofcontraction,beingsaremostlyborninthe bhassarbrahmworld.Andtheretheydwell,mindmade, feedingondelight,selfluminous,movingthroughtheair, gloriousandtheystaylikethatforaverylongtime. Butthetimecomes,soonerorlaterafteralongperiod, whenthisuniversebeginstoexpand.Inthisexpandingworld anemptypalaceofBrahmappears.Andthenonebeing,from theexhaustionofhislifespanorhismerits,fallsfromthe bhassarworldandarisesintheemptybrahmpalace.And therehedwells,mindmade,feedingondelight,selfluminous, movingthroughtheair,gloriousandhestayslikethatfora verylongtime. Theninthisbeingwhohasbeenaloneforsolongthere arisesunrest,discontentandworry,andhethinksOh,if onlysomeotherbeingswouldcomehere!Andotherbeings, fromtheexhaustionoftheirlifespanortheirmerits,fallfrom thebhassarworldandariseinthebrahmpalaceas companionsforthisbeing.Andtheretheydwell,mindmade, feedingondelight,selfluminous,movingthroughtheair, gloriousandtheystaylikethatforaverylongtime. Andthen,bhikkhus,thatbeingwhofirstarosethere 474

thinks:IamBrahm,theGreatBrahm,theConqueror,the Unconquered,theAllseeing,theAllpowerful,theLord,the MakerandCreator,Ruler,AppointerandOrderer,FatherofAll ThatHaveBeenandShallBe.Thesebeingswerecreatedbyme. Howso?BecauseIfirsthadthisthought:Oh,ifonlysomeother beingswouldcomehere!Thatwasmywishandthenthese beingscameintothisexistence!Butthosebeingswho subsequentlyarosethink:This,friends,isBrahm,theGreat Brahm,theConqueror,theUnconquered,theAllseeing,the Allpowerful,theLord,theMakerandCreator,Ruler,Appointer andOrderer,FatherofAllThatHaveBeenandShallBe.How so?Wehaveseenthathewasherefirst,andthatwearoseafter him. Andthisbeingthatarosefirstislongerlived,more beautifulandmorepowerfulthantheyare...(MauriceWalshe, trans.) 7.Page365,Andthebeingsandtheworldsprangforth... Interestinglyenough,thisparagraphisechoedbyapassagein theBookofJob,Chapter38,verses47,whereTheVoicefromthe Whirlwindsays: WhereyouwhenIlaidthefoundationsoftheearth?Who wasitwhomeasuredit?Whostretchedthelineuponit?Onwhat arethefoundationsfastened?Wholaiddownitscornerstone,whilethe morningstarsburstoutsingingandtheangelsshoutedforjoy?! 8.Page366, Thesebeingsrejoicingintheirownexistence. Andwhy?BecausetheydonotunderstanditThisphraseology echoesthatusedinthefirstsuttaoftheMiddleLengthDiscourses, theMlapariyyaSutta(seeChapter21,note5).Inthissubtleand penetratingteachingtheBuddhaexpendsconsiderableefforttopoint outthatallsucheternalistattitudesaresubtlyrootedinwrongview, forexample:TheyperceiveAllasAll.HavingperceivedAllasAll, theyconceive[themselvesas]All,theyconceive[themselves]in All,theyconceive[themselves]apart(orcoming)fromAll,they conceiveAlltobetheirs,theydelightinAll.Whyisthat? Becausetheyhavenotfullyunderstoodit,Isay.(M1.25) Hefollowsthisbyaddressingthehabitofgraspingeventhe mostperfectofspiritualrealizations: TheyperceiveNibbnaasNibbna.Havingperceived 475

NibbnaasNibbna,theyconceive[themselvesas]Nibbna, theyconceive[themselves]inNibbna,theyconceive[themselves apart]fromNibbna,theyconceiveNibbnatobemine,they delightinNibbna.Whyisthat?Becausetheyhavenotfully understoodit,Isay...(M1.26)Hisadviceistochangethewayof seeingthings: HedirectlyknowsNibbnaasNibbna.Havingdirectly knownNibbnaasNibbna,heshouldnotconceive[himselfas] Nibbna,heshouldnotconceive[himself]inNibbna,heshould notconceive[himselfapart]fromNibbna,heshouldnotconceive Nibbnatobemine,heshouldnotdelightinNibbna.Whyisthat? Sothathemayfullyunderstandit,Isay.(M1.50,Bhikkhunamoli &BhikkhuBodhitrans.) TheBuddhadescribeshisownexperienceas:Havingdirectly knownthatwhichisnotcommensuratewiththeAllnessofAll,I didnotclaimtobeAll,IdidnotclaimtobeinAll,Ididnotclaim tobeapartfromAll,IdidnotclaimAlltobemine,Ididnot affirmAll.(M49.23) 9.Page366, SoIshallhelpallinhelpingmyselfThis isaverywellknownprinciplewithintheBuddhisttradition. ThepassagemostoftenquotedonthisiscalledTheSimileof theAcrobats,itisfoundat19oftheCollectionontheFoundations ofMindfulness,S47.19:Saidthemastertothepupil:Nowmy lad,Illwatchyouandyouwatchme,thuswatchedandwarded byeachotherwellshowourtricksandgetagoodfee,and comedownsafefromthepole.No,no!Thatwontdo,Master! Youlookafteryourself,andIlllookaftermyself.Thuswatched andwardedeachbyhimselfwellshowourtricks,getagood feeandcomedownsafefromthepole.Thatsthewaytodoit! Inthisanalogyitisthepupilwhoistheonewhogetsthepraise oftheBuddha. 10.Page367,calledtotheblissofreflectingthegloryof theSupremeGodOnceagain(seeChapter36,note5) K.G.seemstobehavingadigatJudoChristiantheological formstheideaofhumanperfection,inthatwayofthought, sometimesbeingpresentedastheopportunitysimplytopraise andreflectthegloryoftheAlmightyforeternity. 476

11.Page367,sothenIamnotomnipotentsoIamnot omniscientAsbefore(inChapter38,note6andChapter 44,note3),K.G.isdrawingupontheBuddhasmeetingwith thebrahmgodBaka,andhisabilitytovanishfromthebrahms sightwhilethebrahmcouldnotdisappearfromhis.Thestory istoldatM49.26andatS6.4.Incidentally,Bakameansheron apparently,inIndianfolklore,thebirdsymbolisesadeceitful andarrogantcharacter;perhapsequivalentsinEnglishwould besuchnamesasSharkeyorBighead. 12.Page369,asthelightofalampgoesoutwhenithas consumedthelastdropofoilinitswickThisclosing image,ofthegoingoutofaflame,isaverycommonmetaphor fortheultimaterealisationintheBuddhasteachings.Alongwith aprimeexampleatM140.24(seeAppendix2)hereareacouple ofquotationsthatillustrateandilluminatethis. Firstly,fromtheenlightenmentversesoftheElderNun Patcr,atThig.1126: Takingmylamp Ienteredmyhut satonmybed andwatchedtheflame. Iextinguishedthewick withaneedle. Theliberationofmymind, wasjustliketheflames disappearance. Also,shortlyaftertheArahantDabbatheMallianhadpassed away,havingrisenintotheairunderhisownpowerandthenabsorbed hisbodyintothefireelement,theBuddhaproclaimed: Justasthebournisnotknown Ofthegradualfadingglow Givenoffbythefurnaceheatediron Asitisstruckwiththesmithshammer, Sothereisnopointingtothebourn Ofthoseperfectlyreleased, Whohavecrossedtheflood Ofbondagetosensedesires Andattainedunshakeablebliss Ud.8.10(JohnD.Irelandtrans.) 477

 Lastly,TheQuestionsofUpasva,intheSuttaNipta,at SN10746: Itislikeaflamestruckbyasuddengustofwind, saidtheBuddha, inaflashithasgoneout andnothingmorecanbeknownaboutit. Itisthesame withawiseperson freedfrommindandbody inflashtheyhavegone, designationappliestothemnomore. Pleaseexplainthisclearlytome,Sir, saidUpasva, foritsastatethatyouhaveunderstood: onewhohasreachedtheend dotheynotexist, oraretheymadeimmortal,perfectlyfree? Onewhohasreachedtheend hasnocriterion bywhichtheycanbemeasured; Thatbywhichtheycouldbetalkedof isnomore. YoucannotsayHedoesnotexist. Butwhenallmodesofbeing, allphenomenaareremoved, thenallmeansofdescription havegonetoo.

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PPENDIX2

DHATUVIBHANGASUTTA,M140
~TheExpositionoftheElements~
1.THUSHAVEIHEARD.OnoneoccasiontheBlessdOne waswanderingintheMagadhancountryandeventuallyarrived atRjagaha.TherehewenttothepotterBhaggavaandsaidto him: 2.Ifitisnotinconvenientforyou,Bhaggava,Iwillstay onenightinyourworkshop. Itisnotinconvenientforme,venerablesir,butthereis ahomelessonealreadystayingthere.Ifheagrees,thenstayas longasyoulike,venerablesir. 3.NowtherewasaclansmannamedPukkustiwhohad goneforthfromthehomelifeintohomelessnessoutoffaithin theBlessdOne,andonthatoccasionhewasalreadystayingin thepottersworkshop.ThentheBlessdOnewenttothe venerablePukkustiandsaidtohim:Ifitisnotinconvenient foryou,bhikkhu,Iwillstayonenightintheworkshop. Thepottersworkshopislargeenough,friend.Letthe venerableonestayaslongashelikes. 4.ThentheBlessdOneenteredthepottersworkshop, preparedaspreadofgrassatoneend,andsatdown,foldinghis legscrosswise,settinghisbodyerect,andestablishing mindfulnessinfrontofhim.ThentheBlessdOnespentmost ofthenightseated[inmeditation],andthevenerablePukkusti alsospentmostofthenightseated[inmeditation].Thenthe BlessdOnethought:Thisclansmanconductshimselfinaway thatinspiresconfidence.SupposeIweretoquestionhim.So heaskedthevenerablePukkusti: 5.Underwhomhaveyougoneforth,bhikkhu?Whois yourteacher?WhoseDhammadoyouprofess? Friend,thereistherecluseGotama,thesonofthe SkyanswhowentforthfromaSkyanclan.Nowagoodreport ofthatBlessdGotamahasbeenspreadtothiseffect:That BlessdOneisaccomplished,fullyenlightened,perfectintrue knowledgeandconduct,sublime,knowerofworlds, incomparableleaderofpersonstobetamed,teacherofgods

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andhumans,enlightened,blessd.Ihavegoneforthunderthat BlessdOne;thatBlessdOneismyteacher;Iprofessthe DhammaofthatBlessdOne. But,bhikkhu,whereisthatBlessdOne,accomplished andfullyenlightened,nowliving? Thereis,friend,acityinthenortherncountrynamed Svatthi.TheBlessdOne,accomplishedandfullyenlightened, isnowlivingthere. But,bhikkhu,haveyoueverseenthatBlessdOne before?Wouldyourecognisehimifyousawhim? No,friend,IhaveneverseenthatBlessdOnebefore, norwouldIrecognisehimifIsawhim. 6.ThentheBlessdOnethought:Thisclansmanhas goneforthfromthehomelifeintohomelessnessunderme. SupposeIweretoteachhimtheDhamma.SotheBlessdOne addressedthevenerablePukkustithus:Bhikkhu,Iwillteach youtheDhamma.ListenandattendcloselytowhatIshallsay. Yes,friend,thevenerablePukkustireplied.TheBlessd Onesaidthis: 7.Bhikkhu,thispersonconsistsofsixelements,six basesofcontact,andeighteenkindsofmentalexploration,and hehasfourfoundations.Thetidesofconceivingdonotsweep overonewhostandsuponthese[foundations],andwhenthe tidesofconceivingnolongersweepoverhimheiscalledasage atpeace.Oneshouldnotneglectwisdom,shouldpreservetruth, shouldcultivaterelinquishment,andshouldtrainforpeace.This isthesummaryoftheexpositionofthesixelements. 8.Bhikkhu,thispersonconsistsofsixelements.Soit wassaid.Andwithreferencetowhatwasthissaid?Thereare theearthelement,thewaterelement,thefireelement,theair element,thespaceelement,andtheconsciousnesselement.So itwaswithreferencetothisthatitwassaid:Bhikkhu,thisperson consistsofsixelements. 9.Bhikkhu,thispersonconsistsofsixbasesofcontact. Soitwassaid.Andwithreferencetowhatwasthissaid?There arethebaseofeyecontact,thebaseofearcontact,thebaseof nosecontact,thebaseoftonguecontact,thebaseofbodycontact, andthebaseofmindcontact.Soitwaswithreference tothisthatitwassaid:Bhikkhu,thispersonconsistsofsixbases ofcontact. 10.Bhikkhu,thispersonconsistsofeighteenkindsof mentalexploration.Soitwassaid.Andwithreferencetowhat wasthissaid?Onseeingaformwiththeeye,oneexploresa

