The Gâtakamâlâ; Or, Garland of Birth-StoriesAryasura
Religion
The Gâtakamâlâ; Or, Garland of Birth-Stories
Aryasura
Gautama Buddha -- Pre-existence
80. 'Ye have come here to this residence, which is yours, indeed. Pray,
set aside, then, cramping reserve with respect to me, and make known in
what way and how I may serve your wants. For my riches are at your
service.
81. 'A friend expressing his wants in frank speech, causes a greater
satisfaction to a wealthy man, than he could obtain from his riches. For
this reason, unreservedness among friends is a great benefit.'
Then, being also very curious to converse with Sumukha, the king casting
his admiring looks on him, addressed him thus:
82. 'Surely, new acquaintances are not bold enough to speak frankly to
the newly acquired friend, in whose mind they have not yet got footing.
Still, they will use at least kind language, adorned by courteous terms.
83. 'It is for this reason that I beg also Thy Honour to favour me with
thy conversation. So thou wouldst realise my desire of acquiring thy
friendship and increase the gladness of my heart.'
On these words, Sumukha, the commander-in-chief of swans, bowing
respectfully to the king, spoke:
84. 'A conversation with thee who art great Indra's equal, is a kind of
festival. Who, therefore, would not feel that this token of thy
friendly disposition surpassed his wishes?
85, 86. 'But would it not have been an unbecoming act of insolence for
an attendant to join in the conversation of the two monarchs, of men and
of birds, while they were exchanging lovely words of friendship? No, a
well-educated person does not act in that way. How, then, could I,
knowing this, follow that way? On this account, great prince, I was
silent, and if I need thy pardon, I deserve it.'
In reply to these words the king, expressing by his countenance his
gladness and admiration, eulogised Sumukha.
87. 'Justly the world takes delight in hearing the fame of thy virtues.
Justly the king of swans made thee his friend. Such modesty and
accomplished demeanour is displayed by none but those who have subdued
their inner self.
88. 'Therefore I sincerely trust that these friendly relations, now
commenced between us, will never be broken off. The meeting of pious
persons, indeed, produces friendship.'
Then the Bodhisattva, understanding that the king was eagerly desirous
of their friendship and inclined to show them his affection, addressed
him in terms of praise:
89. 'Following the impulse of thy generous nature, thou hast acted
towards us as one should act to one's best friend, although our
acquaintance has only been made just now.
90. 'Whose heart, then, would not be won, illustrious prince, by such
honourable treatment as thou hast shown us?
91. 'Whatever profit thou expectest from relations with me, O lord, or
however important thou mayst deem them, it is a matter of fact that thou
hast displayed thy hospitable disposition by practising hospitality, O
thou lover of virtues!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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