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
formally appointed and nominated Phra's attendant, and, during the
twenty-five remaining seasons, he acted as the beloved and devoted
attendant on Buddha's person. Through him alone visitors were ushered
into Buddha's presence, and orders were communicated to the members of
the assembly. Gaudama was then fifty-five years old.
On a certain day he went to the village of Dzantoo for the purpose of
collecting alms. Manh Nat, his inveterate foe, entered into the heart of
all the villagers to prevent them from giving alms to the mendicant. He
succeeded so well in his wicked design that no one noticed Gaudama's
passage through the street, nor gave him alms. When he drew near to the
gate, Manh stood by the side of the street, and asked him, with a
sarcastic tone, how he felt under the pangs of hunger. Buddha replied to
him, that he could, by entering into the state of perfect trance,
remain, like the great Brahma, without using material food, feeding
only, as it were, on the inward happiness created by the immediate sight
of unclouded truth. Five hundred young virgins, who happened to return
from the country into the place, prostrated themselves before Buddha,
listened to his instructions, and reached the state of Thautapan.
On leaving the place, Buddha happened to travel through a forest, which
had become an object of terror to all the people of Kothala, as being
the favourite haunt of Ougalimala, a notorious robber and murderer. The
ruler of the country, Pasenadi, had heard from the windows of his palace
the cries of his alarmed subjects. Despite the many remonstrances that
were made concerning the dangers of such an attempt, Buddha went
straight forward to the den of the formidable man, who, enraged at such
presumptuous boldness, was preparing to make him pay dear for his
intrusion. But he had to deal with an opponent that could not easily be
frightened. To his threats and attempts to inflict harm Gaudama opposed
the meekest composure, the mildest expressions, and an invincible
patience. Softened by the kindness of his opponent, Ougalimala altered
the tone of his voice, and showed signs of respect to Buddha. The
latter, quickly perceiving the change that had taken place in the
robber's soul, preached to him the law, and made of him a sincere
convert. Coming out from the forest which had been the scene of so many
crimes, he followed Buddha, with the behaviour of an humble disciple.
The people of Kosala could scarcely give credit to the change that had
taken place in Ougalimala. In a short time he became a Rahanda, and died
not long after he had become perfect. The members of the assembly were,
on a certain day, talking among themselves about the place he had
probably migrated to. Buddha, who had overheard their conversation on
this subject, said to them: "Beloved Bickus, the Rahan Ougalimala, who
died a little while after his conversion, has reached the deliverance.
His conversion was at once prompt and perfect. He was very wicked
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account