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formproductiveofjoy,oneexploresaformproductiveofgrief, oneexploresaformproductiveofequanimity.Onhearinga soundwiththeear...Onsmellinganodourwiththenose...On tastingaflavourwiththetongue...Ontouchingatangiblewith thebody...Oncognisingamindobjectwiththemind,one exploresamindobjectproductiveofjoy,oneexploresamindobject productiveofgrief,oneexploresamindobjectproductive ofequanimity.Soitwaswithreferencetothisthatitwas said:Bhikkhu,thispersonconsistsofeighteenkindsofmental exploration. 11.Bhikkhu,thispersonhasfourfoundations.Soit wassaid.Andwithreferencetowhatwasthissaid?Thereare thefoundationofwisdom,thefoundationoftruth,thefoundation ofrelinquishment,andthefoundationofpeace.Soitwas withreferencetothisthatitwassaid:Bhikkhu,thispersonhas fourfoundations. 12.Oneshouldnotneglectwisdom,shouldpreserve truth,shouldcultivaterelinquishment,andshouldtrainfor peace.Soitwassaid.Andwithreferencetowhatwasthissaid? 13.How,bhikkhu,doesonenotneglectwisdom?There arethesesixelements:theearthelement,thewaterelement,the fireelement,theairelement,thespaceelement,andthe consciousnesselement. 14.What,bhikkhu,istheearthelement?Theearth elementmaybeeitherinternalorexternal.Whatistheinternal earthelement?Whateverinternally,belongingtooneself,issolid, solidified,andclungto,thatis,headhairs,bodyhairs,nails, teeth,skin,flesh,sinews,bones,bonemarrow,kidneys,heart, liver,diaphragm,spleen,lungs,largeintestines,smallintestines, contentsofthestomach,fces,orwhateverelseinternally, belongingtooneself,issolid,solidified,andclungto:thisis calledtheinternalearthelement.Nowboththeinternalearth elementandtheexternalearthelementaresimplyearthelement. Andthatshouldbeseenasitactuallyiswithproperwisdom thus:Thisisnotmine,thisIamnot,thisisnotmyself.When oneseesitthusasitactuallyiswithproperwisdom,onebecomes disenchantedwiththeearthelementandmakesthemind dispassionatetowardstheearthelement. 15.What,bhikkhu,isthewaterelement?Thewater elementmaybeeitherinternalorexternal.Whatistheinternal waterelement?Whateverinternally,belongingtooneself,is water,watery,andclungto,thatisbile,phlegm,pus,blood, sweat,fat,tears,grease,spittle,snot,oilofthejoints,urine,or

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whateverelseinternally,belongingtooneself,iswater,watery, andclungto:thisiscalledtheinternalwaterelement.Nowboth theinternalwaterelementandtheexternalwaterelementare simplywaterelement.Andthatshouldbeseenasitactuallyis withproperwisdomthus:Thisisnotmine,thisIamnot,thisis notmyself.Whenoneseesitthusasitactuallyiswithproper wisdom,onebecomesdisenchantedwiththewaterelementand makestheminddispassionatetowardsthewaterelement. 16.What,bhikkhu,isthefireelement?Thefireelement maybeeitherinternalorexternal.Whatistheinternalfire element?Whateverinternally,belongingtooneself,isfire,fiery, andclungto,thatisthatbywhichoneiswarmed,ages,andis consumed,andthatbywhichwhatiseaten,drunk,consumed, andtastedgetscompletelydigested,orwhateverelseinternally, belongingtooneself,isfire,fiery,andclungto:thisiscalledthe internalfireelement.Nowboththeinternalfireelementandthe externalfireelementaresimplyfireelement.Andthatshould beseenasitactuallyiswithproperwisdomthus:Thisisnot mine,thisIamnot,thisisnotmyself.Whenoneseesitthusas itactuallyiswithproperwisdom,onebecomesdisenchanted withthefireelementandmakestheminddispassionatetowards thefireelement. 17.What,bhikkhu,istheairelement?Theairelement maybeeitherinternalorexternal.Whatistheinternalair element?Whateverinternally,belongingtooneself,isair,airy, andclungto,thatis,upgoingwinds,downgoingwinds,winds inthebelly,windsinthebowels,windsthatcoursethroughthe limbs,inbreathandoutbreath,orwhateverelseinternally, belongingtooneself,isair,airy,andclungto:thisiscalledthe internalairelement.Nowboththeinternalairelementandthe externalairelementaresimplyairelement.Andthatshouldbe seenasitactuallyiswithproperwisdomthus:Thisisnotmine, thisIamnot,thisisnotmyself.Whenoneseesitthusasit actuallyiswithproperwisdom,onebecomesdisenchantedwith theairelementandmakestheminddispassionatetowardsthe airelement. 18.What,bhikkhu,isthespaceelement?Thespace elementmaybeeitherinternalorexternal.Whatistheinternal spaceelement?Whateverinternally,belongingtooneself,is space,spatial,andclungto,thatistheholesoftheears,the nostrils,thedoorofthemouth,andthat[aperture]wherebywhat iseaten,drunk,consumed,andtastedgetsswallowed,andwhere itcollects,andwherebyitisexcretedfrombelow,orwhatever

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elseinternally,belongingtooneself,isspace,spatial,andclungto: thisiscalledtheinternalspaceelement.Nowboththeinternal spaceelementandtheexternalspaceelementaresimplyspace element.Andthatshouldbeseenasitactuallyiswithproper wisdomthus:Thisisnotmine,thisIamnot,thisisnotmyself. Whenoneseesitthusasitactuallyiswithproperwisdom,one becomesdisenchantedwiththespaceelementandmakesthe minddispassionatetowardsthespaceelement. 19.Thenthereremainsonlyconsciousness,purifiedand bright.Whatdoesonecognisewiththatconsciousness?One cognises:[Thisis]pleasant;onecognises:[Thisis]painful;one cognises:[Thisis]neitherpainfulnorpleasant.Independence onacontacttobefeltaspleasanttherearisesapleasantfeeling. Whenonefeelsapleasantfeeling,oneunderstands:Ifeela pleasantfeeling.Oneunderstands:Withthecessationofthat samecontacttobefeltaspleasant,itscorrespondingfeeling thepleasantfeelingthataroseindependenceonthatcontactto befeltaspleasantceasesandsubsides.Independenceona contacttobefeltaspainfultherearisesapainfulfeeling.When onefeelsapainfulfeeling,oneunderstands:Ifeelapainful feeling.Oneunderstands:Withthecessationofthatsame contacttobefeltaspainful,itscorrespondingfeelingthe painfulfeelingthataroseindependenceonthatcontacttobe feltaspainfulceasesandsubsides.Independenceona contacttobefeltasneitherpainfulforpleasanttherearisesa neitherpainfulnorpleasantfeeling.Whenonefeelsaneitherpainful norpleasantfeeling,oneunderstands:Ifeelaneitherpainful norpleasantfeeling.Oneunderstands:Withthe cessationofthatsamecontacttofeltasneitherpainfulnorpleasant, itscorrespondingfeelingtheneitherpainfulnorpleasant feelingthataroseindependenceonthatcontacttobe feltasneitherpainfulnorpleasantceasesandsubsides. Bhikkhu,justasfromthecontactandfrictionoftwofiresticks heatisgeneratedandfireisproduced,andwiththeseparation anddisjunctionofthesetwofiresticksthecorrespondingheat ceasesandsubsides;sotoo,independenceonacontacttobe feltaspleasant...tobefeltaspainful...tobefeltasneitherpainfulnor pleasanttherearisesaneitherpainfulnorpleasant feeling...Oneunderstands:Withthecessationofthatsame contacttobefeltasneitherpainfulnorpleasant,its correspondingfeeling...ceasesandsubsides. 20.Thenthereremainsonlyequanimity,purifiedand bright,malleable,wieldy,andradiant.Suppose,bhikkhu,a

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skilledgoldsmithorhisapprenticeweretoprepareafurnace, heatupthecrucible,takesomegoldwithtongs,andputitinto thecrucible.Fromtimetotimehewouldblowonit,fromtime totimehewouldsprinklewateroverit,andfromtimetotime hewouldjustlookon.Thatgoldwouldbecomerefined,well refined,completelyrefined,faultless,ridofdross,malleable, wieldy,andradiant.Thenwhateverkindofornamenthewished tomakefromit,whetheragoldenchainorearringsoranecklace oragoldengarland,itwouldservehispurpose.Sotoo,bhikkhu, thenthereremainsonlyequanimity,purifiedandbright, malleable,wieldy,andradiant. 21.Heunderstandsthus:IfIweretodirectthis equanimity,sopurifiedandbright,tothebaseofinfinitespace andtodevelopmymindaccordingly,thenthisequanimityof mine,supportedbythatbase,clingingtoit,wouldremainfora verylongtime.IfIweretodirectthisequanimity,sopurified andbright,tothebaseofinfiniteconsciousness...tothebaseof nothingness...tothebaseofneitherperceptionnornonperception anddevelopmymindaccordingly,thenthisequanimity ofmine,supportedbythatbase,clingingtoit,would remainforaverylongtime. 22.Heunderstandsthus:IfIweretodirectthis equanimity,sopurifiedandbright,tothebaseofinfinitespace andtodevelopmymindaccordingly,thiswouldbeconditioned. IfIweretodirectthisequanimity,sopurifiedandbright,tothe baseofinfiniteconsciousness...tothebaseofnothingness...to thebaseofneitherperceptionnornonperceptionandto developmymindaccordingly,thiswouldbeconditioned.He doesnotformanyconditionorgenerateanyvolitiontending towardseitherbeingornonbeing.Sincehedoesnotformany conditionorgenerateanyvolitiontendingtowardseitherbeing ornonbeing,hedoesnotclingtoanythinginthisworld.When hedoesnotcling,heisnotagitated.Whenheisnotagitated,he personallyattainsNibbna.Heunderstandsthus:Birthis destroyed,theholylifehasbeenlived,whathadtobedonehas beendone,thereisnomorecomingtoanystateofbeing. 23.Ifhefeelsapleasantfeeling,heunderstands:Itis impermanent;thereisnoholdingtoit;thereisnodelightinit. Ifhefeelsapainfulfeeling,heunderstands:Itisimpermanent; thereisnoholdingtoit;thereisnodelightinit.Ifhefeelsa neitherpainfulnorpleasantfeeling,heunderstands:Itis impermanent;thereisnoholdingtoit;thereisnodelightinit. 24.Ifhefeelsapleasantfeeling,hefeelsitdetached;if

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hefeelsapainfulfeeling,hefeelsitdetached;ifhefeelsaneither painfulnorpleasantfeeling,hefeelsitdetached.Whenhefeels afeelingterminatingwiththebody,heunderstands:Ifeela feelingterminatingwiththebody.Whenhefeelsafeeling terminatingwithlife,heunderstands:Ifeelafeelingterminating withlife.Heunderstands:Onthedissolutionofthebody,with theendingoflife,allthatisfelt,notbeingdelightedin,will becomecoolrighthere.Bhikkhu,justasanoillampburnsin dependenceonoilandawick,andwhentheoilandwickare usedup,ifitdoesnotgetanymorefuel,itisextinguishedfrom lackoffuel;sotoowhenhefeelsafeelingterminatingwiththe body...afeelingterminatingwithlife,heunderstands:Ifeela feelingterminatingwithlife.Heunderstands:Onthedissolution ofthebody,withtheendingoflife,allthatisfelt,notbeing delightedin,willbecomecoolrighthere. 25.Thereforeabhikkhupossessing[thiswisdom] possessesthesupremefoundationofwisdom.Forthis,bhikkhu, isthesupremenoblewisdom,namely,theknowledgeofthe destructionofallsuffering. 26.Hisdeliverance,beingfoundedupontruth,is unshakeable.Forthatisfalse,bhikkhu,whichhasadeceptive nature,andthatistruewhichhasanundeceptivenature Nibbna.Thereforeabhikkhupossessing[thistruth]possesses thesupremefoundationoftruth.Forthis,bhikkhu,isthe supremenobletruth,namely,Nibbna,whichhasan undeceptivenature. 27.Formerly,whenhewasignorant,heacquiredand developedattachments;nowhehasabandonedthem,cutthem offattheroot,madethemlikeapalmstump,doneawaywith themsothattheyarenolongersubjecttofuturearising.Therefore abhikkhupossessing[thisrelinquishment]possessesthe supremefoundationofrelinquishment.Forthis,bhikkhu,isthe supremenoblerelinquishment,namely,therelinquishingofall attachments. 28.Formerly,whenhewasignorant,heexperienced covetousness,desire,andlust;nowhehasabandonedthem, cutthemoffattheroot,madethemlikeapalmstump,done awaywiththemsothattheyarenolongersubjecttofuture arising.Formerly,whenhewasignorant,heexperiencedanger, illwill,andhate;nowhehasabandonedthem,cutthemoffat theroot,madethemlikeapalmstump,doneawaywiththem sothattheyarenolongersubjecttofuturearising.Formerly, whenhewasignorant,heexperiencedignoranceanddelusion;

