The Gâtakamâlâ; Or, Garland of Birth-StoriesAryasura
Religion
The Gâtakamâlâ; Or, Garland of Birth-Stories
Aryasura
Gautama Buddha -- Pre-existence
41. 'He, on the other hand, whose mind is pervaded with kindness and
affection for his friends, obtains a good reputation, is trusted by his
friends and enjoys their benefits. He will possess gladness of mind and
the virtue of humility, his enemies will consider him a man hard to
offend, and finally he will gain residence in Heaven.
42. 'Thus knowing the power and the consequences of good and evil
behaviour with respect to friends, O king, hold fast to the road
followed by the virtuous. He who goes along on this will attain
happiness.'
* * * * *
In this manner, then, the virtuous grieve not so much for their own pain
as for the loss of happiness incurred by their injurers. [So is to be
said, when discoursing on the great-mindedness of the Tathâgata, and
when treating of listening with attention to the preaching of the Law;
likewise when dealing with the subjects of forbearance and faithfulness
towards friends; also when demonstrating the sinfulness of evil deeds.]
XXV. THE STORY OF THE _S_ARABHA.
(Cp. the Pâli _G_âtaka, No. 483, Fausb. IV, 267-275.)
Even to him who attempts their life the intensely compassionate show
pity in his distress; they will not disregard such a one. This will be
taught in the following.
One time, it is said, the Bodhisattva was a _s_arabha[180], living in a
remote part of a certain forest. That region, lying beyond the path and
the noise of men, was a dwelling-place of manifold tribes of
forest-animals. Its many roots, trees, and shrubs were immersed in the
thick and high grass which covered its soil, untrodden by travellers and
showing nowhere any trace of vehicles and carriages, the tracks of
whose feet or wheels might have beaten something like a road or
border-line; yet, it was intersected with channels and full of ant-hills
and holes. That _s_arabha had a solid body, endowed with strength,
vigour, and swiftness; he was distinguished by the beautiful colour of
his skin. As he was addicted to practising compassion, he cherished
friendly feelings towards all animals. Possessing the virtue of
contentment, he subsisted only on grasses, leaves and water, and was
pleased with his residence in the forest. So he adorned that part of the
forest, longing, like a Yogin, for complete detachment.
[180] Not the common deer of that name seems to be meant, but the
fabulous animal _s_arabha, said to be eight-legged, very strong,
and a match for lions and elephants.
1. Bearing the shape of a forest-animal, but possessing the intellectual
faculties of a man, he lived in that solitary wilderness, showing, like
an ascetic, mercy to all living beings, and contenting himself, like a
Yogin, with blades of grass.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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