Buddhist birth stories; or, Jataka tales, Volume 1
Religion
Buddhist birth stories; or, Jataka tales, Volume 1
Jataka stories, English
But further considering, “These cannot be the only conditions that make
a Buddha,” and beholding the seventh Perfection of Truth, he thought
thus within himself, “O wise Sumedha, from this time forth do thou
fulfil the perfection of Truth; though the thunderbolt descend upon thy
head, do thou never under the influence of desire and other passions
utter a conscious lie, for the sake of wealth or any other advantage.
And as the planet Venus at all seasons pursues her own course, nor ever
goes on another course forsaking her own, even so, if thou forsake not
truth and utter no lie, thou shalt become Buddha.” And he strenuously
turned his mind to the seventh perfection of Truth. Therefore it is
said,
155. For these are not all the conditions of a Buddha,
I will seek other conditions which bring about Buddhaship.
156. Seeking then I beheld the seventh Perfection of Truth
Practised and followed by former Buddhas.
157. Having strenuously taken upon thyself this seventh perfection,
Then free from duplicity of speech thou shalt attain supreme
Buddhaship.
158. And as the planet Venus, balanced in all her times and seasons,
In the world of men and devas, departs not from her path,
159. Even so do thou not depart from the course of truth,[140]
Advancing to the perfection of truth, thou shalt attain supreme
Buddhaship.
But further considering, “These cannot be the only conditions that
make a Buddha,” and beholding the eighth Perfection of Resolution, he
thought thus within himself, “O wise Sumedha, do thou from this time
forth fulfil the perfection of Resolution; whatsoever thou resolvest be
thou unshaken in that resolution. For as a mountain, the wind beating
upon it in all directions, trembles not, moves not, but stands in its
place, even so thou, if unswerving in thy resolution, shalt become
Buddha.” And he strenuously resolved to attain the eighth perfection of
Resolution. Therefore it is said,
160. For these are not all the conditions of a Buddha,
I will seek out other conditions that bring about Buddhaship.
161. Seeking then I beheld the eighth Perfection of Resolution
Practised and followed by former Buddhas.
162. Do thou resolutely take upon thyself this eighth perfection,
Then thou being immovable shalt attain supreme Buddhaship.
163. And as the rocky mountain, immovable, firmly based,
Is unshaken by many winds, and stands in its own place,
164. Even so do thou also remain ever immovable in resolution,
Advancing to the perfection of resolution, thou shalt attain
supreme Buddhaship.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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