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nowhehasabandonedthem,cutthemoffattheroot,made themlikeapalmstump,doneawaywiththemsothattheyare nolongersubjecttofuturearising.Thereforeabhikkhu possessing[thispeace]possessesthesupremefoundationof peace.Forthis,bhikkhu,isthesupremenoblepeace,namely, thepacificationoflust,hate,anddelusion. 29.Soitwaswithreferencetothisthatitwassaid:One shouldnotneglectwisdom,shouldpreservetruth,should cultivaterelinquishment,andshouldtrainforpeace. 30.Thetidesofconceivingdonotsweepoveronewho standsuponthese[foundations],andwhenthetidesof conceivingnolongersweepoverhimheiscalledasageatpeace. Soitwassaid.Andwithreferencetowhatwasthissaid? 31.Bhikkhu,Iamisaconceiving;Iamthisisa conceiving;Ishallbeisaconceiving;Ishallnotbeisa conceiving;Ishallbepossessedofformisaconceiving;Ishall beformlessisaconceiving;Ishallbepercipientisaconceiving; Ishallbenonpercipientisaconceiving;Ishallbeneitherpercipient nornonpercipientisaconceiving.Conceivingisa disease,conceivingisatumour,conceivingisadart.By overcomingallconceivings,bhikkhu,oneiscalledasageat peace.Andthesageatpeaceisnotborn,doesnotage,doesnot die;heisnotshakenandisnotagitated.Forthereisnothing presentinhimbywhichhemightbeborn.Notbeingborn,how couldheage?Notageing,howcouldhedie?Notdying,how couldhebeshaken?Notbeingshaken,whyshouldhebe agitated? 32.Soitwaswithreferencetothisthatitwassaid:The tidesofconceivingdonotsweepoveronewhostandsupon these[foundations],andwhenthetidesofconceivingnolonger sweepoverhimheiscalledasageatpeace.Bhikkhu,bearin mindthisbriefexpositionofthesixelements. 33.ThereuponthevenerablePukkustithought: Indeed,theTeacherhascometome!TheSublimeOnehas cometome!TheFullyEnlightenedOnehascometome!Then herosefromhisseat,arrangedhisupperrobeoveroneshoulder, andprostratinghimselfwithhisheadattheBlessdOnesfeet, hesaid:Venerablesir,atransgressionovercameme,inthat likeafool,confusedandblundering,Ipresumedtoaddressthe BlessdOneasfriend.Venerablesir,maytheBlessdOne forgivemytransgressionseenassuchforthesakeofrestraintin thefuture. Surely,bhikkhu,atransgressionovercameyou,inthat

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likeafool,confusedandblundering,youpresumedtoaddress measfriend.Butsinceyouseeyourtransgressionassuchand makeamendsinaccordancewiththeDhamma,weforgiveyou. ForitisgrowthintheNobleOnesDisciplinewhenonesees onestransgressionassuch,makesamendsinaccordancewith theDhamma,andundertakesrestraintinthefuture. 34.Venerablesir,Iwouldreceivethefulladmission undertheBlessdOne. Butareyourbowlandrobescomplete,bhikkhu? Venerablesir,mybowlandrobesarenotcomplete. Bhikkhu,Tathgatasdonotgivethefulladmissionto anyonewhosebowlandrobesarenotcomplete. 35.ThenthevenerablePukkusti,havingdelightedand rejoicedintheBlessdOneswords,rosefromhisseat,andafter payinghomagetotheBlessdOne,keepinghimonhisright, hedepartedinordertosearchforabowlandrobes.Then,while thevenerablePukkustiwassearchingforabowlandrobes,a straycowkilledhim. 36.ThenanumberofbhikkhuswenttotheBlessdOne, andafterpayinghomagetohim,theysatdownatonesideand toldhim:Venerablesir,theclansmanPukkusti,whowasgiven briefinstructionbytheBlessdOne,hasdied.Whatishis destination?Whatishisfuturecourse? Bhikkhus,theclansmanPukkustiwaswise.He practisedinaccordancewiththeDhammaanddidnottrouble meintheinterpretationoftheDhamma.Withthedestructionof thefivelowerfetters,theclansmanPukkustihasreappeared spontaneously[inthePureAbodes]andwillattainfinalNibbna therewithouteverreturningfromthatworld. ThatiswhattheBlessdOnesaid.Thebhikkhuswere satisfiedanddelightedintheBlessdOneswords. (Bhikkhunamoli&BhikkhuBodhitrans., WisdomPublications)

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PPENDIX3

ANGULIMLASUTTA,M86
~OnAngulimla~
1.THUSHAVEIHEARD.OnoneoccasiontheBlessdOne waslivingatSvatthiinJetasGrove,AnthapindikasPark. 2.Nowonthatoccasiontherewasabanditintherealm ofKingPasenadiofKosalanamedAngulimla,whowasmurderous, bloodyhanded,giventoblowsandviolence,merciless tolivingbeings.Villages,towns,anddistrictswerelaidwaste byhim.Hewasconstantlymurderingpeopleandheworetheir fingersasagarland. 3.Then,whenitwasmorning,theBlessdOnedressed, andtakinghisbowlandouterrobe,wentintoSvatthiforalms. WhenhehadwanderedforalmsinSvatthiandhadreturned fromhisalmsround,afterhismealhesethisrestingplacein order,andtakinghisbowlandouterrobe,setoutontheroad leadingtowardsAngulimla.Cowherds,shepherds,and ploughmenpassingbysawtheBlessdOnewalkingalongthe roadleadingtowardsAngulimlaandtoldhim:Donottake thisroad,recluse.OnthisroadisthebanditAngulimla,whois murderous,bloodyhanded,giventoblowsandviolence,merciless tolivingbeings.Villages,towns,anddistrictshavebeen laidwastebyhim.Heisconstantlymurderingpeopleandhe wearstheirfingersasagarland.Menhavecomealongthisroad ingroupsoften,twenty,thirty,andevenforty,butstillthey havefallenintoAngulimlashands.Whenthiswassaidthe BlessdOnewentoninsilence. Forthesecondtime...Forthethirdtimethecowherds, shepherds,andploughmentoldthistotheBlessdOne,but stilltheBlessdOnewentoninsilence. 4.ThebanditAngulimlasawtheBlessdOnecoming inthedistance.Whenhesawhim,hethought:Itiswonderful, itismarvellous!Menhavecomealongthisroadingroupsof ten,twenty,thirty,andevenforty,butstilltheyhavefalleninto myhands.Andnowthisreclusecomesalone,unaccompanied, asifdrivenbyfate.WhyshouldntItakethisrecluseslife?

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Angulimlathentookuphisswordandshield,buckledonhis bowandquiver,andfollowedclosebehindtheBlessdOne. 5.ThentheBlessdOneperformedsuchafeatofsuper normalpowerthatthebanditAngulimla,thoughwalking asfastashecould,couldnotcatchupwiththeBlessdOne, whowaswalkingathisnormalpace. ThenthebanditAngulimlathought:Itiswonderful,it ismarvellous!FormerlyIcouldcatchupevenwithaswiftelephant andseizeit;Icouldcatchupevenwithaswifthorseand seizeit;Icouldcatchupevenwithaswiftchariotandseizeit;I couldcatchupevenwithaswiftdeerandseizeit;butnow, thoughIamwalkingasfastasIcan,Icannotcatchupwiththis reclusewhoiswalkingathisnormalpace!Hestoppedand calledouttotheBlessdOne:Stop,recluse!Stop,recluse! Ihavestopped,Angulimla,youstoptoo. ThebanditAngulimlathought:Theserecluses,sons oftheSkyans,speaktruth,asserttruth;butthoughthisrecluse isstillwalking,hesays:Ihavestopped,Angulimla,youstop too.SupposeIquestionthisrecluse. 6.ThenthebanditAngulimlaaddressedtheBlessd Oneinstanzasthus: Whileyouarewalking,recluse,youtellmeyouhave stopped; Butnow,whenIhavestopped,yousayIhavenot stopped. Iaskyounow,Orecluse,aboutthemeaning: HowisitthatyouhavestoppedandIhavenot? Angulimla,Ihavestoppedforever, Iabstainfromviolencetowardslivingbeings; Butyouhavenorestrainttowardsthingsthatlive: ThatiswhyIhavestoppedandyouhavenot. Oh,atlonglastthisrecluse,aveneratedsage, Hascometothisgreatforestformysake. HavingheardyourstanzateachingmetheDhamma, Iwillindeedrenounceevilforever. Sosayingthebandittookhisswordandweapons Andflungtheminagapingchasmspit; ThebanditworshippedtheSublimeOnesfeet, Andthenandthereaskedforthegoingforth.

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TheEnlightenedOne,theSageofGreatCompassion, TheTeacheroftheworldwith[all]itsgods, Addressedhimwiththesewords,Come,bhikkhu. Andthatwashowhecametobeabhikkhu. 7.ThentheBlessdOnesetouttowanderbackto SvatthiwithAngulimlaashisattendant.Wanderingbystages, heeventuallyarrivedatSvatthi,andtherehelivedatSvatthi inJetasGrove,AnthapindikasPark. 8.Nowonthatoccasiongreatcrowdsofpeoplewere gatheringatthegatesofKingPasenadisinnerpalace,veryloud andnoisy,crying:Sire,thebanditAngulimlaisinyourrealm; heismurderous,bloodyhanded,giventoblowsandviolence, mercilesstolivingbeings!Villages,towns,anddistrictshavebeen laidwastebyhim!Heisconstantlymurderingpeopleandhe wearstheirfingersasagarland!Thekingmustputhimdown! 9.TheninthemiddleofthedayKingPasenadiofKosala droveoutofSvatthiwithacavalryoffivehundredmenandset outforthepark.Hedrovethusasfarastheroadwaspassable forcarriages,andthenhedismountedfromhiscarriageandwent forwardonfoottotheBlessdOne.Afterpayinghomagetothe BlessdOne,hesatdownatoneside,andtheBlessdOnesaid tohim:Whatisit,greatking?IsKingSeniyaBimbisraof Magadhaattackingyou,ortheLicchavisofVesl,orother hostilekings? 10.Venerablesir,KingSeniyaBimbisraofMagadhais notattackingme,noraretheLicchavisofVesl,norareother hostilekings.Butthereisabanditinmyrealmnamed Angulimla,whoismurderous,bloodyhanded,giventoblows andviolence,mercilesstolivingbeings.Villages,towns,and districtshavebeenlaidwastebyhim.Heisconstantlymurdering peopleandhewearstheirfingersasagarland.Ishallnever beabletoputhimdown,venerablesir. 11.Greatking,supposeyouweretoseethatAngulimla hadshavedoffhishairandbeard,putontheyellowrobe,and goneforthfromthehomelifeintohomelessness;thathewas abstainingfromkillinglivingbeings,fromtakingwhatisnot givenandfromfalsespeech;thathewasrefrainingfromeating atnight,ateonlyinonepartoftheday,andwascelibate,virtuous, ofgoodcharacter.Ifyouweretoseehimthus,howwould youtreathim? Venerablesir,wewouldpayhomagetohim,orriseup forhim,orinvitehimtobeseated;orwewouldinvitehimto acceptrobes,almsfood,arestingplace,ormedicinalrequisites;

