From far Kosala, rich Sudata came, Friend of the destitute and orphans called. In houses rich, and rich in lands and gold, But richer far in kind and gracious acts, Who stopped in Rajagriha with a friend. But when he learned a Buddha dwelt so near, And heard the gracious doctrine he proclaimed, That very night he sought the bamboo-grove, While roofs and towers were silvered by the moon, And silent streets in deepest shadows lay, And bamboo-plumes seemed waving silver sprays, And on the ground the trembling shadows played. Humble in mind but great in gracious deeds, Of earnest purpose but of simple heart, The master saw in him a vessel fit For righteousness, and bade him stay and learn His rules of grace that bring Nirvana's rest. And first of all the gracious master said: "This restless nature and this selfish world Is all a phantasy and empty show; Its life is lust, its end is pain and death. Waste not your time in speculations deep Of whence and why. One thing we surely know: Each living thing must have a living cause, And mind from mind and not from matter springs; While love, which like an endless golden chain. Binds all in one, is love in every link, Up from the sparrow's nest, the mother's heart, Through all the heavens to Brahma's boundless love. And lusts resisted, daily duties done, Unite our lives to that unbroken chain Which draws us up to heaven's eternal rest." And through the night they earnestly communed, Until Sudata saw the living truth In rising splendor, like the morning sun, And doubts and errors all are swept away As gathering clouds are swept by autumn's winds. Bowing in reverence, Sudata said: "I know the Buddha never seeks repose, But gladly toils to give to others rest. O that my people, now in darkness sunk, Might see the light and hear the master's words! I dwell in King Pasenit's distant realm-- A king renowned, a country fair and rich-- And yearn to build a great vihara there." The master, knowing well Sudata's heart And his unselfish charity, replied: "Some give in hope of greater gifts returned; Some give to gain a name for charity; Some give to gain the rest and joy of heaven, Some to escape the woes and pains of hell. Such giving is but selfishness and greed, But he who gives without a selfish thought Has entered on the noble eightfold path, Is purified from anger, envy, hate. The bonds of pain and sorrow are unloosed; The way to rest and final rescue found. Let your hands do what your kind heart desires."