The Life or Legend of Gaudama, the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume I)Bigandet, Paul Ambroise
Religion
The Life or Legend of Gaudama, the Buddha of the Burmese (Volume I)
Bigandet, Paul Ambroise
Buddhism -- Burma; Burma -- Religion; Gautama Buddha
A little while after the conversion of the royal princes, Buddha left
Anupya, continued his voyage to Radzagio, and forthwith retired into the
Weloowon monastery to spend his second Lent. The time was chiefly
employed in training up the new converts in the knowledge of the great
truths, and in the practice of virtue. His son Raoula, about eight years
old, evinced the greatest dispositions. His attainments were far above
his age, and often elicited the admiration of the Rahans. On a certain
occasion Buddha overheard them expressing their astonishment at the
surprising progress Raoula was making in his studies. Coming among them
as if perchance, Phra asked them what was the subject of their
conversation. They answered that they were praising and extolling the
wonderful abilities of Raoula, and his matchless good dispositions.
Thereupon Buddha remarked that this was not to be wondered at. Then he
related to them the dzat Miga, by which he showed to them that during
former existences Raoula had distinguished himself in a conspicuous
manner by his excellent and admirable dispositions. As a reward for his
good behaviour and high mental qualifications, he was made Patzin. His
mind continuing to expand in an almost miraculous manner, he became a
Rahanda with myriads of Nats.
During the same season, Buddha often went to Radzagio to beg his food.
There was in that city a flower-seller, who was wont to bring eight
bouquets every day to the king, and receive in return from the royal
hands eight pieces of silver. On a certain day, as he was coming from
the country into the town with his usual supply of flowers for the king,
he happened to see Buddha in the streets at a moment when, by a
miraculous display of his power, the six glories beamed out of his body.
He then said to himself: "I wish to go and offer these flowers to
Buddha. But the king will doubtless be much angry with me. He may have
me arrested, thrown into prison, and put to death for having failed in
offering him the usual present. Despite the great danger that hangs over
me, I will go to Buddha and offer him my flowers. Great, indeed, and
lasting shall be the merits I will gain; they will follow me during
countless existences."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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