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orwewouldarrangeforhimlawfulguarding,defense,andprotection. But,venerablesir,heisanimmoralman,oneofevil character.Howcouldheeverhavesuchvirtueandrestraint? 12.NowonthatoccasionthevenerableAngulimlawas sittingnotfarfromtheBlessdOne.ThentheBlessdOneextended hisrightarmandsaidtoKindPasenadiofKosala:Great king,thisisAngulimla. ThenKingPasenadiwasfrightened,alarmed,andterrified. Knowingthis,theBlessdOnetoldhim:Donotbeafraid, greatking,donotbeafraid.Thereisnothingforyoutofear fromhim. Thenthekingsfear,alarm,andterrorsubsided.Hewent overtothevenerableAngulimlaandsaid:Venerablesir,isthe noblelordreallyAngulimla? Yes,greatking. Venerablesir,ofwhatfamilyisthenoblelordsfather? Ofwhatfamilyishismother? MyfatherisaGagga,greatking;mymotherisa Mantni. LetthenoblelordGaggaMantniputtarestcontent.I shallproviderobes,almsfood,restingplace,andmedicinalrequisites forthenoblelordGaggaMantniputta. 13.NowatthattimethevenerableAngulimlawasa forestdweller,analmsfoodeater,arefuseragwearer,andrestricted himselftothreerobes.Hereplied:Enough,greatking, mytriplerobeiscomplete. KingPasenadithenreturnedtotheBlessdOne,and afterpayinghomagetohim,hesatdownatonesideandsaid: Itiswonderful,venerablesir,itismarvelloushowtheBlessd Onetamestheuntamed,bringspeacetotheunpeaceful,and leadstoNibbnathosewhohavenotattainedNibbna.Venerable sir,weourselvescouldnottamehimwithforceandweapons, yettheBlessdOnehastamedhimwithoutforceorweapons. Andnow,venerablesir,wedepart.Wearebusyandhave muchtodo. Nowisthetime,greatking,todoasyouthinkfit. ThenKingPasenadiofKosalarosefromhisseat,and afterpayinghomagetotheBlessdOne,keepinghimonhis right,hedeparted. 14.Then,whenitwasmorning,thevenerable Angulimladressed,andtakinghisbowlandouterrobe,went intoSvatthiforalms.Ashewaswanderingforalmsfromhouse tohouseinSvatthi,hesawacertainwomangivingbirthtoa

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deformedchild.Whenhesawthis,hethought:Howbeings areafflicted!Indeed,howbeingsareafflicted! WhenhehadwanderedforalmsinSvatthiandhad returnedfromhisalmsround,afterhismealhewenttothe BlessdOne,andafterpayinghomagetohim,hesatdownat onesideandsaid:Venerablesir,inthemorningIdressed,and takingmybowlandouterrobe,wentintoSvatthiforalms.As IwaswanderingforalmsfromhousetohouseinSvatthi,Isaw acertainwomangivingbirthtoadeformedchild.WhenIsaw that,Ithought:Howbeingsareafflicted!Indeed,howbeings areafflicted! 15.Inthatcase,Angulimla,gointoSvatthiandsayto thewoman:Sister,sinceIwasborn,IdonotrecallthatIhave everintentionallydeprivedalivingbeingoflife.Bythistruth, mayyoubewellandmayyourinfantbewell! Venerablesir,wouldntIbetellingadeliberatelie,for Ihaveintentionallydeprivedmanylivingbeingsoflife? Then,Angulimla,gointoSvatthiandsaytothat woman:Sister,sinceIwasbornwiththenoblebirth,Idonot recallthatIhaveeverintentionallydeprivedalivingbeingof life.Bythistruth,mayyoubewellandmayyourinfantbewell! Yes,venerablesir,thevenerableAngulimlareplied, andhavinggoneintoSvatthi,hetoldthatwoman:Sister,since Iwasbornwiththenoblebirth,IdonotrecallthatIhaveever intentionallydeprivedalivingbeingoflife.Bythistruth,may youbewellandmayyourinfantbewell!Thenthewomanand theinfantbecamewell. 16.Beforelong,dwellingalone,withdrawn,diligent, ardent,andresolute,thevenerableAngulimla,byrealizingfor himselfwithdirectknowledge,hereandnowentereduponand abidedinthatsupremegoaloftheholylifeforthesakeofwhich clansmenrightlygoforthfromthehomelifeintohomelessness. Hedirectlyknew:Birthisdestroyed,theholylifehasbeenlived, whathadtobedonehasbeendone,thereisnomorecomingto anystateofbeing.AndthevenerableAngulimlabecameone ofthearahants. 17.Then,whenitwasmorning,thevenerable Angulimladressed,andtakinghisbowlandouterrobe,went intoSvatthiforalms. Nowonthatoccasionsomeonethrewaclodandhitthe venerableAngulimlasbody,someoneelsethrewastickand hithisbody,andsomeoneelsethrewapotsherdandhithis body.

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Then,withbloodrunningfromhiscuthead,withhis bowlbroken,andwithhisouterrobetorn,thevenerable AngulimlawenttotheBlessdOne. TheBlessdOnesawhimcominginthedistanceand toldhim:Bearit,brahmin!Bearit,brahmin!Youareexperiencing hereandnowtheresultofdeedsbecauseofwhichyou mighthavebeentorturedinhellformanyyears,formanyhundreds ofyears,formanythousandsofyears. 18.Then,whilethevenerableAngulimlawasalonein retreatexperiencingtheblissofdeliverance,heutteredthis exclamation: Whooncedidliveinnegligence Andthenisnegligentnomore, Heilluminatestheworld Likethemoonfreedfromacloud. Whocheckstheevildeedshedid Bydoingwholesomedeedsinstead, Heilluminatestheworld Likethemoonfreedfromacloud. Theyouthfulbhikkhuwhodevotes HiseffortstotheBuddhasteaching, Heilluminatestheworld Likethemoonfreedfromacloud. LetmyenemiesheardiscourseontheDhamma, LetthembedevotedtotheBuddhasteaching, Letmyenemieswaitonthosegoodpeople WholeadotherstoaccepttheDhamma. Letmyenemiesgiveearfromtimetotime AndheartheDhammaofthosewhopreachforbearance, Ofthosewhospeakaswellinpraiseofkindness, AndletthemfollowupthatDhammawithkinddeeds. Forsurelythentheywouldnotwishtoharmme, Norwouldtheythinkofharmingotherbeings, Sothosewhowouldprotectall,frailorstrong, Letthemattaintheallsurpassingpeace. Conduitmakersguidethewater, Fletchersstraightenoutthearrowshaft,

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Carpentersstraightenoutthetimber, Butwisemenseektotamethemselves. Therearesomethattamewithbeatings, Somewithgoadsandsomewithwhips; ButIwastamedbysuchaone Whohasnorodnoranyweapon. HarmlessisthenameIbear, ThoughIwasdangerousinthepast. ThenameIbeartodayistrue: Ihurtnolivingbeingatall. AndthoughIoncelivedasabandit WiththenameofFingergarland, Onewhomthegreatfloodsweptalong, IwentforrefugetotheBuddha. AndthoughIoncewasbloodyhanded WiththenameofFingergarland, SeetherefugeIhavefound: Thebondofbeingasbeencut. WhileIdidmanydeedsthatlead Torebirthintheevilrealms, Yettheirresulthasreachedmenow, AndsoIeatfreefromdebt. Theyarefoolsandhavenosense Whogivethemselvestonegligence, Butthoseofwisdomguarddiligence Andtreatitastheirgreatestgood. Donotgivewaytonegligence Norseekdelightinsensualpleasures, Butmeditatewithdiligence Soastoreachtheperfectbliss. Sowelcometothatchoiceofmine Andletitstand,itwasnotillmade; OfalltheDhammasknowntomen Ihavecometotheverybest.

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Sowelcometothatchoiceofmine Andletitstand,itwasnotillmade; Ihaveattainedthetripleknowledge AnddoneallthattheBuddhateaches. (Bhikkhunamoli&BhikkhuBodhitrans., WisdomPublications)

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PPENDIX4

EXCERPTSFROMTHE

MAHAPARINIBBNASUTTA,D16
~TheBuddhasLastDays~
2.22.THELORDSAIDTOTHEMONKS:You,monks, shouldgotoanywhereinVeslwhereyouhavefriendsor acquaintancesorsupporters,andspendtheRainsthere.Ishall spendtheRainshereinBeluva.Verygood,Lord,repliedthe monks,andtheydidso,buttheLordspenttheRainsinBeluva. 2.23.AndduringtheRainstheLordwasattackedbya severesickness,withsharppainsasifhewereabouttodie.But heenduredallthismindfully,clearlyawareandwithout complaining.Hethought:ItisnotfittingthatIshouldattain finalNibbnawithoutaddressingmyfollowersandtakingleave oftheorderofmonks.Imustholdthisdiseaseincheckbyenergy andapplymyselftotheforceoflife.Hedidso,andthedisease abated. 2.24.ThentheLordhavingrecoveredfromhissickness, assoonashefeltbetter,wentoutsideandsatonaprepared seatinfrontofhisdwelling.ThentheVenerablenandacame tohim,salutedhim,satdowntoonesideandsaid:Lord,Ihave seentheLordincomfort,andIhaveseentheLordspatient enduring.And,Lord,mybodywaslikeadrunkards.Ilostmy bearingsandthingswereuncleartomebecauseoftheLords sickness.Theonlythingthatwassomecomforttomewasthe thought:TheLordwillnotattainfinalNibbnauntilhehas madesomestatementabouttheorderofmonks. 2.25.But,nanda,whatdoestheorderofmonksexpect ofme?IhavetaughttheDhamma,nanda,makingnoinner andouter:theTathgatahasnoteachersfistinrespectof doctrines.Ifthereisanyonewhothinks:Ishalltakechargeof theorder,orTheordershouldrefertome,lethimmakesome statementabouttheorder,buttheTathgatadoesnotthinkin suchterms.SowhyshouldtheTathgatamakeastatementabout theorder? nanda,Iamnowold,wornout,venerable,onewho

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hastraversedlifespath,Ihavereachedthetermoflife,whichis eighty.Justasanoldcartismadetogobybeingheldtogether withstraps,sotheTathgatasbodyiskeptgoingbybeing strappedup.ItisonlywhentheTathgatawithdrawshis attentionfromoutwardsigns,andbythecessationofcertain feelings,entersintothesignlessconcentrationofmind,thathis bodyknowscomfort. 2.26.Therefore,nanda,youshouldliveasislandsunto yourselves,beingyourownrefuge,withnooneelseasyour refuge,withtheDhammaasanisland,withtheDhammaas yourrefuge,withnootherrefuge.Andhowdoesamonkliveas anislanduntohimself,...withnootherrefuge?Here,nanda,a monkabidescontemplatingthebodyasbody,earnestly,clearly aware,mindfulandhavingputawayallhankeringandfretting fortheworld,andlikewisewithregardtofeelings,mindand mindobjects.That,nanda,ishowamonklivesasanisland untohimself,...withnootherrefuge.Andthosewhonowinmy timeorafterwardslivethus,theywillbecomethehighest,if theyaredesirousoflearning. [Endofthesecondrecitationsection] 3.1.ThentheLord,risingearly,dressed,tookhisrobe andbowl,andenteredVeslforalms.Havingeatenonhisreturn fromthealmsround,hesaidtotheVenerablenanda:Bringa mat,nanda.WewillgototheCplaShrineforthesiesta. Verygood,Lord,saidnanda,and,gettingamat,hefollowed behind. 3.2.ThentheLordcametotheCplaShrine,andsat downonthepreparedseat.nandasalutedtheLordandsat downtooneside,andtheLordsaid:nanda,Veslisdelightful, theUdenaShrineisdelightful,theGotamakaShrineis delightful,theSattambakaShrineisdelightful,theBahuputta Shrineisdelightful,theCplaShrineisdelightful. 3.3.nanda,whoeverhasdevelopedthefourroadsto power,practisedthemfrequently,madethemhisvehicle,made themhisbase,establishedthem,becomefamiliarwiththemand properlyundertakenthem,couldundoubtedlyliveforacentury, ortheremainderofone.TheTathgatahasdevelopedthese powers,...properlyundertakenthem.Andhecould,nanda, undoubtedlyliveforacentury,ortheremainderofone. 3.4.ButtheVenerablenanda,failingtograspthisbroad hint,thisclearsign,didnotbegtheLord:Lord,maytheBlessd Lordstayforacentury,maytheWellFarerstayforacenturyfor

