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
When Buddha was in the country of Radzagio, a certain rich merchant,
named Anatapein, came to Radzagio, with five hundred carts loaded with
the most precious goods, and took his lodging in the house of an
intimate friend. Whilst living with his friend, he heard that Gaudama
had become a Buddha. Suddenly, he was seized with an earnest desire of
seeing him and hearing his doctrine. On a certain day, he rose at an
early hour, and perceived, reflected through the lattices of the window,
some rays of an uncommon brightness. He went in the direction of the
light to the place where Buddha was preaching the law. He listened to it
with great attention, and, at the end of the discourse, he obtained the
state of Thautapan. Two days after, he made a great offering to Buddha
and to the assembly, and requested him to come to the country of
Thawattie. The request was granted. The distance to Thawattie is
forty-five youdzanas. Anatapein spent enormous sums that one monastery
should be erected at each youdzana distance. When Buddha was
approaching, the pious merchant arranged as follows for the reception
of the distinguished visitor, and presenting to him a splendid
monastery called Dzetawon, which he had made ready for him. He sent
first his son, richly attired, with five hundred followers, belonging to
the richest families; then followed his two daughters with five hundred
girls, all decked with the most costly ornaments. Every one carried
flags of five different colours. These were followed by five hundred
dames, having the rich man's wife at their head, each carrying a pitcher
of water. Last of all, came Anatapein, with five hundred followers, all
wearing new dresses. Gaudama let the crowd walk in front, and he
followed attended by all the Rahans. When he entered the grove, he
appeared as beautiful as the peacock's tail when completely expanded.
Anatapein asked Gaudama how he wished the donation should be made and
effected? "Let the monastery be offered," said Buddha, "to all the
Rahans that may come in future to this place from what quarter soever."
Thereupon, the rich man, holding a golden vessel of water, poured its
contents on the hands of Buddha, saying: "I present this monastery to
Buddha and to all the Rahans that may come hereafter to reside therein."
Buddha said prayers and thanks in token of his accepting the offering.
Seven days were devoted to making this great offering, and during four
months uninterrupted rejoicings went on in commemoration of this great
and solemn donation. For the purchase of the place, and the expenses of
the ceremony, enormous sums were lavished. During the era of former
Buddhas this very place had always been purchased and offered to them
and their disciples.
[_N.B._--Here is found narrated in full the history of a celebrated
physician named Dzewaka. As such story has no reference whatever to
Buddha's career, I will give but a very succinct account of it.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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