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thebenefitandhappinessofthemultitude,outofcompassion fortheworld,forthebenefitandhappinessofdevasand humans,somuchwashismindpossessedbyMra. 3.5.Andasecondtime...andathird...(asverses34). 3.6.ThentheLordsaid:nanda,gonowanddowhat seemsfittingtoyou.Verygood,Lord,saidnandaand,rising fromhisseat,hesalutedtheLord,passedbyontherightandsat downunderatreesomedistanceaway. 3.7.Soonafternandahadleft,MratheEvilOnecame totheLord,stoodtooneside,andsaid:Lord,maytheBlessd LordnowattainfinalNibbna,maytheWellFarernowattain finalNibbna.NowisthetimefortheBlessdLordsfinal Nibbna.BecausetheBlessdLordhassaidthis:EvilOne,I willnottakefinalNibbnatillIhavemonksanddiscipleswho areaccomplished,trained,skilled,learned,knowersofthe Dhamma,trainedinconformitywiththeDhamma,correctly trainedandwalkinginthepathoftheDhamma,whowillpass onwhattheyhavegainedfromtheirTeacher,teachit,declare it,establishit,expoundit,analyseit,makeitclear;tilltheyshall beablebymeansoftheDhammatorefutefalseteachingsthat havearisen,andteachtheDhammaofwondrouseffect. 3.8.Andnow,Lord,theBlessdLordhassuchmonks anddisciples.MaytheBlessdLordnowattainfinalNibbna, maytheWellFarernowattainfinalNibbna.Nowisthetime fortheBlessdLordsfinalNibbna.AndtheBlessdLordhas said:IwillnottakefinalNibbnatillIhavenunsandfemale discipleswhoareaccomplished,...tillIhavelaymenfollowers,... tillIhavelaywomenfollowers...(asverse7).MaytheBlessd LordnowtakefinalNibbna...AndtheBlessdLordhassaid: EvilOne,IwillnottakefinalNibbnatillthisholylifehasbeen successfullyestablishedandflourishes,iswidespread,well knownfarandwide,wellproclaimedamongmankind everywhere.Andallthishascomeabout.MaytheBlessdLord nowattainfinalNibbna,maytheWellFarernowattainfinal Nibbna.NowisthetimefortheBlessdLordsfinalNibbna. 3.9.AtthistheLordsaidtoMra:Youneednotworry, EvilOne.TheTathgatasfinalpassingwillnotbelongdelayed. Threemonthsfromnow,theTathgatawilltakefinalNibbna. 3.10.SotheLord,attheCplaShrine,mindfullyandin fullawareness,renouncedthelifeprinciple,andwhenthis occurredtherewasagreatearthquake,terrible,hairraisingand accompaniedbythunder.AndwhentheLordsawthisheuttered thisverse:

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Grossorfine,thingsbecomethesageabjured. Calm,composed,heburstbecomingsshell. 3.11.AndtheVenerablenandathought:Itis marvellous,itiswonderfulhowthisgreatearthquakearises, thisterribleearthquake,sodreadfulandhairraising, accompaniedbythunder!Whatevercanhavecausedit? 3.12.HewenttotheLord,salutedhim,satdowntoone side,andaskedhimthatquestion. 3.13.nanda,thereareeightreasons,eightcausesfor theappearanceofagreatearthquake.Thisgreatearthis establishedonwater,thewateronthewind,thewindonspace. Andwhenamightywindblows,thisstirsupthewater,and throughthestirringupofthewatertheearthquakes.Thatis thefirstreason. 3.14.InthesecondplacethereisanasceticorBrahmin whohasdevelopedpsychicpowers,oramightyandpowerful devawhoseearthconsciousnessisweaklydevelopedandhis waterconsciousnessisimmeasurable,andhemakestheearth shudderandshakeandviolentlyquake.Thatisthesecond reason. 3.15.Again,whenaBodhisattadescendsfromtheTusita Heaven,mindfulandclearlyaware,intohismotherswomb, thentheearthshuddersandshakesandviolentlyquakes.That isthethirdreason. 3.16.Again,whentheBodhisattaemergesfromhis motherswomb,mindfulandclearlyaware,thentheearth shuddersandshakesandviolentlyquakes.Thatisthefourth reason. 3.17.Again,whentheTathgatagainsunsurpassed enlightenment,thentheearthshuddersandshakesandviolently quakes.Thatisthefifthreason. 3.18.Again,whentheTathgatasetsinmotionthe WheeloftheDhamma,thentheearthshuddersandshakesand violentlyquakes.Thatisthesixthreason. 3.19.Again,whentheTathgata,mindfulandclearly aware,renouncesthelifeprinciple,thentheearthshuddersand shakesandviolentlyquakes. 3.20.Again,whentheTathgatagainstheNibbnaelement withoutremainder,thentheearthshuddersandshakes andviolentlyquakes.Thatistheeighthreason.These,nanda, aretheeightreasons,theeightcausesfortheappearanceofa greatearthquake. [3.2133omitted]

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3.34.nanda,onceIwasstayingatUruvelonthe bankoftheRiverNerajar,undertheGoatherdsBanyantree, whenIhadjustattainedsupremeenlightenment.AndMrathe EvilOnecametome,stoodtoonesideandsaid:Maythe BlessdLordnowattainfinalNibbna,maytheWellFarernow attainfinalNibbna.NowisthetimefortheBlessdLordsfinal Nibbna. 3.35.AtthisIsaidtoMra:EvilOne,Iwillnottake finalNibbnatillIhavemonksanddiscipleswhoare accomplished,trained,skilled,learned,knowersofthe Dhamma,...(asverse7),tillIhavenuns...laymenfollowers, laywomenfollowerswhowill...teachtheDhammaofwondrous effect.IwillnottakefinalNibbnatillthisholylifehasbeen successfullyestablishedandflourishes,iswidespread,wellknown farandwide,wellproclaimedamongmankind everywhere. 3.36.Andjustnow,today,nanda,attheCplaShrine, Mracametome,stoodtooneside,andsaid:Lord,maythe BlessdLordnowattainfinalNibbna...Nowisthetimeforthe BlessdLordsfinalNibbna. 3.37.AndIsaid:Youneednotworry,EvilOne.Three monthsfromnowtheTathgatawilltakefinalNibbna.So now,today,nanda,attheCplaShrine,theTathgatahas mindfullyandinfullawarenessrenouncedthelifeprinciple. 3.38.AtthistheVenerablenandasaid:Lord,maythe BlessdLordstayforacentury,maytheWellFarerstayfora centuryforthebenefitandhappinessofthemultitude,outof compassionfortheworld,forthebenefitandhappinessofdevas andhumans!Enough,nanda!DonotbegtheTathgata,itis nottherighttimeforthat! 3.39.AndasecondandathirdtimetheVenerable nandamadethesamerequest. nanda,haveyoufaithintheTathgatasenlightenment? Yes,Lord. ThenwhydoyoubothertheTathgatawithyour requestuptothreetimes? 3.40.ButLord,IhaveheardfromtheLordsownlips,I haveunderstoodfromtheLordsownlips:Whoeverhas developedthefourroadstopower...couldundoubtedlylivefor acentury,orfortheremainderofone. Haveyoufaith,nanda?Yes,Lord. Then,nanda,yoursisthefault,yoursisthefailure that,havingbeengivensuchabroadhint,suchaclearsignby

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theTathgata,youdidnotunderstandanddidnotbegthe Tathgatatostayforacentury...If,nanda,youhadbegged him,theTathgatawouldtwicehaverefusedyou,butthethird timehewouldhaveconsented.Therefore,nanda,yoursisthe fault,yoursisthefailure. 3.41.Once,nanda,IwasstayingatRjagaha,atthe VulturesPeak.AndthereIsaid:nanda,Rjagahaisdelightful, theVulturesPeakisdelightful.Whoeverhasdevelopedthefour roadstopower...couldundoubtedlyliveforacentury...(as verse3).Butyou,nanda,inspiteofsuchabroadhintdidnot understandanddidnotbegtheTathgatatostayforacentury... 3.42.OnceIwasstayingatRjagahaintheBanyan Park...atRobbersCliff...attheSatapanniCaveonthesideof MountVebhra...attheBlackRockontheslopeofMountIsigili... attheslopebytheSnakesPoolinCoolWood...attheTapod Park...attheSquirrelsFeedingGroundinVeluvana...inJvakas Mangogrove...andalsoatRjagahaintheMaddakucchideerpark. 3.43.AtalltheseplacesIsaidtoyou:nanda,this placeisdelightful... 3.44.Whoeverhasdevelopedthefourroadsto power...couldundoubtedlyliveforacentury...(asverse3). 3.45.OnceIwasatVeslattheUdenaShrine... 3.46.OnceIwasatVeslattheGotamakaShrine...at theSattambakaShrine...attheBahuputtaShrine...atthe SrandadaShrine... 3.47.AndnowtodayattheCplaShrineIsaid:These placesaredelightful.nanda,whoeverhasdevelopedthefour roadstopower...couldundoubtedlyliveforacentury,orthe remainderofone.TheTathgatahasdevelopedthesepowers... andhecould,nanda,undoubtedlyliveforacentury,orthe remainderofone. Butyou,nanda,failingtograspthisbroadhint,this clearsign,didnotbegtheTathgatatostayforacentury.If, nanda,youhadbeggedhim,theTathgatawouldtwicehave refusedyou,butthethirdtimehewouldhaveconsented. 3.48.nanda,haveInottoldyoubefore:Allthosethings thataredearandpleasanttousmustsufferchange,separation andalteration?Sohowcouldthisbepossible?Whateverisborn, become,compounded,isliabletodecaythatitshouldnot decayisimpossible.Andthathasbeenrenounced,givenup, rejected,abandoned,forsaken:theTathgatahasrenouncedthe lifeprinciple.TheTathgatahassaidonceandforall:The Tathgatasfinalpassingwillnotbelongdelayed.Threemonths

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fromnowtheTathgatawilltakefinalNibbna.Thatthe Tathgatashouldwithdrawsuchadeclarationinordertolive on,isnotpossible.Nowcome,nanda,wewillgototheGabled HallintheGreatForest.Verygood,Lord. 3.49.AndtheLordwentwiththeVenerablenandato theGabledHallintheGreatForest.Whenhegotthere,hesaid: nanda,goandgathertogetherallthemonkslivinginthe vicinityofVesl,andgetthemtocometotheassemblyhall. Verygood,Lord,saidnanda,anddidso.Hethenreturnedto theLord,salutedhim,stoodtoonesideandsaid:Lord,the orderofmonksisgatheredtogether.Nowisthetimeforthe Lordtodoashewishes. 3.50.ThentheLordenteredtheassemblyhallandsat downonthepreparedseat.Thenhesaidtothemonks:Monks, forthisreasonthosematterswhichIhavediscoveredand proclaimedshouldbethoroughlylearntbyyou,practised, developedandcultivated,sothatthisholylifemayendurefora longtime,thatitmaybeforthebenefitandhappinessofthe multitude,outofcompassionfortheworld,forthebenefitand happinessofdevasandhumans.Andwhatarethosematters...? Theyare:Thefourfoundationsofmindfulness,thefourright efforts,thefourroadstopower,thefivespiritualfaculties,the fivementalpowers,thesevenfactorsofenlightenment,theNoble EightfoldPath. 3.51.ThentheLordsaidtothemonks:Andnow,monks, Ideclaretoyouallconditionedthingsareofanaturetodecay striveonuntiringly.TheTathgatasfinalpassingwillnotbe longdelayed.ThreemonthsfromnowtheTathgatawilltake hisfinalNibbna. ThustheLordspoke.TheWellFarerhavingthus spoken,theTeachersaidthis: RipeIaminyears.Mylifespansdetermined. NowIgofromyou,havingmademyselfmyrefuge. Monks,beuntiring,mindful,disciplined, Guardingyourmindswithwellcollectedthought. Hewho,tireless,keepstolawanddiscipline, Leavingbirthbehindwillputanendtowoe. [Endofthethirdrecitationsection] 4.1.ThentheLord,havingarisenearlyanddressed,took hisrobeandbowlandwentintoVeslforalms.Havingreturned fromthealmsroundandeaten,helookedbackatVeslwith hiselephantlookandsaid:nanda,thisisthelasttimethe

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TathgatawilllookuponVesl.Nowwewillgoto Bhandagma.Verygood,Lord,saidnanda,andtheLord proceededwithalargecompanyofmonkstoBhandagma,and stayedthere. 4.2.AndtheretheLordaddressedthemonks:Itis, monks,throughnotunderstanding,notpenetratingfourthings thatIaswellasyouhaveforalongtimefaredonroundthe cycleofrebirths.Whatarethefour?Throughnotunderstanding theAriyanmorality,throughnotunderstandingtheAriyan concentration,throughnotunderstandingtheAriyanwisdom, throughnotunderstandingtheAriyanliberation,Iaswellas youhaveforalongtimefaredonroundthecycleofrebirths. AnditisbyunderstandingandpenetratingtheAriyanmorality, theAriyanconcentration,theAriyanwisdomandtheAriyan liberationthatthecravingforbecominghasbeencutoff,the tendencytowardsbecominghasbeenexhausted,andtherewill benomorerebirth. 4.3.ThustheLordspoke.TheWellFarerhavingthus spoken,theTeachersaidthis: Morality,samdhi,wisdomandfinalrelease, ThesegloriousthingsGotamacametoknow. TheDhammaheddiscernedhetaughthismonks: HewhosevisionendedwoetoNibbnasgone. 4.4.ThentheLord,whilestayingatBhandagma, deliveredacomprehensivediscourse:Thisismorality,thisis concentration,thisiswisdom.Concentration,whenimbuedwith morality,bringsgreatfruitandprofit.Wisdom,whenimbued withconcentration,bringsgreatfruitandprofit.Themind imbuedwithwisdombecomescompletelyfreefromthe corruptions,thatis,fromthecorruptionofsensuality,of becoming,offalseviewsandofignorance. 4.5.AndwhentheLordhadstayedatBhandagmafor aslongashewished,hesaid:nanda,letusgotoHatthigma... toAmbagma...toJambugma...givingthesamediscourseat eachplace.Thenhesaid:nanda,letusgotoBhoganagara. 4.6.Verygood,Lord,saidnanda,andtheLordwent withalargecompanyofmonkstoBhoganagara. 4.7.AtBhoganagaratheLordstayedatthenanda Shrine.Andhesaidtothemonks:Monks,Iwillteachyoufour criteria.Listen,paycloseattention,andIwillspeak.Yes,Lord, repliedthemonks. 4.8.Supposeamonkweretosay:Friends,Iheard andreceivedthisfromtheLordsownlips:thisistheDhamma,

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thisisthediscipline,thisistheMastersteaching,then,monks, youshouldneitherapprovenordisapprovehiswords.Then, withoutapprovingordisapproving,hiswordsandexpressions shouldbecarefullynotedandcomparedwiththeSuttasand reviewedinthelightofthediscipline.Ifthey,onsuchcomparison andreview,arefoundnottoconformtotheSuttasor thediscipline,theconclusionmustbe:Assuredlythisisnotthe wordoftheBuddha,ithasbeenwronglyunderstoodbythis monk,andthematteristoberejected.Butwhereonsuch comparisonandreviewtheyarefoundtoconformtotheSuttas orthediscipline,theconclusionmustbe:Assuredlythisisthe wordoftheBuddha,ithasbeenrightlyunderstoodbythis monk.Thisisthefirstcriterion. 4.9.Supposeamonkweretosay:Insuchandsucha placethereisacommunitywitheldersanddistinguished teachers.Ihaveheardandreceivedthisfromthatcommunity, then,monks,youshouldneitherapprovenordisapprovehis words...(asverse4.8).Thatisthesecondcriterion. 4.10.Supposeamonkweretosay:Insuchandsucha placetherearemanyelderswhoarelearned,bearersofthe tradition,whoknowtheDhamma,thediscipline,thecodeof rules...(asverse4.8).Thisisthethirdcriterion. 4.11.Supposeamonkweretosay:Insuchandsucha placethereisoneelderwhoislearned...Ihaveheardand receivedthisfromthatelder...(asverse4.8).Butwhereonsuch comparisonandreviewtheyarefoundtoconformtotheSuttas andthediscipline,thentheconclusionmustbe:Assuredlythis isthewordoftheBuddha,ithasbeenrightlyunderstoodby thismonk. 4.12.ThentheLord,whilestayingatBhoganagara, deliveredacomprehensivediscourse:Thisismorality,thisis concentration,thisiswisdom... 4.13.AndwhentheLordhadstayedatBhoganagarafor aslongashewished,hesaid:nanda,letusgotoPv.Very good,Lord,saidnanda,andtheLordwentwithalarge companyofmonkstoPv,wherehestayedatthemangogrove ofCundathesmith. 4.14.AndCundaheardthattheLordhadarrivedatPv andwasstayingathismangogrove.SohewenttotheLord, salutedhimandsatdowntooneside,andtheLordinstructed, inspired,firedanddelightedhimwithatalkonDhamma. 4.15.ThenCundasaid:MaytheLordacceptameal frommetomorrowwithhisorderofmonks!AndtheLord

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consentedbysilence. 4.16.AndCunda,understandinghisconsent,rosefrom hisseat,salutedtheLordand,passingbytotheright,departed. 4.17.AndasthenightwasendingCundahadafine mealofhardandsoftfoodpreparedwithanabundanceofpigs delight,andwhenitwasreadyhereportedtotheLord:Lord, themealisready. 4.18.ThentheLord,havingdressedinthemorning, tookhisrobeandbowlandwentwithhisorderofmonksto Cundasdwelling,wherehesatdownonthepreparedseatand said:Servethepigsdelightthathasbeenpreparedtome, andservetheremaininghardandsoftfoodtotheorderof monks.Verygood,Lord,saidCunda,anddidso. 4.19.ThentheLordsaidtoCunda:Whateverisleft overofthepigsdelightyoushouldburyinapit,because, Cunda,Icanseenoneinthisworldwithitsdevas,Mrasand brahms,inthisgenerationwithitsasceticsandBrahmins,its princesandpeoplewho,iftheyweretoeatit,couldthoroughly digestitexcepttheTathgata.Verygood,Lord,saidCunda and,havingburiedtheremainsofthepigsdelightinapit,he cametotheLord,salutedhimandsatdowntooneside.Then theLord,havinginstructed,inspired,firedanddelightedhim withatalkonDhamma,rosefromhisseatanddeparted. 4.20.Andafterhavingeatenthemealprovidedby Cunda,theLordwasattackedbyaseveresicknesswithbloody diarrha,andwithsharppainsasifhewereabouttodie.But heenduredallthismindfullyandclearlyaware,andwithout complaint.ThentheLordsaid:nanda,letusgotoKusinr. Verygood,Lord,saidnanda. HavingeatenCundasmeal(thisIveheard), Hesufferedagraveillness,painful,deathly; Fromeatingamealofpigsdelight GravesicknessassailedtheTeacher. Havingpurged,theLordthensaid: NowIllgotoKusinrtown. 4.21.Thenturningasidefromtheroad,theLordwent tothefootofatreeandsaid:Come,nanda,foldarobeinfour forme:Iamtiredandwanttositdown.Verygood,Lord,said nanda,anddidso. 4.22.TheLordsatdownonthepreparedseatandsaid: nanda,bringmesomewater:Iamthirstyandwanttodrink. nandareplied:Lord,fivehundredcartshavepassedthisway. Thewaterischurnedupbytheirwheelsandisnotgood,itis

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dirtyanddisturbed.But,Lord,theRiverKakutthnearbyhas cleanwater,pleasant,cool,pure,withbeautifulbanks,delightful. TheretheLordshalldrinkthewaterandcoolhislimbs. 4.23.AsecondtimetheLordsaid:nanda,bringme somewater...andnandarepliedasbefore. 4.24.AthirdtimetheLordsaid:nanda,bringmesome water:Iamthirstyandwanttodrink.Verygood,Lord,said nandaand,takinghisbowl,hewenttothestream.Andthat streamwhosewaterhadbeenchurnedupbythewheelsand wasnotgood,dirtyanddisturbed,asnandaapproachedit begantoflowpure,brightandunsullied. 4.25.AndtheVenerablenandathought:Wonderful, marvellousaretheTathgatasgreatandmightypowers!This waterwaschurnedupbywheels...andatmyapproachitflows pure,brightandunsullied!Hetookwaterinhisbowl,brought ittotheLordandtoldhimofhisthought,saying:MaytheLord drinkthewater,maytheWellFarerdrink!AndtheLorddrank thewater. 4.26.AtthatmomentPukkusatheMalla,apupiloflra Klma,wasgoingalongthemainroadfromKusinrtoPv. SeeingtheLordsittingunderatree,hewentover,salutedhim andsatdowntooneside.Thenhesaid:Itiswonderful,Lord,it ismarvelloushowcalmthesewanderersare! 4.27.Once,Lord,lraKlmawasgoingalongthe mainroadand,turningaside,hewentandsatdownundera nearbytreetotakehissiesta.Andfivehundredcartswent rumblingbyveryclosetohim.Amanwhowaswalkingalong behindthemcametolraKlmaandsaid:Lord,didyounot seefivehundredcartsgoby?No,friend,Ididnot.Butdidnt youhearthem,Lord?No,friend,Ididnot.Well,wereyou asleep,Lord?No,friend,Iwasnotasleep.Then,Lord,were youconscious?Yes,friend.So,Lord,beingconsciousand awakeyouneithersawnorheardfivehundredcartspassing closebyyou,eventhoughyourouterrobewasbespatteredwith dust?Thatisso,friend. Andthatmanthought:Itiswonderful,itismarvellous! Thesewanderersaresocalmthatthoughconsciousand awake,amanneithersawnorheardfivehundredcartspassing closebyhim!AndhewentawaypraisinglraKlmaslofty powers. 4.28.Well,Pukkusa,whatdoyouthink?Whatdoyou considerismoredifficulttodoorattaintowhileconscious andawakenottoseeorhearfivehundredcartspassingnearby

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or,whileconsciousandawake,nottoseeorhearanythingwhen theraingodstreamsandsplashes,whenlightningflashesand thundercrashes? 4.29.Lord,howcanonecomparenotseeingorhearing fivehundredcartswiththatorevensix,seven,eight, nineortenhundred,orhundredsofthousandsofcartstothat? Toseeorhearnothingwhensuchastormragesismore difficult... 4.30.Once,Pukkusa,whenIwasstayingattum,at thethreshingfloor,theraingodstreamedandsplashed,lightning flashedandthundercrashed,andtwofarmers,brothers, andfouroxenwerekilled.Andalotofpeoplewentoutoftum towherethetwobrothersandthefouroxenwerekilled. 4.31.And,Pukkusa,Ihadatthattimegoneoutofthe doorofthethreshingfloorandwaswalkingupanddown outside.Andamanfromthecrowdcametome,salutedmeand stoodtooneside.AndIsaidtohim: 4.32.Friend,whyareallthesepeoplegatheredhere? Lord,therehasbeenagreatstormandtwofarmers,brothers, andfouroxenhavebeenkilled.Butyou,Lord,wherehaveyou been?Ihavebeenrighthere,friend.Butwhatdidyousee, Lord?Isawnothing,friend.Orwhatdidyouhear,Lord?I heardnothing,friend.Wereyousleeping,Lord?Iwasnot sleeping,friend.Then,Lord,wereyouconscious?Yes, friend.So,Lord,beingconsciousandawakeyouneithersaw norheardthegreatrainfallandfloodsandthethunderand lightning?Thatisso,friend. 4.33.And,Pukkusa,thatmanthought:Itiswonderful, itismarvellous!Thesewanderersaresocalmthattheyneither seenorhearwhentheraingodstreamsandsplashes,lightning flashesandthundercrashes!Proclaimingmyloftypowers,he salutedme,passedbytotherightanddeparted. 4.34.Atthis,PukkusatheMallasaid:Lord,Irejectthe loftypowersoflraKlmaasiftheywereblownawaybya mightywindorcarriedoffbyaswiftstreamorriver!Excellent, Lord,excellent!Itisasifsomeoneweretosetupwhathadbeen knockeddown,ortopointoutthewaytoonewhohadgot lost,ortobringanoillampintoadarkplace,sothatthosewith eyescouldseewhatwasthere.JustsotheBlessdLordhas expoundedtheDhammainvariousways.AndI,Lord,gofor refugetotheBlessdLord,theDhammaandtheSangha.May theBlessdLordacceptmefromthisdayforthasalayfollower aslongaslifeshalllast!

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4.35.ThenPukkusasaidtooneman:Goandfetchme twofinesetsofrobesofclothofgold,burnishedandreadyto wear.Yes,Lord,themanreplied,anddidso.AndPukkusa offeredtherobestotheLord,saying:Here,Lord,aretwofine setsofrobesofclothofgold.MaytheBlessdLordbegraciously pleasedtoacceptthem!Wellthen,Pukkusa,clothemeinone setandnandaintheother.Verygood,Lord,saidPukkusa, anddidso. 4.36.ThentheLordinstructed,inspired,firedand delightedPukkusatheMallawithatalkonDhamma.Then Pukkusarosefromhisseat,salutedtheLord,passedbytothe right,anddeparted. 4.37.SoonafterPukkusahadgone,nanda,having arrangedonesetofthegoldenrobesonthebodyoftheLord, observedthatagainsttheLordsbodyitappeareddulled.And hesaid:Itiswonderful,Lord,itismarvelloushowclearand brighttheLordsskinappears!Itlooksevenbrighterthanthe goldenrobesinwhichitisclothed.Justso,nanda.Thereare twooccasionsonwhichtheTathgatasskinappearsespecially clearandbright.Whicharethey?Oneisthenightinwhichthe Tathgatagainssupremeenlightenment,theotheristhenight whenheattainstheNibbnaelementwithoutremainderathis finalpassing.OnthesetwooccasionstheTathgatasskin appearsespeciallyclearandbright. 4.38.Tonight,nanda,inthelastwatch,intheSla groveoftheMallasnearKusinr,betweentwoSlatrees,the Tathgatasfinalpassingwilltakeplace.Andnow,nanda,let usgototheRiverKakutth.Verygood,Lord,saidnanda. TwogoldenrobeswerePukkusasoffering: BrightershonetheTeachersbodythanitsdress. 4.39.ThentheLordwentwithalargenumberofmonks totheRiverKakutth.Heenteredthewater,bathedanddrank and,emerging,wenttothemangogrove,wherehesaidtothe VenerableCundaka:Come,Cundaka,foldarobeinfourfor me.Iamtiredandwanttoliedown.Verygood,Lord,said Cundaka,anddidso. 4.40.ThentheLordadoptedthelionposture,lyingon hisrightside,placingonefootontheother,mindfullyandwith clearawarenessbearinginmindthetimeofawakening.And theVenerableCundakasatdowninfrontoftheLord. 4.41.TheBuddhahavinggonetoKakutththeriver, Withitsclear,brightandpleasantwaters, ThereintheTeacherplungedhiswearybody.

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Tathgatawithoutanequalintheworld. Surroundedbythemonkswhoseheadhewas. TheTeacherandLord,PreserverofDhamma, TotheMangoGrovethegreatSagewent, AndtoCundakathemonkhesaid: OnafourfoldrobeIllliedown. AndthusadjuredbythegreatAdept, Cundakaplacedthefourfoldrobe. TheTeacherlaidhiswearylimbstorest WhileCundakakeptwatchbesidehim. 4.42.ThentheLordsaidtotheVenerablenanda:It mighthappen,nanda,thatCundathesmithshouldfeel remorse,thinking:itisyourfault,friendCunda,itisbyyour misdeedthattheTathgatagainedfinalNibbnaaftertaking hislastmealfromyou!ButCundasremorseshouldbeexpelled inthisway:Thatisyourmerit,Cunda,thatisyourgooddeed, thattheTathgatagainedfinalNibbnaaftertakinghislastmeal fromyou!For,friendCunda,Ihaveheardandunderstoodfrom theLordsownlipsthatthesetwoalmsgivingsareofverygreat fruit,ofverygreatresult,morefruitfulandadvantageousthan anyother.Whichtwo?Theoneisthealmsgivingaftereating whichtheTathgataattainssupremeenlightenment,theother thatafterwhichheattainstheNibbnaelementwithout remainderathisfinalpassing.Thesetwoalmsgivingsaremore fruitfulandprofitablethanallothers.Cundasdeedisconducive tolonglife,togoodlooks,tohappiness,tofame,toheaven andtolordship.Inthisway,nanda,Cundasremorseistobe expelled. 4.43.ThentheLord,havingsettledthismatter,atthat timeutteredthisverse: Bygiving,meritgrows,byrestraint,hatredschecked. Hewhosskilledabandonsevilthings. Asgreed,hateandfollywane,Nibbnasgained. [Endofthefourthrecitationsection] 5.1.TheLordsaid:nanda,letuscrosstheHiraavat RiverandgototheMallasSlagroveinthevicinityofKusinr. Verygood,Lord,saidnanda,andtheLord,withalarge companyofmonks,crossedtheriverandwenttotheSlagrove. TheretheLordsaid:nanda,preparemeabedbetweenthese twoSlatreeswithmyheadtothenorth.Iamtiredandwantto liedown.Verygood,Lord,saidnanda,anddidso.Thenthe

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Lordlaydownonhisrightsideinthelionposture,placingone footontheother,mindfulandclearlyaware. 5.2.AndthosetwinSlatreesburstforthintoan abundanceofuntimelyblossoms,whichfellupontheTathgatas body,sprinklingitandcoveringitinhomage.DivineCoraltree flowersfellfromthesky,divinesandalwoodpowderfell fromthesky,sprinklingandcoveringtheTathgatasbodyin homage.Divinemusicandsongsoundedfromtheskyinhomage totheTathgata. 5.3.AndtheLordsaid:nanda,theseSlatreeshave burstforthintoanabundanceofuntimelyblossoms...Divine musicandsongsoundfromtheskyinhomagetotheTathgata. NeverbeforehastheTathgatabeensohonoured,revered, esteemed,worshippedandadored.Andyet,nanda,whatever monk,nun,maleorfemalelayfollowerdwellspractisingthe Dhammaproperly,andperfectlyfulfilstheDhammaway,heor shehonourstheTathgata,reveresandesteemshimandpays himthesupremehomage.Therefore,nanda,Wewilldwell practisingtheDhammaproperlyandperfectlyfulfilthe Dhammawaythismustbeyourwatchword. 5.4.JustthentheVenerableUpavnawasstandingin frontoftheLord,fanninghim.AndtheLordtoldhimtomove: Moveaside,monk,donotstandinfrontofme.Andthe Venerablenandathought:ThisVenerableUpavnahasfor longbeentheLordsattendant,keepingcloseathand,athis beckandcall.AndnowinhislasthourtheLordtellshimto standasideandnotstandinfrontofhim.Whyeverdoeshedo that? 5.5.AndheaskedtheLordaboutthis.nanda,the devasfromtenworldsphereshavegatheredtoseetheTathgata. ForadistanceoftwelveyojanasaroundtheMallasSlagrove nearKusinrthereisnotaspaceyoucouldtouchwiththe pointofahairthatisnotfilledwithmightydevas,andtheyare grumbling:WehavecomealongwaytoseetheTathgata.It israreforaTathgata,afullyenlightenedBuddha,toarisein theworld,andtonightinthelastwatchtheTathgatawillattain finalNibbna,andthismightymonkisstandinginfrontofthe Lord,preventingusfromgettingalastglimpseoftheTathgata! 5.6.But,Lord,whatkindofdevascantheLord perceive?nanda,thereareskydevaswhosemindsareearthbound, theyareweepingandtearingtheirhair,raisingtheirarms, throwingthemselvesdownandtwistingandturning,crying:All toosoontheBlessdLordispassingaway,alltoosoontheWell

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Farerispassingaway,alltoosoontheEyeoftheWorldis disappearing!Andthereareearthdevaswhosemindsareearthbound, whodolikewise.Butthosedevaswhoarefreefrom cravingendurepatiently,saying:Allcompoundedthingsare impermanentwhatistheuseofthis? 5.7.Lord,formerlymonkswhohadspenttheRainsin variousplacesusedtocometoseetheTathgata,andweused towelcomethemsothatsuchwelltrainedmonksmightsee youandpaytheirrespects.ButwiththeLordspassing,weshall nolongerhaveachancetodothis. 5.8.nanda,therearefourplacesthesightofwhich shouldarouseemotioninthefaithful.Whicharethey?Here theTathgatawasbornisthefirst.HeretheTathgataattained supremeenlightenmentisthesecond.HeretheTathgataset inmotiontheWheelofDhammaisthethird.Herethe TathgataattainedtheNibbnaelementwithoutremainderis thefourth.And,nanda,thefaithfulmonksandnuns,maleand femalelayfollowerswillvisitthoseplaces.Andanywhodie whilemakingthepilgrimagetotheseshrineswithadevoutheart will,atthebreakingupofthebodyafterdeath,berebornina heavenlyworld. 5.9.Lord,howshouldweacttowardswomen?Do notseethem,nanda.Butifweseethem,howshouldwe behave,Lord?Donotspeaktothem,nanda.Butiftheyspeak tous,Lord,howshouldwebehave?Practisemindfulness, nanda. 5.10.Lord,whatshallwedowiththeTathgatas remains?Donotworryyourselvesaboutthefuneral arrangements,nanda.Youshouldstriveforthehighestgoal, devoteyourselvestothehighestgoal,anddwellwithyourminds tirelessly,zealouslydevotedtothehighestgoal.Therearewise Khattiyas,Brahminsandhouseholderswhoaredevotedtothe Tathgata:theywilltakecareofthefuneral. 5.11.But,Lord,whatarewetodowiththeTathgatas remains?nanda,theyshouldbedealtwithliketheremainsof awheelturningmonarch.Andhowisthat,Lord?nanda, theremainsofawheelturningmonarcharewrappedinanew linencloth.Thistheywrapinteasedcottonwool,andthisina newcloth.Havingdonethisfivehundredtimeseach,they enclosethekingsbodyinanoilvatofiron,whichiscovered withanotherironpot.Thenhavingmadeafuneralpyreofall mannerofperfumestheycrematethekingsbody,andtheyraise astupaatacrossroads.That,nanda,iswhattheydowiththe

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remainsofawheelturningmonarch,andtheyshoulddealwith theTathgatasbodyinthesameway.Astupashouldbeerected atthecrossroadsfortheTathgata.Andwhoeverlayswreaths orputssweetperfumesandcolourstherewithadevoutheart willreapbenefitandhappinessforalongtime. 5.12.nanda,therearefourpersonsworthyofastupa. Whoarethey?ATathgata,Arahant,fullyenlightenedBuddha isone,aPaccekaBuddhaisone,adiscipleoftheTathgatais one,andwheelturningmonarchisone.Andwhyiseachof theseworthyofastupa?Because,nanda,atthethought:This isthestupaofaTathgata,ofaPaccekaBuddha,ofadiscipleof theTathgata,ofawheelturningmonarch,peoplesheartsare madepeaceful,andthen,atthebreakingupofthebodyafter deaththeygotoagooddestinyandreariseinaheavenlyworld. Thatisthereason,andthosearethefourwhoareworthyof astupa. 5.13.AndtheVenerablenandawentintohislodging andstoodlamenting,leaningonthedoorpost:Alas,Iamstill alearnerwithmuchtodo!AndtheTeacherispassingaway, whowassocompassionatetome! ThentheLordenquiredofthemonkswherenanda was,andtheytoldhim.Sohesaidtoacertainmonk:Go,monk, andsaytonandafromme:Friendnanda,theTeacher summonsyou.Verygood,Lord,saidthemonk,anddidso. Verygood,friend,nandarepliedtothatmonk,andhewent totheLord,salutedhimandsatdowntooneside. 5.14.AndtheLordsaid:Enough,nanda,donotweep andwail!HaveInotalreadytoldyouthatallthingsthatare pleasantanddelightfularechangeable,subjecttoseparation andbecomingother?Sohowcoulditbe,nandasince whateverisborn,become,compoundedissubjecttodecay howcoulditbethatitshouldnotpassaway?Foralongtime, nanda,youhavebeenintheTathgataspresence,showing lovingkindnessinactsofbody,speechandmind,beneficially, blessdly,wholeheartedlyandunstintingly.Youhaveachieved muchmerit,nanda.Maketheeffort,andinashorttimeyou willbefreeofthecorruptions. 5.15.ThentheLordaddressedthemonks:Monks,all thosewhowereArahant,fullyenlightenedBuddhasinthepast havehadjustsuchachiefattendantasnanda,andsotoowill thoseBlessdLordswhocomeinthefuture.Monks,nandais wise.Heknowswhenitistherighttimeformonkstocometo seetheTathgata,whenitistherighttimefornuns,formale

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layfollowers,forfemalelayfollowers,forkings,forroyalministers, forleadersofotherschools,andfortheirpupils. 5.16.nandahasfourremarkableandwonderful qualities.Whatarethey?Ifacompanyofmonkscomestosee nanda,theyarepleasedatthesightofhim,andwhennanda talksDhammatothemtheyarepleased,andwhenheissilent theyaredisappointed.Andsoitis,too,withnuns,withmale andfemalelayfollowers.Andthesefourqualitiesapplytoa wheelturningmonarch:ifheisvisitedbyacompanyof Khattiyas,ofBrahmins,ofhouseholders,orofascetics,theyare pleasedatthesightofhimandwhenhetalkstothem,andwhen heissilenttheyaredisappointed.Andsotooitiswithnanda. 5.17.AfterthistheVenerablenandasaid:Lord,may theBlessdLordnotpassawayinthismiserablelittletownof wattleanddaub,rightinthejungleinthebackofbeyond!Lord, thereareothergreatcitiessuchasCamp,Rjagaha,Svatthi, Sketa,KosamborVrnas.Inthoseplacestherearewealthy Khattiyas,Brahminsandhouseholderswhoaredevotedtothe Tathgata,andtheywillprovidefortheTathgatasfuneralin properstyle. nanda,dontcallitamiserablelittletownofwattle anddaub,rightinthejungleinthebackofbeyond! 5.18.Onceuponatime,nanda,KingMahsudassana wasawheelturningmonarch,arightfulandrighteousking,who hadconqueredthelandinfourdirectionsandensuredthe securityofhisrealm,andwhopossessedtheseventreasures. And,nanda,thisKingMahsudassanahadthisveryKusinr, underthenameofKusvat,forhiscapital.Anditwastwelve yojanaslongfromeasttowest,andsevenyojanaswidefrom northtosouth.Kusvatwasrich,prosperousandwellpopulated, crowdedwithpeopleandwellstockedwithfood. Justasthedevacityoflakamandisrich,prosperousandwell populated,crowdedwithyakkhasandwellstockedwithfood, sowastheroyalcityofKusvat.AndthecityofKusvatwas neverfreeoftensoundsbydayornight:thesoundofelephants, horses,carriages,kettledrums,sidedrums,lutes,singing, cymbalsandgongs,withcriesofEat,drinkandbemerry! astenth. 5.19.Andnow,nanda,gotoKusinrandannounce totheMallasofKusinr:Tonight,Vsetthas,inthelastwatch, theTathgatawillattainfinalNibbna.Approachhim,Vsetthas, approachhim,lestlateryoushouldregretit,saying:The Tathgatapassedawayinourparish,andwedidnottakethe

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opportunitytoseehimforthelasttime!Verygood,Lord, saidnandaand,takingrobeandbowl,hewentwitha companiontoKusinr. 5.20.JustthentheMallasofKusinrwereassembled intheirmeetinghallonsomebusiness.Andnandacameto themanddeliveredtheLordswords. 5.21.Andwhentheyheardnandaswords,theMallas, withtheirsons,daughtersinlawandwiveswerestruckwith anguishandsorrow,theirmindswereovercomewithgriefso thattheywereallweepingandtearingtheirhair...Thentheyall wenttotheSlagrovewheretheVenerablenandawas. 5.22.Andnandathought:IfIallowtheMallasof KusinrtosalutetheLordindividually,thenightwillhave passedbeforetheyhaveallpaidhomage.Ihadbetterletthem payhomagefamilybyfamily,saying:Lord,theMallasoandso withhischildren,hiswife,hisservantsandhisfriendspays homageattheLordsfeet.Andsohepresentedtheminthat way,andthusallowedalltheMallasofKusinrtopayhomage totheLordinthefirstwatch. 5.23.AndatthattimeawanderercalledSubhaddawas inKusinr,andheheardthattheasceticGotamawastoattain finalNibbnainthefinalwatchofthatnight.Hethought:I haveheardfromvenerablewanderers,advancedinyears, teachersofteachers,thataTathgata,afullyenlightened Buddha,onlyrarelyarisesintheworld.Andtonightinthelast watchtheasceticGotamawillattainfinalNibbna.Nowadoubt hasariseninmymind,andIfeelsurethattheasceticGotama canteachmeadoctrinetodispelthatdoubt. 5.24.SoSubhaddawenttotheMallasSlagrove,to wheretheVenerablenandawas,andtoldhimwhathehad thought:Reverendnanda,mayIbepermittedtoseetheascetic Gotama?Butnandareplied:Enough,friendSubhadda,do notdisturbtheTathgata,theLordisweary.AndSubhadda madehisrequestasecondandathirdtime,butstillnanda refusedit. 5.25.ButtheLordoverheardthisconversationbetween nandaandSubhadda,andhecalledtonanda:Enough, nanda,donothinderSubhadda,lethimseetheTathgata.For whateverSubhaddaasksmehewillaskinquestof enlightenmentandnottoannoyme,andwhatIsayinreplyto hisquestionshewillquicklyunderstand.Thennandasaid: Goin,friendSubhadda,theLordgivesyouleave. 5.26.ThenSubhaddaapproachedtheLord,exchanged

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courtesieswithhim,andsatdowntooneside,saying:Venerable Gotama,allthoseasceticsandBrahminswhohaveordersand followings,whoareteachers,wellknownandfamousas foundersofschools,andpopularlyregardedassaints,likePrana Kassapa,MakkhaliGosla,AjitaKesakambal,Pakudha Kaccyana,SajayaBelatthaputtaandtheNiganthaNtaputta havetheyallrealisedthetruthastheyallmakeout,orhave noneofthemrealisedit,orhavesomerealiseditandsomenot? Enough,Subhadda,nevermindwhetherall,ornone,orsome ofthemhaverealisedthetruth.IwillteachyouDhamma, Subhadda.Listen,paycloseattention,andIwillspeak.Yes, Lord,saidSubhadda,andtheLordsaid: 5.27.InwhateverDhammaanddisciplinetheNoble EightfoldPathisnotfound,noasceticisfoundofthefirst,the second,thethirdorthefourthgrade.Butsuchasceticscanbe found,ofthefirst,second,thirdandfourthgradeinaDhamma anddisciplinewheretheNobleEightfoldPathisfound.Now, Subhadda,inthisDhammaanddisciplinetheNobleEightfold Pathisfound,andinitaretobefoundasceticsofthefirst,second, thirdandfourthgrade.Thoseotherschoolsaredevoidof[true] ascetics;butifinthisonethemonksweretolivethelifeto perfection,theworldwouldnotlackforArahants. TwentynineyearsofageIwas WhenIwentforthtoseektheGood. Nowoverfiftyyearshavepassed SincethedaythatIwentforth Toroamtherealmofwisdomslaw Outsideofwhichnoasceticis [First,second,thirdorfourthdegree]. Otherschoolsofsucharebare, Butifheremonksliveperfectly, TheworldwontlackforArahants. 5.28.AtthisthewandererSubhaddasaid:Excellent, Lord,excellent!Itisasifsomeoneweretosetupwhathadbeen knockeddown,ortopointoutthewaytoonewhohadgot lost,ortobringanoillampintoadarkplace,sothatthosewith eyescouldseewhatwasthere.JustsotheBlessdLordhas expoundedtheDhammainvariousways.AndI,Lord,gofor refugetotheBlessdLord,theDhammaandtheSangha.MayI receivethegoingforthintheLordspresence!MayIreceive ordination! 5.29.Subhadda,whoever,comingfromanotherschool, seeksthegoingforthandordinationinthisDhammaand

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discipline,mustwaitfourmonthsonprobation.Andattheend offourmonths,thosemonkswhoareestablishedinmindmay lethimgoforthandgivehimordinationtothestatusofamonk. However,therecanbeadistinctionofpersons. Lord,ifthosecomingfromotherschoolsmustwaitfour monthsonprobation,...Iwillwaitfouryears,andthenletthem givemethegoingforthandtheordination!ButtheLordsaidto nanda:LetSubhaddagoforth!Verygood,Lord,saidnanda. 5.30.AndSubhaddasaidtotheVenerablenanda: Friendnanda,itisagreatgainforyouall,itisveryprofitable foryou,thatyouhaveobtainedtheconsecrationofdiscipleship intheTeacherspresence. ThenSubhaddareceivedthegoingforthintheLords presence,andtheordination.Andfromthemomentofhis ordinationtheVenerableSubhadda,alone,secluded,unwearying, zealousandresolute,inashorttimeattainedtothatfor whichyoungmenofgoodfamilygoforthfromthehousehold lifeintohomelessness,thatunexcelledculminationoftheholy life,havingrealisedithereandnowbyhisowninsight,and dwelttherein:Birthisdestroyed,theholylifehasbeenlived, whathadtobedonehasbeendone,thereisnothingfurther here.AndtheVenerableSubhaddabecameanotherofthe Arahants.HewasthelastpersonaldiscipleoftheLord. [Endofthefifthrecitationsection] 6.1.AndtheLordsaidtonanda:nanda,itmaybe thatyouwillthink:TheTeachersinstructionhasceased,now wehavenoteacher!Itshouldnotbeseenlikethis,nanda,for whatIhavetaughtandexplainedtoyouasDhammaand disciplinewill,atmypassing,beyourteacher. 6.2.Andwhereasthemonksareinthehabitof addressingoneanotherasfriend,thiscustomistobeabrogated aftermypassing.Seniormonksshalladdressmorejunior monksbytheirname,theirclanorasfriend,whereasmore juniormonksaretoaddresstheirseniorseitherasLordoras VenerableSir. 6.3.Iftheywish,theordermayabolishtheminorrules aftermypassing. 6.4.Aftermypassing,themonkChannaistoreceive theBrahmpenalty.But,Lord,whatistheBrahmpenalty? WhateverthemonkChannawantsorsays,heisnottobe spokento,admonishedorinstructedbythemonks.

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6.5.ThentheLordaddressedthemonks,saying:Itmay be,monks,thatsomemonkhasdoubtsoruncertaintyabout theBuddha,theDhamma,theSangha,oraboutthepathorthe practice.Ask,monks!Donotafterwardsfeelremorse,thinking: TheTeacherwastherebeforeus,andwefailedtoasktheLord facetoface!Atthesewordsthemonksweresilent.TheLord repeatedhiswordsasecondandathirdtime,andstillthemonks weresilent.ThentheLordsaid:Perhaps,monks,youdonot askoutofrespectfortheTeacher.Then,monks,letonefriend tellittoanother.Butstilltheyweresilent. 6.6.AndtheVenerablenandasaid:Itiswonderful, Lord,itismarvellous!Iclearlyperceivethatinthisassembly thereisnotonemonkwhohasdoubtsoruncertainty...You, nanda,speakfromfaith.ButtheTathgataknowsthatinthis assemblythereisnotonemonkwhohasdoubtsoruncertainty abouttheBuddha,theDhammaortheSanghaoraboutthepath orthepractice.nanda,theleastoneofthesefivehundred monksisaStreamWinner,incapableoffallingintostatesof woe,certainofNibbna. 6.7.ThentheLordsaidtothemonks:Now,monks,I declaretoyou:allconditionedthingsareofanaturetodecay striveonuntiringly.TheseweretheTathgataslastwords. 6.8.ThentheLordenteredthefirstjhna.Andleaving thatheenteredthesecond,thethird,thefourthjhna.Then leavingthefourthjhnaheenteredtheSphereofInfiniteSpace, thentheSphereofInfiniteConsciousness,thentheSphereof NoThingness,thentheSphereofNeitherPerceptionNorNon Perception,andleavingthatheattainedtheCessationofFeeling andPerception. ThentheVenerablenandasaidtotheVenerable Anuruddha:VenerableAnuruddha,theLordhaspassedaway. No,friendnanda,theLordhasnotpassedaway,hehas attainedtheCessationofFeelingandPerception. 6.9.ThentheLord,leavingtheattainmentofthe CessationofFeelingandPerception,enteredtheSphereof NeitherPerceptionNorNonPerception,fromthatheentered theSphereofNoThingness,theSphereofInfiniteConsciousness, theSphereofInfiniteSpace.FromtheSphereofInfinite Spaceheenteredthefourthjhna,fromtherethethird,the second,andthefirstjhna.Leavingthefirstjhna,heentered thesecond,thethird,thefourthjhna.And,leavingthefourth jhna,theLordfinallypassedaway. 6.10.AndattheBlessdLordsfinalpassingtherewasa

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greatearthquake,terribleandhairraising,accompaniedby thunder.AndBrahmSahampatiutteredthisverse: Allbeingsintheworld,allbodiesmustbreakup: EventheTeacher,peerlessinthehumanworld, ThemightyLordandperfectBuddhaspassedaway. AndSakka,rulerofdevas,utteredthisverse: Impermanentarecompoundedthings,pronetoriseandfall, Havingrisen,theyredestroyed,theirpassingtruestbliss. AndtheVenerableAnuruddhautteredthisverse: Nobreathinginandoutjustwithsteadfastheart TheSagewhosfreefromlusthaspassedawaytopeace. Withmindunshakenheenduredallpains: ByNibbnatheIlluminedsmindisfreed. AndtheVenerablenandautteredthisverse: Terriblewasthequaking,menshairstoodonend, WhentheallaccomplishedBuddhapassedaway. Andthosemonkswhohadnotyetovercometheir passionsweptandtoretheirhair,raisingtheirarms,throwing themselvesdownandtwistingandturning,crying:Alltoosoon theBlessdLordhaspassedaway,alltoosoontheWellFarer haspassedaway,alltoosoontheEyeoftheWorldhas disappeared!Butthosemonkswhowerefreefromcraving enduredmindfullyandclearlyaware,saying:Allcompounded thingsareimpermanentwhatistheuseofthis? 6.11.ThentheVenerableAnuruddhasaid:Friends, enoughofyourweepingandwailing!HasnottheLordalready toldyouthatallthingsthatarepleasantanddelightfulare changeable,subjecttoseparationandtobecomingother?So whyallthis,friends?Whateverisborn,become,compoundedis subjecttodecay,itcannotbethatitdoesnotdecay.Thedevas, friends,aregrumbling. VenerableAnuruddha,whatkindofdevasareyouaware of?Friendnanda,thereareskydevaswhosemindsareearth boundtheyareweepingandtearingtheirhair...Andthereare earthdevaswhosemindsareearthbound,theydolikewise.But thosedevaswhoarefreefromcravingendurepatiently,saying: Allcompoundedthingsareimpermanent.Whatistheuse ofthis? 6.12ThentheVenerableAnuruddhaandtheVenerable nandaspenttherestofthenightinconversationonDhamma.

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AndtheVenerableAnuruddhasaid:Nowgo,friendnanda,to KusinrandannouncetotheMallas:Vsetthas,theLordhas passedaway.Nowisthetimeforyoutodoasyouthinkfit. Yes,Lord,saidnanda,andhavingdressedinthemorning andtakenhisbowlandrobe,hewentwithacompanionto Kusinr... (MauriceWalshetrans.,WisdomPublications)

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